Petidina para el alivio del dolor

Acerca de la petidina

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:

• Me siento mal.

• Estar enfermo (vómitos).

• Sensación de mareo.

• Feeling sleepy or drowsy.

• Dolor de cabeza.

• Estreñimiento.

Encontrará una lista completa en el prospecto del fabricante que acompaña al medicamento.

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

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que crea que puede deberse al medicamento, hable con su médico o farmacéutico.

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:

• Si está embarazada (salvo durante el parto) o en período de lactancia.

• Si tiene problemas hepáticos o renales.

• Si tiene problemas de próstata o dificultades para orinar.

• 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).

• Si tiene problemas de tiroides o glándulas suprarrenales.

• If you have epilepsy.

• Si tiene un problema en el conducto biliar.

• Si ha estado estreñido durante más de una semana o tiene un problema inflamatorio intestinal.

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

• Si ha sufrido recientemente un traumatismo craneoencefálico grave.

• Si alguna vez ha sido dependiente de las drogas o el alcohol.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

Cómo se administra la petidina

• 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.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• 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.

Cómo conservar la petidina

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Preguntas más frecuentes

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.