Demerol (Meperidine Oral)

Generic name: Meperidine

Drug class: Opioid Analgesics

Dosage form: Tablets (50 mg, 100 mg), Oral Solution (50 mg/5 mL)

Route of administration: Oral

Dose: 50 to 150 mg every 3 to 4 hours as needed; maximum daily dose: 600 mg

Mechanism of action: Meperidine binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, primarily the µ-type receptors, to alter the perception and response to pain. It also exhibits anticholinergic properties.

Drug usage cases:

• Management of moderate to severe acute pain
• Preoperative and postoperative analgesia
• Adjunct to anesthesia

Drug contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to meperidine or any component of the formulation
• Severe asthma or other respiratory conditions leading to respiratory depression
• Acute or severe bronchial asthma
• Paralytic ileus or gastrointestinal obstruction
• Concurrent use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of their discontinuation

Side effects:

• Central Nervous System: Dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, euphoria, agitation, seizures
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal bloating
• Respiratory: Respiratory depression, shallow breathing
• Cardiovascular: Hypotension, tachycardia
• Dermatologic: Sweating, pruritus
• Other: Urinary retention, blurred vision, dry mouth

Warnings:

• Risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death
• Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression
• Use with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse or mental illness
• May cause drowsiness; avoid operating heavy machinery or driving until effects are known
• Risk of serotonin syndrome when used with other serotonergic drugs
• Use with caution in patients with head injury, increased intracranial pressure, or impaired consciousness
• May cause hypotension; monitor blood pressure regularly
• Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment; dosage adjustments may be necessary

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding:

Meperidine is classified as a Category C drug for pregnancy, indicating that risk to the fetus cannot be ruled out. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Meperidine is excreted in breast milk and may cause respiratory depression in a nursing infant. It is generally recommended to avoid breastfeeding while taking meperidine. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.