Download – Subarachnoid Saddle Block Using Pethidine

Pethidine (meperidine) is a synthetic phenylpiperidine derivative opioid agent with local anaesthetic and anticholinergic properties, and high lipid solubility. It is presented as a 5% solution (50mg/ml), which is slightly hyperbaric with respect to cerebrospinal fluid (specific gravity 1.026). These properties make it an ideal agent to use for subarachnoid anaesthesia if local anaesthetic agents are not readily available.

David Williams