American journal of hospital pharmacy
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The process of nociception, the anatomy of the epidural space, and the placement of the epidural catheter are reviewed, and the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, analgesic efficacy, and potential adverse effects of epidurally administered narcotics and local anesthetics are discussed, as well as patient monitoring standards and solution preparation guidelines for these agents. The epidural space is located between the dura mater (the outer-most membrane surrounding the spinal cord) and the vertebral canal. The site of catheter placement is determined by the dermatomes corresponding to the site of desired analgesia. ⋯ The most bothersome adverse effect encountered with analgesic doses of local anesthetics is paresthesia. Solutions for epidural administration must be sterile and preservative free. Epidural administration of narcotics and local anesthetics seems to provide better pain relief than conventional methods but may be associated with more bothersome adverse effects.