Demerol
® (
meperidine hydrochloride) is an opiate pain reliever. Although it was a very popular pain reliever for decades, it has fallen out of favor in recent years due to its ability to produce a unique group of serious side effects. As a result, its use is usually limited to very specific situations in which other medications are not appropriate.
Demerol is a narcotic and is a "controlled substance" in the United States.
Brand-name
Demerol tablets and oral solution are made by sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC. Brand-name Demerol injectable products are made by Hospira, Inc. Generic versions of this drug are made by various manufacturers.
Demerol is a narcotic, opiate pain reliever. It binds to opioid receptors throughout the body and produces numerous different effects, most notably pain relief and sedation.
Demerol has a significant potential for both psychological and physical dependence and abuse. In fact, it is classified as a controlled substance, meaning there are special rules and regulations for prescribing and obtaining the medication.
When and How to Take Demerol
General considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in tablet, oral solution (liquid), or injectable form. The injection form can be injected into a muscle (intramuscularly), under the skin (subcutaneously), or by IV (intravenously).
- Try taking this medication with food if it seems to bother your stomach.
- For the oral solution form, each dose is diluted in half a glass of water, since taking it undiluted can cause numbing of the mouth.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking Demerol.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Do not increase your dose without your healthcare provider's approval. Do not suddenly stop taking Demerol, especially if you have taken it regularly for more than several weeks.
The dose of Demerol that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The type and severity of your pain
- How you respond to the medication
- Your weight (for children)
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, Demerol can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. Most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Demerol include, but are not limited to:
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating.
(Click Demerol Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Potential Drug Interactions
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
- A history of drug or alcohol dependence
- Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatitis
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- An irregular heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Gallbladder or pancreas disease
- Lung disease of any sort
- A head injury or high intracranial pressure
- Severe abdominal (stomach) pain
- An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Asthma
- Addison's disease
- An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH)
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Sickle cell anemia
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose with Demerol can be very dangerous. If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Demerol Be Stored?
Demerol should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children. Because it can be a desirable drug of abuse, make sure to keep it in a safe place.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose of Demerol and notice significant pain, take your missed dose right away. However, make sure to wait the recommended amount of time before the next dose.
This medication is available in the following strengths and forms:
This medication is available in generic form
(see Generic Demerol for more information).
