>Narcotic Analgesics - For Surgery and Obstetrics (systemic)<


Commonly used medicines: Alfentanil, Buprenorphine, Butorphanol, Fentanyl, Meperidine, Morphine, Nalbuphine, Remifentanil, Sufentanil

Commonly used brand names: (In the U.S.) Alfenta, Astramorph, Astramorph PF, Buprenex, Demerol, Duramorph, Nubain, Stadol ,Sublimaze, Sufenta, Ultiva

(In Canada): Alfenta, Demerol, Epimorph, Nubain, Stadol, Sufenta, Ultiva

Other commonly used names pethidine.

 
Description:
Narcotic analgesics are given to relieve pain before or during surery (including dental surgery) or during labor and delivery. These medicines may also be given before or together with an anesthetic (either a general anaesthetic or a local anesthetic), even when the patient is not in pain, to help the anesthetic work better.

When a narcotic analgesic is used for surgery or obstetrics (labor and delivery), it will be given by or under the immediate supervision of a medical doctor or dentist, or by a specially-trained nurse, in the doctor’s office or in a hospital.

Precautions:
For patients going home within a few hours after surgery, Narcotic analgesics and other medicines that may be given with them during surgery may cause some people to feel drowsy, tired or weak for up to a few days after they have been given. Therefore, for at least 24 hours (or longer if necessary) after receiving this medicine, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.

Unless otherwise directed by your medical doctor or dentist, do not drink alcoholic beverages or take other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness) for about 24 hours after you have received this medicine. To do so may add to the effects of the narcotic analgesic. Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; and muscle relaxants.

Side effects:
Some more common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint; drowsiness; nausea or vomiting; unusual tiredness or weakness. Less common or rare side effects include blurred or double vision or other vision problems; confusion; constipation, convulsions (seizures); difficult or painful urination; mental depression; shortness of breath, trouble in breathing, tightness in the chest, or wheezing; skin rash, hives, or itching; unusual excitement.