Side-effects of epidural narcotics.
| Nausea and vomiting |
Depends on plasma concentration of narcotic. Incidence 10-25% with Fentanyl/Morphine/Pethidine |
| Pruritus |
Up to 50% with Morphine (only 5% severe). 15-35% with Fentanyl/ Pethidine. |
| Respiratory depression |
Delayed onset with Morphine (up to 12 hours). May occur within 2-3 hours for Fentanyl/Pethidine. Less sedation with toleance to narcotics |
| Urinary retention |
Synergistic effect with local anaesthetics (10-40%) |