What is Meperidine?
The opioid drug meperidine can be used to treat pain ranging from moderate to severe. Meperidine can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Meperidine
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergy reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling on lips, face throat or tongue If you take opioid medicine, it can cause your breathing to slow down or even stop. Death may result. If you're having slow, paused breathing, have blue lips, or are hard to awaken, someone caring for you needs to seek immediate medical care.
Meperidine can cause severe side effects. Call your doctor immediately if:
- Slow heartbeats or weak breathing during sleep
- Suffer from severe fatigue, feeling as though you might pass out;
- Confusion is a mood change.
- Constipation is severe.
- Tremors are muscle movements that you can't control, or convulsions.
- Low cortisol—nausea and vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, or worsening of weakness.
If you experience symptoms such as hallucinations or agitation, a rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, or twitching, The risk of serious side effects is higher in elderly adults, those with malnutrition, or those who are debilitated. Men or women may be affected by long-term opioid use. The effects of opioids on fertility may not be permanent.
Meperidine can cause the following side effects:
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Headache;
- Nausea, vomiting;
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for reporting purposes call the FDA directly at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Acetaminophen, tramadol, cyclobenzaprine, naproxen, tylenol, oxycodone, and diazepam
Warnings
Misuse of opiod medication can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Store the medicine in an area where other people cannot reach it. Opioids used during gestation can lead to withdrawal symptoms that are potentially life-threatening for both mother and baby. You can experience fatal side effects if you combine opioid medication with alcohol or other drugs that cause drowsiness and slow breathing.
Before you take this drug
Meperidine should be avoided if:
- Asthma or severe breathing problems
- A blockage of the intestines or stomach
You should not take meperidine after using an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days. It is possible that a dangerous drug-drug interaction will occur. The MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine injection), rasagiline (selegiline), methylene blue injection, and others.
If you've ever:
- A head injury, brain tumor, or seizures;
- Sleep apnea is a breathing problem.
- Mental illness or drug or alcohol abuse;
- A blockage of the intestines or stomach;
- Urination issues;
- Liver or kidney disease
- You may have problems with the adrenal glands, thyroid, gallbladder, or other organs.
- Sickle-cell anemia
- A curvature abnormality of the spine affects breathing.
Your baby may experience withdrawal symptoms if you take opioids during gestation. An addict born of opioids will require treatment over an extended period of time. Avoid breastfeeding while taking meperidine. Meperidine may pass through breast milk, causing drowsiness or breathing difficulties in nursing babies.
How to take Meperidine?
Read all the instructions on the label of your medication and follow them. Use meperidine only in the prescribed doses and for no longer. If you are feeling the urge to use more meperidine, tell your doctor. Do not share your opioid medication with anyone, particularly someone who has a drug addiction or abuse history. The medication should be kept in an area where it cannot be accessed by others. Distribution or sale of opioid medication is prohibited by law. Oral meperidine is consumed by mouth. The injection of meperidine is administered as an intravenous infusion or by injecting it into the muscle, under the skin, or into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare professional. Measuring liquid medication is important. Dosage should be carried out using either the provided syringe or dose-measuring device. If you suddenly stop taking this medication, it may cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. You should ask your doctor about how you can safely discontinue meperidine. Do not crush or break meperidine pills to breathe the powder or to mix the pill with liquids to inject it directly into your vein. The misuse of prescription medications has led to death. Keep your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Track your medication. Be aware of anyone who is misusing your medicine or using it without a prescription. Keep unused opioid medications out of the reach of children. One dose of this medication can be fatal for someone who uses it accidentally or in an improper manner. You should ask your pharmacist about a take-back program. In the absence of a take-back disposal program, you can flush the medicine down the toilet.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Meperidine helps with pain, so you won't miss any doses. If it's almost time to take your next dose, skip any missed doses. Never take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An overdose of meperidine can be deadly, particularly in children or others who use the medication without a prescription.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol and meperidine can cause dangerous side effects, or even death. You should avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure how meperidine affects you. Drowsiness or dizziness may lead to accidents and serious injuries.
Interaction with other drug
If you stop or start taking some medicines, it may cause breathing difficulties or withdrawal symptoms. You should tell your doctor whether you are also taking an antifungal, blood pressure, heart, or seizure medicine, as well as an anti-HIV or Hepatitis C medication. Many drugs can cause side effects and even death when combined with opioid medication.
- Other narcotics—opiate pain medication or prescription cough medicines;
- A sedative such as Valium, diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, Xanax Klonopin Versed, and other sedatives;
- Sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, medicines to treat mental disorders, mood disorders, etc.
- Drugs that increase serotonin in the body, such as stimulants, medicines for depressive disorders, Parkinson’s disease, or migraine headaches
The list below is not exhaustive. Meperidine may interact with other drugs, such as prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, or vitamins. This list does not include all interactions.
