Demerol (Meperidine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 7, 2012

Demerol

Pain Management »

Introduction to pain management

Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain. An example of pain that is typically less complex would be nerve root irritation from a herniated disc with pain radiating down the leg. This condition can often be alleviated with an epidural steroid injection and physical therapy. Sometimes, however, the pain does not go away. This can require a wide variety of skills and techniques to treat the pain. These skills and techniques include:

Interventional procedures
Medication management
Physical therapy or chiropractic therapy
Psychological counseling and support
Acupuncture and other alternative therapies; and
Referral to other medical specialists

All of these skills and services are necessary because pain can involve many aspects of a person's daily life.

How is pain tre...

Read the Pain Management article »

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Demerol®
(meperidine hydrochloride, USP)

WARNING

May be habit forming

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Meperidine hydrochloride is a white crystalline substance with a melting point of 186° C to 189° C. It is readily soluble in water and has a neutral reaction and a slightly bitter taste. The solution is not decomposed by a short period of boiling.

The tablets contain 50 mg or 100 mg of DEMEROL brand of meperidine hydrochloride.

Inactive Ingredients: Calcium Sulfate, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Starch, Stearic Acid, Talc.

Chemically, DEMEROL is 4-Piperidinecarboxylic acid, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-, ethyl ester, hydrochloride and has the following structure:

Demerol® (meperidine hydrochloride, USP) Structural Formula Illustration

What are the possible side effects of meperidine (Demerol HCl)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
seizure (convulsions);
cold, clammy skin;
confusion;
severe weakness or dizziness; or
feeling light-headed, fainting.

Less serious side effects may include:

...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Demerol »

What are the precautions when taking meperidine (Demerol)?

Before taking meperidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe breathing problems (e.g., respiratory depression, carbon dioxide retention), a certain bowel disease (paralytic ileus), severe infectious diarrhea (e.g., Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea), intoxication with drugs that can cause drowsiness or slow/shallow breathing (e.g., alcohol or tranquilizers/sedatives).

Before taking this medication, tell your...

Read All Potential Precautions of Demerol »

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/9/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.