Name

Meperidine (Demerol®)

Class

Opioid Analgesic

Description/Mechanism

Meperidine is a synthetic opioid agonist that works on opioid receptors to produce analgesia, euphoria, and respiratory and physical depression. It has a tendency for physical dependence and abuse, and is classified as a Schedule II drug.

Onset

IM 10-45 minutes

IV less than 1 minute

Duration

2-4 hours

Indications

Moderate to severe pain

Preoperative medication

OB analgesia

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to narcotics

Patients taking MAO inhibitors

During labor or delivery of a premature infant.

Undiagnosed abdominal pain or head injury

Adverse Reactions

Respiratory depression

Nausea and vomiting

Euphoria

Delirium

Agitation/hallucination

Seizures

Headache

Visual disturbances

Coma

Facial flushing

Circulatory collapse

Dysrhythmias

Allergic reaction.

Drug Interactions

Respiratory depression, hypotension or sedation may be potentiated by CNS depressants.

Therapeutic doses of meperidine have caused fatal reactions in patients taking MAO inhibitors within the previous 14 days.

Supplied

50mg/ml in 1 ml prefilled Tubex and syringe

Dose/Administration

Adult

IV: 10-25 mg

IM: 50-100 mg IM

Pediatric

IV/IM/IO: 1-2 mg/kg

Special Consideration

Pregnancy Safety: Category C

Use with caution in patients with asthma and COPD

May aggravate seizures in those with convulsive disorders

Use with caution in those susceptible to CNS depression

Naloxone should be readily available