paracetamol + pethidine

Paracetamol + pethidine is a combination analgesic therapy consisting of two active ingredients: - **Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen)** is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic that works primarily by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system, leading to reduced pain and fever. - **Pethidine (also known as meperidine)** is an opioid analgesic that acts mainly as an agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, altering pain perception and response in the central nervous system. Pethidine also has some anticholinergic properties and can inhibit dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake. This combination is used for short-term management of moderate to severe pain, particularly in postoperative settings such as after thyroid surgery or during labor. Clinical studies indicate that combining intravenous paracetamol with intramuscular pethidine provides superior pain control compared to paracetamol alone[4]. However, due to safety concerns associated with opioids—including risk of dependence, respiratory depression, neurotoxicity from metabolites like norpethidine (normeperidine), and other adverse effects—this combination is generally reserved for specific indications where alternative regimens are less effective[3][6][10].

Other names

acetaminophen + pethidineacetaminophen + meperidineparacetamol + meperidine