Péthidine pour le soulagement de la douleur

About pethidine

What is pethidine used for?

Pethidine is a analgésique opioïde puissant that is used to treat severe pain, particularly during le travail and childbirth, as its effects are shorter-lasting than some of the others.

How does pethidine work?

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.

Side effects of pethidine

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.

Les effets indésirables s'améliorent souvent à mesure que votre corps s'adapte au nouveau médicament, mais consultez votre médecin ou votre pharmacien si des effets secondaires persistent ou deviennent gênants.

How to manage pethidine side effects

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

Qui ne devrait pas prendre pethidine?

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.

• Si vous avez des problèmes de prostate ou des difficultés à uriner.

• 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).

• Si vous avez des problèmes avec votre thyroïde ou vos glandes surrénales.

• Si vous avez épilepsie.

• Si vous avez un problème avec votre canal biliaire.

• Si vous êtes constipé depuis plus d'une semaine ou si vous avez un problème inflammatoire de l'intestin.

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

• Si vous avez récemment subi une blessure grave à la tête.

• Si vous avez déjà été dépendant aux drogues ou à l'alcool.

• 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.

How pethidine is given

• 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.

Tirer le meilleur parti de votre traitement

• 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.

How to store pethidine

• 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.

Informations importantes sur tous les médicaments

Questions fréquemment posées

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.