Reversing narcotics with naloxone
The history of the use of narcotics
Availability of Pethidine
Reasons for using Pethidine
Why Pethidine may not be recommended
What is involved with using Pethidine?
Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA)
Things to consider when using Pethidine
Women's experiences of Pethidine
Narcotics support strategies
A 'narcotic' is a term often given to forms of opiate medications (also known as 'opiods'). Opiate medications include drugs like morphine, Pethidine, fentanyl, codeine and heroin. In most countries (including Australia), the narcotic of choice for pain relief in labour is called Pethidine (known as meperidine or 'Demerol' in America or 'Pamergan P100' in Europe). At times other narcotics will be prescribed, such as morphine, or fentanyl (known as 'Sublimaze').
Narcotics act in a similar way to our body's own natural 'morphine-like'
endorphins, except they are much more potent. The medication works by attaching to the nerve fibres in the woman's spinal cord and brain (like endorphins), thus reducing her perception of the pain. In addition, they also cause the woman to feel drowsy and can induce short periods of sleep. Narcotics are also 'antispasmodic', that is they counteract muscle spasm.
Narcotics for pain relief in labour are administered by the caregiver, usually as an injection into the woman's buttock, leg or arm muscle. (This is called an 'intramuscular' injection and is written by the caregiver as 'IM'). Narcotics are usually given with the aim of reducing (not eliminating) labour pain.
Women will respond very differently to narcotics given in labour, when compared to receiving them after an operation or if injured. The dosage of Pethidine is usually 100mg, but can vary from 50mg to 150 mg depending on the hospital policy or the prescribing doctor. Sometimes the estimated weight of the woman will influence an adjustment to the standard dose.