Pethidine for pain relief

About pethidine

Pethidine is a stark opioid smärtstillande that is used to treat severe pain, particularly during förlossning and childbirth, as its effects are shorter-lasting than some of the others.

Pethidine works by acting on the brain and nervous system to reduce how strongly your body feels pain. It also helps you feel more relaxed and drowsy, which can make pain easier to cope with.

Pethidine does not remove the cause of pain, but it changes how pain signals are processed, making the pain feel less severe.

It can be taken by mouth as a tablet, but during labour it is more usually given as an injection.

Common side effects of pethidine include:

• Illamående.

• Kräkningar.

• Känner dig yr.

• Känner dig sömnig eller dåsig.

• Headache.

• Förstoppning.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

De oönskade effekterna förbättras ofta när din kropp anpassar sig till den nya medicinen, men prata med din läkare eller apotekare om några biverkningar fortsätter eller blir besvärliga.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before taking pethidine it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant (other than during labour) or breastfeeding.

• Om du har lever- eller njurproblem.

• Om du har prostataproblem eller några svårigheter med att kissa.

• If you have any breathing problems, such as astma or kroniskt obstruktiv lungsjukdom (KOL).

• If you have been told you have lågt blodtryck (hypotoni).

• Om du har några problem med din sköldkörtel eller dina binjurar.

• If you have epilepsi.

• Om du har problem med din gallgång.

• Om du har varit förstoppad i mer än en vecka eller har ett inflammatoriskt tarmproblem.

• If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.

• Om du nyligen har haft en allvarlig huvudskada.

• Om du någonsin har varit beroende av droger eller alkohol.

• Om du någonsin har haft en allergisk reaktion mot en medicin.

• Om du tar några andra läkemedel. Detta inkluderar alla läkemedel du tar som finns att köpa utan recept, samt växtbaserade och komplementära läkemedel.

• Read the leaflet inside the pack if you are given one. It explains pethidine and possible side effects.

• Pethidine injections are given by a doctor or nurse, either under the skin or into a muscle.

• During labour, injections can be repeated every few hours if needed.

• For other pain (such as after surgery), injections are usually given every 4 hours if needed.

• Pethidine tablets should be taken exactly as your doctor tells you. The usual dose is 1 to 3 tablets, no more often than every 4 hours.

• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, then continue as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

• Ask your doctor about alcohol. You may be advised not to drink alcohol for a while after having pethidine, as alcohol can increase side effects like dizziness and sleepiness.

• Pethidine can affect driving. Do not drive if you feel drowsy, dizzy, or your reactions are slowed. It is an offence to drive if your ability is impaired.

• If you do drive, carry proof that pethidine has been prescribed for you, such as a prescription slip or patient information leaflet.

• If travelling abroad with pethidine, carry a letter from your doctor, as it is a controlled medicine and may be restricted in some countries.

• Pethidine is only given for a short time. Taking it repeatedly over a longer period can lead to dependence.

• Stopping pethidine after regular use can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness or irritability.

• This is not a concern if you receive one or two doses during labour.

• Förvara alla läkemedel utom räckhåll och synhåll för barn.

• Förvara på en sval, torr plats, borta från direkt värme och ljus.

How long does it take for pethidine to work?

Pethidine usually starts to work within 10 to 20 minutes when given by injection. Pain relief typically lasts for 2 to 4 hours. The exact timing can vary depending on the dose and the individual.

Does pethidine slow down labour?

Pethidine can slow down labour in some women, particularly if it is given early in labour. It may reduce the strength or frequency of contractions for a short time.

For this reason, it is usually given when labour is more established and is carefully monitored by midwives and doctors.

When is pethidine usually given?

Pethidine is usually given during labour to help manage moderate to severe pain. It is usually given as an injection into your thigh or bottom.