[The pharmacokinetics of pethidin (Dolcontral) of parturient and their new-borns (author's transl)].

The pharmacokinetic parameters were investigated after a single i.v. application of 50 mg of pethidine (Dolcontral) to women in labour and nonpregnant women. In comparison with the control group (4,2 h) the women in labour had a prolonged biological half life (7,5 h). Furthermore, there was a distinction of distribution parameters. The relation between the average concentration of pethidine in newborn and maternal serum was 0,72. The concentration of pethidine in newborn serum was stated always not as high as the corresponding maternal serum level. There was a significant correlation (r = 0,88) between maternal and fetal pethidine concentration. The half life of pethidine was found to be prolonged (17,2 h) in newborns within two days after birth. The distribution volume and the plasma distribution coefficient were repeatedly enhanced.