MedicineNet.com

meperidine - injection, Demerol

Surprising Reasons You're in Pain Slideshow Pictures Back Pain Myths and Facts Slideshow Take the Pain Quiz!

GENERIC NAME: MEPERIDINE - INJECTION (meh-PAIR-eh-deen)

BRAND NAME(S): Demerol

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is also used before and during surgery or other procedures with other types of pain medication. Meperidine acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. This medication is a narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein, into a muscle, or under the skin by a health care professional, as directed by your doctor.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well. You should be lying down when the injection is given to prevent side effects such as dizziness.If nausea occurs, consult your doctor or pharmacist for ways to decrease it (e.g., antihistamines, lying down with as little head movement as possible).This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as restlessness, runny nose, watering eyes, trouble sleeping, severe abdominal/muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and fast heartbeat) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.Though very unlikely, this medication can also be habit-forming and may result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). To lessen the risk of becoming addicted, do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.Inform your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, flushing, sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, and pain/redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (e.g., stimulant-type with stool softener).Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing, fainting, slow/irregular/fast heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, hallucinations, nervousness), numbness, shakiness (tremors), trouble urinating, severe stomach/abdominal pain, seizures, change in the amount of urine.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.