Demerol

Generic Name: meperidine (me PER i deen)
Brand Names: Demerol HCl

What is Demerol?

Demerol (meperidine) is a narcotic pain reliever. It is similar to morphine.

Demerol is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain.

Demerol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Demerol

Demerol may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Demerol. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with a narcotic pain medicine. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol.

Never take Demerol in larger amounts, or for longer than recommended by your doctor, or you could have serious or life-threatening side effects. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain. Demerol may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Do not stop using Demerol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Demerol.

Before taking Demerol

You should not use Demerol if you are allergic to meperidine. Do not use Demerol if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

To make sure you can safely take Demerol, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;

• liver or kidney disease;

• underactive thyroid;

• curvature of the spine;

• a history of head injury or brain tumor;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• low blood pressure;

• gallbladder disease;

• sickle cell anemia;

• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland), Addison's disease, or other adrenal gland disorders;

• enlarged prostate, urination problems;

• mental illness;

• a history of drug or alcohol addiction; or

• if you recently drank large amounts of alcohol.

Demerol may be habit forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share Demerol with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Demerol will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Demerol. Meperidine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Demerol. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication.

See also: Demerol pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take Demerol?

Take Demerol exactly as prescribed. Never take Demerol in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor, or you could have serious or life-threatening side effects. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Take Demerol with a full glass of water. Take Demerol with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Do not stop using Demerol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Demerol.

Store Demerol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Demerol is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

After you have stopped using Demerol, flush any unused pills down the toilet.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Demerol is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Demerol can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, muscle weakness, confusion, cold and clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking Demerol?

Do not drink alcohol while you are using Demerol. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with Demerol. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

See also: Demerol and alcohol (in more detail)

Demerol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Demerol: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• weak or shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;

• severe drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out;

• seizure (convulsions);

• cold, clammy skin;

• muscle movements you cannot control;

• confusion, mood changes;

• severe weakness or dizziness; or

• agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.

Less serious Demerol side effects may include:

• constipation;

• loss of appetite;

• headache, dizziness, mild weakness;

• dry mouth;

• sweating;

• itching;

• urinating less than usual; or

• loss of interest in sex.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Demerol side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Demerol?

Do not take Demerol with other narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing. Dangerous side effects may result.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• phenytoin (Dilantin);

• pentazocine (Talwin);

• nalbuphine (Nubain);

• butorphanol (Stadol); or

• buprenorphine (Buprenex, Subutex).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Demerol. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Demerol.