Name:
  • Meperidine
Other Names:
  • Demerol

Classification:
  • Narcotic Analgesic

Mechanism of Action:

  • Less potent then morphine; 60 - 80 mg of Meperidine roughly equivalent to 10 mg of morphine
  • CNS depressant, providing both analgesia and sedation
  • Does not have the hemodynamic properties as morphine but has the same tendency for physical dependence and abuse

Indications:
  • Pain relief

Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Undiagnosed abdominal pain
  • Head injury
  • MAO inhibitors

Precautions:
  • Hepatic or renal insufficiency
  • Multiple trauma
  • Concomitant use of CNS depressant drugs or medications
  • Seizures

Adverse Effects:
  • Lethargy
  • Reparatory depression
  • Apnea
  • Hypotension
  • Bradycardia
  • Euphoria
  • Miosis

Dose:

Adult:
  • 25 - 50 mg IV
  • 50 - 100 mg IM

Pediatric:
  • 0.5 mg/kg IV
  • 1 mg/kg (max 100 mg) IM
Routes:
  • IV, IM
References:
  • Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (CPS)

Last modified: Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 2:17 PM