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Pethidine

Also sold as: Demerol

Comes as:Injection

Usual adult dose

Also sold as: Demerol

Comes as:Injection

Dose is set by your doctor. Given by injection in hospital for short-term severe pain, for example during labour. Not for long-term use.

Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.

Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:

Medicines that can react with this one.

Serious3 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.

Diazepam
Together they can cause deep sleepiness and dangerously slow breathing.
Fluoxetine
Risk of serotonin syndrome.
Sertraline
Risk of serotonin syndrome.

Category C

A risk to the baby cannot be ruled out. Use only if your doctor says the benefit is greater than the risk.

Similar medicines your doctor or pharmacist may offer instead.

Always follow your doctor or pharmacistThis page is general information, not a prescription. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.