Pethidin zur Schmerzlinderung

About pethidine

What is pethidine used for?

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

• Ich fühle mich krank.

• Krank sein (Erbrechen).

• Ich fühle mich schwindelig.

• Feeling sleepy or drowsy.

• Kopfschmerzen.

• Verstopfung.

Eine vollständige Liste finden Sie in der Packungsbeilage des Herstellers, die Ihrem Arzneimittel beiliegt.

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.

How to manage pethidine side effects

Wenn Sie andere Symptome haben, von denen Sie glauben, dass sie auf das Arzneimittel zurückzuführen sind, sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Arzt oder Apotheker.

Who should not take 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.

• Wenn Sie Leber- oder Nierenprobleme haben.

• Wenn Sie Prostataprobleme oder Schwierigkeiten beim Wasserlassen haben.

• If you have any breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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

• Wenn Sie Probleme mit Ihrer Schilddrüse oder den Nebennieren haben.

• If you have epilepsy.

• Wenn Sie ein Problem mit Ihrem Gallengang haben.

• Wenn Sie seit mehr als einer Woche unter Verstopfung leiden oder ein entzündliches Darmproblem haben.

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

• Wenn Sie kürzlich eine schwere Kopfverletzung erlitten haben.

• Wenn Sie jemals von Drogen oder Alkohol abhängig waren.

• Wenn Sie schon einmal eine allergische Reaktion auf ein Arzneimittel hatten.

• Wenn Sie andere Arzneimittel einnehmen. Dazu gehören alle Arzneimittel, die Sie einnehmen und die rezeptfrei erhältlich sind, sowie pflanzliche und ergänzende Arzneimittel.

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.

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• 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

• Bewahren Sie alle Arzneimittel außerhalb der Reichweite und Sichtweite von Kindern auf.

• An einem kühlen, trockenen Ort aufbewahren, vor direkter Hitze und Licht schützen.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

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.