Pethidine
Definition
Pethidine/Meperidine/Demerol
Synthetic opioid of phenylpiperidine class
Pain relieving drug for moderate or severe pain
Indications
Labour and delivery
Diverticulitis
Postanesthetic shivering
Any severe pain
Caution
Addiction forming
Euphoria
Difficulty in concentrating
Difficulty in cognitive performance
Method of administration
Oral : Tablets Onset of action : 1 hour
IM/IV/SC injection Onset of action 5 min
Duration of effect 120 -150 mts
Side Effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Sedation
Giddiness
Diaphoresis
urinary retention
Constipation
Respiratory depression
Muscle faccidity
Hypotension
Mechanism of Action
Acts as an agonist at the µ opioid receptor
Pharmacokinetics
Hydolysed in the liver to pethidinic acid and also demethylated to norpethidine
Excreted in the urine
Interactions
MAO inhibitors -serious interactions
Muscle relaxants
Ethanol
