Meperidine
The signature benefit of meperidine usage over other opioids was that it was purported to not cause spasms in the Sphincter of Oddi. Once this was disproven, the adverse effects of increased seizure risks and serotonin syndrome greatly outweighed any benefits of use for this weak opioid - Lavinia R. Harrison
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image by: Know More About Drugs
HWN Suggests
Is Meperidine the Drug That Just Won't Die?
Meperidine, the first synthetic opioid, was developed by German chemists as an antispasmodic; its analgesic properties were not identified until several years later in 1939.1 Its rapid onset, short duration of action, and potential antispasmodic benefit in patients with pancreatitis or cholecystitis have long been cited as reasons for its use, but there is now substantial evidence that meperidine provides no greater analgesia or antispasmodic effect than other opioids. Over the past quarter century, a growing number of case reports and clinical studies describing meperidine's adverse effects have changed opinion on the role of this drug in clinical practice.
Resources
Effects of a Non-fatal Overdose
After an extremely significant (bad) experience (non-fatal overdose) with Demerol (Meperidine), I’m compelled to tell my story to those who may be in a position to take a very high dose of it, at least in its injectable form, which is all I can really comment on. This isn’t meant to be sensationalist but be aware that this particular drug has the potential to cause a great deal of damage and discomfort that can last for weeks afterward. In my case it was administered intravenously, over a 36-hour period.
Meperidine Restriction in a Pediatric Hospital
Meperidine is associated with low bioavailability, short duration of action, and formation of an active metabolite.1 This active metabolite, normeperidine, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and has been associated with some neurotoxic adverse effects such as agitation, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, tremors, and even seizures.
Is Meperidine the Drug That Just Won't Die?
The most significant risk from meperidine, however, lies with its elimination. Meperidine is metabolized by N-demethylation via cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6, CYP3A4, and CYP2C19 to normeperidine, a potential neurotoxin.
DailyMed
Initiate treatment with Meperidine Hydrochloride Tablets or Oral Solution in a dosing range of 50 mg to 150 mg (5 mL to 15 mL) orally, every 3 or 4 hours as needed for pain.
Erowid
Meperidine is a synthetic opioid analgesic used for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It is also prescribed off-label for the treatment of shivering.
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