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Is Pethidine Safe during Labor? Systematic Review
Rogevando Rodrigues Nunes1, Paulo Giordano Baima Colares2, Juliana Pinto Montenegro3
1Obstetrician, Postgraduate vice-rectory, Health Science Center, MSc in Medical Sciences, Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
Summary
Low doses of pethidine (up to 50mg) administered during labor are safe for the conceptus. This systematic review found no decrease in conceptus vitality with intramuscular or intravenous pethidine use.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pharmacology
- Neonatal Health
Background:
- Pethidine is commonly used for pain relief during labor.
- Concerns exist regarding the safety of maternal medication on fetal well-being.
- Evidence on the specific impact of low-dose pethidine on the conceptus is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the safety of pethidine administration to the conceptus during labor.
- To determine if low-dose pethidine affects fetal vitality.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of studies published between 2000 and 2016.
- Searches conducted in Capes Periodicals/PubMed and MEDLINE/Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases.
- Inclusion of 17 studies involving 1,688 participants.
Main Results:
- No documented decrease in conceptus vitality was observed.
- Low-dose pethidine (up to 50mg) administered via intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) routes showed no adverse effects on fetal vitality.
- The review analyzed data from 1,688 participants across 17 studies.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose pethidine (up to 50mg) administered intramuscularly or intravenously during labor is considered safe for the conceptus.
- The findings support the use of low-dose pethidine for maternal pain management during childbirth without compromising fetal well-being.
