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Demerol

Common Name

meperidine

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Meperidine belongs to the class of medications known as narcotic analgesics (pain relievers). It is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain associated with many medical, surgical, obstetrical, and dental procedures. It acts on the brain to relieve pain.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do.It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Each white tablet with stylized "W" on one side, scored on the other with "D" above and "35" below, contains meperidine HCl 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium phosphate (dibasic, dihydrate), calcium sulfate, (dihydrate), cornstarch, stearic acid, and talc. Gluten-, lactose-, sucrose-, and tartrazine-free.

How should I use this medication?

The usual adult dose of meperidine is 50 mg to 150 mg taken every 3 to 4 hours, as prescribed by the doctor and as necessary for pain.

The dose for seniors should be reduced to reduce the potential for adverse effects.

The dose for children is based on body weight as prescribed by the doctor.

This medication may be habit forming if taken for extended periods of time. Do not take this medication in higher doses or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Who should NOT take this medication?

This medication should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to meperidine or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has received MAO inhibitors within the past 14 days

What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

blurred or double-vision or other changes in vision constipation decrease in amount of urine difficult or painful urination dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint drowsiness dry mouth false sense of well-being

frequent urge to urinate general feeling of discomfort or illness headache loss of appetite nausea or vomiting nervousness or restlessness nightmares or unusual dreams stomach cramps or pain unusual tiredness or weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• depression or other mood or mental changes
• fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
• feelings of disassociation from reality
• hallucinations
• hives, itching, or skin rash
• increased sweating
• irregular breathing
• redness or flushing of face
• shortness of breath, wheezing, or troubled breathing
• swelling of face
• trembling or uncontrolled muscle movements
• unusual excitement or restlessness (especially in children)

Stop taking this medication and seek medical attention immediately if any of the following signs of overdose occur:

• cold, clammy skin
• confusion
• convulsions (seizures)
• dizziness (severe)
• drowsiness (severe)
• low blood pressure
• nervousness or restlessness (severe)
• "pinpoint" pupils of eyes
• slow heartbeat
• slow or troubled breathing
• weakness (severe)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Asthma and other respiratory conditions: Meperidine may cause increased breathing difficulty for people having an acute asthma attack, or those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis, emphysema) or other conditions that affect breathing. People with asthma or other breathing disorders should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Dependence: As with other narcotics, this medication may become habit-forming if taken for long periods of time. Drug abuse is not a problem with people who require meperidine for pain relief. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if the medication is stopped suddenly. People on prolonged therapy should stop the medication gradually if it is no longer required for pain control.

Dizziness: Meperidine may produce dizziness when standing from a sitting or lying position.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Meperidine may reduce the mental or physical abilities required to perform potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid these activities until the effects of meperidine are known.

Head injuries: Meperidine can cause increased pressure inside the head. People with acute head injuries or other conditions that increase intracranial pressure (pressure inside the head) should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: People with reduced kidney function or kidney disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: People with reduced liver function or liver disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Medical conditions: Meperidine may cause increased symptoms for people with hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, an enlarged prostate, or urethral strictures. People with any of these conditions should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Seizures: Meperidine may worsen preexisting seizure disorders. If tolerance to the medication develops and the dosage is increased substantially above recommended levels, seizures may occur in people without a history of seizure disorders. People with seizure disorders should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Meperidine should not be used by pregnant women prior to being in labour unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking meperidine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication and may require lower doses.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

There may be an interaction between meripidine and any of the following:

alcohol amphetamines anesthetics anticholinergic medications (e.g., benztropine, hyoscyamine) antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., chlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine) barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital) benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam) beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol) chloral hydrate cimetidine

glutethimide MAO inhibitors (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine) taken within the past 14 days methocarbamol naltrexone other narcotic analgesics (e.g., codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxymorphone) phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine, promethazine, perphenazine) rasagiline selegiline thiopental tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine)

If you are taking any medications that have a sedating effect, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

All material © 1996-2013 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.