Pethidine Tablets

How does it work?

Pethidine belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics (pain killers). Opioids mimic the effects of naturally occurring pain relieving chemicals (endorphins). They bind to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord called opioid receptors, which results in the blocking of transmission of pain signals. Pethidine is commonly used during and after surgery and to relieve pain during childbirth.

What is it used for?

Moderate to severe pain

Pain relief during childbirth

Pain relief during surgery

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

The effectiveness of this medicine may decrease if used for long periods of time (tolerance).

Dependence on this medicine may occur if it used for long-term periods of time.

Administration of this medicine during labour may cause breathing difficulties (respiratory depression) in the new-born baby.

Tolerance to other opioid pain-relievers may occur whilst taking this medicine (cross tolerance). This means, the effectiveness of these medicines may decrease if used for long periods of time.

Use with caution in

Babies less than one month old (neonates)

Breathing problems

Convulsions, eg epilepsy

Diseases of the bile ducts

Elderly people

Enlarged prostate gland

Head injury

Hypothyroidism

Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)

Intoxication induced by the rapid ingestion of alcoholic drinks (acute alcoholism)

Lack of production of natural steroid hormones from the adrenal gland (adrenocortical insufficiency)

Premature infants

Reduced blood flow to vital internal organs (shock)

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function

Weak or debilitated people

Not to be used in

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Convulsions, eg epilepsy

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

Unresponsive unconscious states (comatose states)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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