Dimerol
Generic Name
Pethidine Hydrochloride
Manufacturer
Example Pharma Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| dimerol 80 mg tablet | ৳ 8.00 | ৳ 112.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Dimerol 80 mg Tablet contains Pethidine Hydrochloride, an opioid analgesic used for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It acts on the central nervous system to alter pain perception.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Oral: 50-150 mg every 3-4 hours as needed. Maximum 600 mg/day.
Elderly
Reduced dose may be required, e.g., 25-50 mg every 4 hours, due to increased sensitivity and reduced clearance.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution; dose reduction may be necessary due to accumulation of norpethidine. Avoid in severe renal impairment.
How to Take
Take orally with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush or chew.
Mechanism of Action
Pethidine is a synthetic opioid analgesic that acts primarily as an agonist at the μ-opioid receptors in the central nervous system. This action leads to inhibition of ascending pain pathways, altered perception of and response to pain, and generalized central nervous system depression.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Oral: 30-60 minutes; Parenteral: 10-15 minutes
Excretion
Excreted mainly by the kidneys, primarily as conjugated metabolites and unchanged drug (small amount).
Half life
Plasma elimination half-life is 3-5 hours (parent drug), Norpethidine (active metabolite) has a longer half-life of 8-12 hours.
Absorption
Readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and by parenteral routes. Oral bioavailability is about 50-60%.
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the liver by hydrolysis to pethidinic acid and N-demethylation to norpethidine (normeperidine), an active metabolite. Both are then conjugated.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pethidine
- Concurrent use or within 14 days of MAO inhibitors
- Severe respiratory depression
- Acute alcoholism
- Head injury
Drug Interactions
MAO Inhibitors
May cause severe, unpredictable, and potentially fatal reactions including hyperpyrexia, convulsions, and coma.
Serotonergic drugs
Increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
CNS Depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines)
Increased risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and possibly bradycardia and hypotension. Severe overdose can lead to circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest, and death. Management includes maintaining airway, ventilatory support, and administration of opioid antagonist (Naloxone).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C/D (depending on duration). Not recommended during pregnancy, especially near term, due to potential for neonatal respiratory depression and withdrawal. Excreted in breast milk, use with caution or avoid.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pethidine
- Concurrent use or within 14 days of MAO inhibitors
- Severe respiratory depression
- Acute alcoholism
- Head injury
Drug Interactions
MAO Inhibitors
May cause severe, unpredictable, and potentially fatal reactions including hyperpyrexia, convulsions, and coma.
Serotonergic drugs
Increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
CNS Depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines)
Increased risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and possibly bradycardia and hypotension. Severe overdose can lead to circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest, and death. Management includes maintaining airway, ventilatory support, and administration of opioid antagonist (Naloxone).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C/D (depending on duration). Not recommended during pregnancy, especially near term, due to potential for neonatal respiratory depression and withdrawal. Excreted in breast milk, use with caution or avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
36 months
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of Pethidine as an analgesic, although newer opioids are often preferred due to better safety profiles regarding active metabolites.
Lab Monitoring
- Respiratory rate and depth
- Blood pressure
- Renal function (for norpethidine accumulation)
Doctor Notes
- Monitor for respiratory depression, especially in opioid-naive patients.
- Caution with elderly and renally impaired patients due to norpethidine accumulation.
- Assess risk of addiction prior to prescribing.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not share this medication with others.
- Do not take more than prescribed.
- Store safely away from children.
- Report any severe side effects immediately.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid alcohol during treatment.
- Be cautious with activities requiring mental alertness.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.