Definition
Dolantin®, which contains the active ingredient pethidine, is an opioid analgesic and is prescribed for severe pain. It is only available on prescription and should only be taken under strict medical supervision. Pethidine
Dosage form
Dolantin® is available both as an injection solution and as drops.
Dosage
The standard dosage of Dolatin® depends on the dosage form. The following information refers to adults. Between 25-150 mg is the single dose when pethidine is administered into the skin (subcutaneously) or into the muscle (intramuscularly).
Between 25-50 mg may be administered into the vein (intravenously). The single dose of Dolatin® as drops is between 10-60 drops, which corresponds to about 25-150mg of pethidine. A new dose can be administered every 3 to 6 hours.
In total, the daily dose of 50mg must not be exceeded. If the total dose is exceeded, the pain-relieving effect will not increase, but only the number of side effects. In cases of liver damage and renal insufficiency, the dose of Dolantin® must be reduced.
Mode of action
Pethidine is a painkiller which belongs to the group of opioids. However, it not only relieves pain, but also relieves coughing, puts you to sleep and is respiratory depressant (i.e. it makes breathing worse). It also increases the heart rate and lowers blood pressure.
When administered orally (i.e. in drop form), only 50% of Dolantin® enters the bloodstream because the liver breaks down a large proportion of it. After about 24 hours, half of the active ingredient is broken down. On average, pethidine acts for about 3 to 4 hours. Up to 25% of the active ingredient is excreted unchanged from the body via the kidneys, the remaining percentage reaches the liver where it is converted to norpethidine. In cases of renal insufficiency, this active ingredient can accumulate in the body and thus lower the cramp threshold and trigger a seizure.
Application
Dolantin® is administered in cases of severe pain that may occur after surgery, a heart attack or due to a tumor. The effect of the opioid at the μ receptor causes an increase in pressure in the spincter oddi (a smooth, ring-shaped sphincter muscle that regulates bile emptying).