<p><strong>Pregnancy&nbsp;</strong>Category C. Opioid analgesics may cause respiratory depression in the newborn infant. These products should therefore only be used after weighing the needs of the mother during labour against the risk to the foetus. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with pethidine hydrochloride and safe use in pregnancy prior to labour has not been established with regard to possible adverse effects on foetal development.<br />
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<strong>Breast-feeding</strong>: Pethidine is excreted in breast milk; however, clinical data on the rate of excretion or concentration of pethidine in breast milk is not available. The clinical significance of these findings is yet to be determined. It is not recommended that pethidine be administered to nursing mothers.</p>