pethidine

Pethidine, also known as meperidine, is a fully synthetic opioid analgesic of the phenylpiperidine class. It primarily acts as an agonist at the μ-opioid receptor to provide analgesia for moderate to severe pain. Its onset of action is faster and its duration shorter than morphine. Besides its primary use in acute pain management—including postoperative and labor pain—pethidine has been used for postanesthetic shivering due to possible κ-opioid receptor activity. The drug also exhibits local anesthetic effects via sodium channel blockade and can inhibit dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, which may contribute to some stimulant properties. Due to a higher risk of side effects compared with other opioids—including serotonin syndrome, seizures, delirium, dysphoria, and tremor—its use has declined in favor of safer alternatives.

Brand names

DemerolDolantinDolarganDolcontralDolinDolosalDolsinIsonipecainLidolLydolPethadol

Other names

meperidina (Spanish)Petydyna (Polish)Pethidinum (Latin)