MEPERIDINE

1. Name & class of drug – generic and trade name.

GENERIC NAME: Meperidine Hydrochloride

BRAND NAME: Demerol, Pethadol, Pethidine hydrochloride
CLASSIFICATION: CNS agent, analgesic, narcotic (opiate) agonist analgesic

2. Dose range and routes for adult & geriatric client.

PREPARATIONS: PO, IM, SC, IV

DOSING: Adult (PO/SC/IM/IV): 50 – 150 mg q3 – 4h prn

3. Purpose prescribed. Underline reason your client is prescribed drug.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS: Control of moderate to severe pain.

USES: Relief of moderate to severe pain, for preoperative medication, for support of anesthesia, and for obstetric analgesia.

4. Major side effects & drug interactions.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Alcohol and other CNS depressants augment CNS depressant effects. Herbal – St. John’s Wort may
cause increase sedation.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, pruritus

5. Nursing Implications & teaching.

• Make position changes slowly and in stages particularly from recumbent to upright posture. Lie down immediately if
light-headedness or dizziness occurs.
• Lie down when feeling nauseated and to notify physician if this symptom persists. Nausea appears to worsen with
ambulation.
• Avoid driving and other potentially hazardous activities until reaction to drug is known. Codeine may impair ability to
perform tasks requiring mental alertness and therefore to.
• Do not take alcohol or other CNS depressants unless approved by physician.
• Hyperactive cough may be lessened by avoiding irritants such as smoking, dust, fumes and other air pollutants.
Humidification of ambient air may provide some relief.
• Do not breast feed while taking this drug.