Meperidine (By Mouth)

Meperidine (me-PER-i-deen)

Treats pain. This medicine is a narcotic pain reliever.

Brand Name(s):

Demerol Hydrochloride, Meperitab
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to meperidine or if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (Nardil®, Marplan®, Parnate®, Eldepryl®) within the past 2 weeks.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• The oral liquid may cause your mouth to feel numb. Mix your medicine with a half glass of water to reduce the numbing effect.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using phenothiazines (such as Compazine®, Phenergan®, Serentil®, Thorazine®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain killers, or sedatives).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma or other lung disease, heart rhythm problems, epilepsy, stomach or digestive problems, kidney disease, liver disease, low thyroid, Addison's disease, problems with urination, prostate problems, or have had a recent head injury.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Confusion, unusual thoughts, hallucinations
• Extreme weakness
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Seizures
• Shortness of breath, shallow breathing
• Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Sweating

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.