PETHIDINE Tablet Ref.[7722] Active ingredients: Pethidine

Posology

Adults

The normal single dose, usually not to be repeated more often than four hourly, is as follows: Orally: 50-150 mg.

Elderly and debilitated patients

The initial dose should not exceed 50 mg orally as such patients are likely to be particularly sensitive to the central depressant effects of the drug.

Paediatric population

A single dose of 0.5-2 mg/kg body weight orally. This dose may be repeated if clinically necessary but it should not be repeated more often than four hourly.

(As the tablet may not be cut, a child requiring 2mg/kg will need to weigh 25kg, and any child requiring a lower dose will need to be given Pethidine Solution for Injection.)

Method of administration

For oral administration.

Symptoms

In acute overdose the signs may be incoordination, tremors and convulsions followed by respiratory depression and coma.

Management

Gastric lavage should be performed soon after ingestion, and intensive supportive therapy carried out. Naloxone is the preferred antidote. The urinary excretion can be increased by rendering the urine acid by the administration of ammonium chloride. Patients exhibiting symptoms of CNS toxicity should be treated by immediate discontinuation of pethidine, substituting an alternative narcotic for pain, supporting respiratory function and administering an anticonvulsant if seizures occur.

2 years (24 months).

Store in the original packaging.

Do not store above 25°C.

A blister strip of 10 tablets, 5 strips per pack.

Pack size of 50 tablets.

No special requirement.