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

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May 16, 2012

Demerol

Pain Management: Musculoskeletal Pain »

What Causes Musculoskeletal Pain?

The causes of musculoskeletal pain are varied. Muscle tissue can be damaged with the wear and tear of daily activities. Trauma to an area (jerking movements, auto accidents, falls, fractures, sprains, dislocations, and direct blows to the muscle) also can cause musculoskeletal pain. Other causes of pain include postural strain, repetitive movements, overuse, and prolonged immobilization. Changes in posture or poor body mechanics may bring about spinal alignment problems and muscle shortening, therefore causing other muscles to be misused and become painful.

What Are the Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Pain?

People with musculoskeletal pain sometimes complain that their entire bodies ache. Their muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch or burn. Symptoms vary from person to person, but the common symptoms are:

Pain
Fatigue
Sl...

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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:

...

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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...

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