Péthidine pour le soulagement de la douleur

About pethidine

Pethidine is a strong opioid painkiller that is used to treat severe pain, particularly during le travail 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:

• Se sentir mal.

• Être malade (vomissements).

• Sensation de vertige.

• Se sentir somnolent ou endormi.

• Maux de tête.

• Constipation.

Vous trouverez une liste complète dans la notice d'information du fabricant fournie avec votre médicament.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any side effects continue or become troublesome.

Si vous ressentez d'autres symptômes que vous pensez être dus au médicament, parlez-en à votre médecin ou à votre pharmacien.

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.

• Si vous avez des problèmes de foie ou de reins.

• If you have prostate problems or any difficulties passing urine.

• If you have any breathing problems, such as asthme ou maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique (MPOC).

• If you have been told you have low blood pressure (hypotension).

• If you have any problems with your thyroid or adrenal glands.

• Si vous avez épilepsie.

• If you have a problem with your bile duct.

• If you have been constipated for more than a week or have an inflammatory bowel problem.

• If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthénie grave.

• If you have recently had a severe head injury.

• If you have ever been dependent on drugs or alcohol.

• Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un médicament.

• Si vous prenez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments que vous prenez et qui sont disponibles à l'achat sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et les médecines complémentaires.

• 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.

• Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.

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.