Pethidin zur Schmerzlinderung

About pethidine

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

• Übelkeit.

• Erbrechen.

• Schwindelgefühl.

• Müde oder schläfrig fühlen.

• Kopfschmerzen.

• Verstopfung.

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

Die unerwünschten Wirkungen bessern sich oft, wenn sich Ihr Körper an das neue Medikament gewöhnt, aber sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Arzt oder Apotheker, wenn Nebenwirkungen anhalten oder problematisch werden.

Wenn Sie andere Symptome bemerken, die Ihrer Meinung nach auf das Medikament zurückzuführen sein könnten, sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Arzt oder Apotheker.

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 oder chronisch obstruktive Lungenerkrankung (COPD).

• If you have been told you have niedriger Blutdruck (Hypotonie).

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

• Wenn Sie Epilepsie.

• Wenn Sie ein Problem mit Ihrem Gallengang haben.

• Wenn Sie länger als eine 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 jemals eine allergische Reaktion auf ein Medikament hatten.

• Wenn Sie andere Medikamente einnehmen. Dazu gehören alle Medikamente, die Sie einnehmen und die ohne Rezept erhältlich sind, sowie pflanzliche und ergänzende Medikamente.

• 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.

• Bewahren Sie alle Medikamente außerhalb der Reichweite und Sicht von Kindern auf.

• An einem kühlen, trockenen Ort aufbewahren, fern von direkter Hitze und Licht.

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.