This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- anesthesia
- local anesthesia
- pain
Brand Name(s): Demerol
Generic Name: Meperidine
Instructions
This medicine is given as an injection.
Carefully follow the instructions for preparing this medicine before injection.
Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring your dose and using the syringe before using this medicine.
Always inspect the medicine before using.
The liquid should be clear and colorless.
Do not use the medicine if it contains any particles or if it has changed color.
Some brands of this medicine must be stored in the refrigerator while others may be kept at room temperature. Please speak with your pharmacist about how you should store your medicine.
Protect medicine from light.
Never use any medicine that has expired.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
To reduce constipation, eat high fiber foods, drink plenty of water and exercise.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
This medicine has an opioid. Opioids help many people but may cause addiction, especially if used for a long time. The addiction risk is higher if you have a substance use disorder (overuse of or addiction to drugs or alcohol). Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should have naloxone on hand to treat opioid overdose. Teach your family or household members about the signs of an opioid overdose and how to treat it.
If you stop this medicine suddenly after using it for a long time, you may have withdrawal. Your doctor may slowly lower your dose before stopping it. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms, such as unusual sweating, watering eyes, runny nose, chills, diarrhea, yawning, muscle aches, restlessness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, or thoughts of suicide.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.
This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.
Use medicine with caution if you have breathing problems. Get help right away for slow or shallow breathing.
Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist how to safely discard unused medicines, needles and syringes.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- decreased appetite
- constipation
- dizziness or drowsiness
- pain, redness, swelling near injection
- lightheadedness
- nausea and vomiting
- sweating
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- decreased awareness or responsiveness
- breathing interruption during sleep
- shallow, irregular breathing
- changes in memory, mood, or thinking
- confusion
- fainting
- fever
- hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
- muscle trembling
- restlessness
- seizures
- severe stomach or bowel pain
- unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
- difficulty or discomfort urinating
- blurring or changes of vision
- weight loss
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about MEPERIDINE - INJECTION
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
