Absorption: Systemic absorption follows epidural administration, but amount absorbed depends on dose.
Distribution: If systemic absorption occurs, this agent is widely distributed and crosses the placenta.
Metabolism/Excretion: Small amounts that may reach systemic circulation are mostly metabolized by the liver; <1% excreted unchanged in the urine.
Half-life: 4.2 hr (after epidural use).
Contraindicated in:
Use Cautiously in:
CV: CARDIOVASCULAR COLLAPSE, arrhythmias, bradycardia, chest pain, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia.
Derm: pruritus.
F and E: hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis.
GI: nausea, vomiting.
GU: urinary retention.
Hemat: METHEMOGLOBINEMIA, anemia.
MS: chondrolysis.
Neuro: circumoral tingling/numbness, paresthesia , SEIZURES, anxiety, dizziness, headache, rigors.
Resp: dyspnea.
Misc: (INCLUDING ANGIOEDEMA AND ANAPHYLAXIS)HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS , fever.
Drug-Drug:
Surgical Anesthesia
Labor Pain
Postoperative Pain
(Generic available)