Drug Cards

Meperidine

Demerol
Class:
Opioid Analgesic
Mechanism of Action:
Synthetic opiod agonist that acts on opioid receptors to produce analgesia, euphoria, respiratory and physical depression.
A schedule II drug with potential for physical dependance and abuse.
Indications:
Analgesia for moderate to severe pain.
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to narcotic agents.
  • Diarrhea caused by poisoning.
  • Patients taking MAOIs.
  • During labor or delivery of a premature infant.
  • Undiagnosed abdominal pain or head injury.
Adverse reactions:
Respiratory depression, sedation, apnea, circulatory depression, dysrhythmias, shock, euphoria, delirium, agitation, hallucinations, visual disturbances, coma.
Seizures, headache, facial flushing.
Increased ICP, nausea, vomiting.
Drug Interactions:
  • Do not give concurrently with MAOIs (even with a dose in the last 14 days!).
  • Exacerbates CNS depression when given with these medications.
Adult Dosage and Administration
  • IM / SC: 50-100 mg.
  • IV: 25-50 mg slowly.
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Pediatric Dosage and Administration:
1-2 mg/kg / dose IV, IO, IM, SC.
Duration of Action:
  • Onset: IM: 10-45 minutes; IV: immediate.
  • Peak effect: 30-60 minutes.
  • Duration: 2-4 hours.