Meperidine*

• Meperidine

• 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

• IV, IM

• Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (CPS)