Meperidine
Meperidine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Meperidine is a brand name. Its generic name is Meperidine.
Meperidine Introduction
Meperidine is a narcotic analgesic medication, also known by the trade name Demerol, used to treat mild to moderate pain. It is a member of the phenylpiperidine class of opioid analgesics, and is sometimes used in combination with other medications to treat severe pain. Meperidine works by attaching to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, helping to block the perception of pain. In addition, meperidine stimulates the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, making it a highly sought-after medication to treat many types of pain.
Uses for Meperidine
Meperidine is primarily used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as pain associated with injuries, surgery, and musculoskeletal conditions. It may also be used to treat severe pain in combination with other medications. In some cases, meperidine may be prescribed to treat nausea or vomiting related to chemotherapy treatments. Meperidine may also be prescribed off-label, meaning it is prescribed for a condition other than what is FDA approved.
Mechanism of Action
Meperidine binds to and activates opioid receptors in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. This process leads to decreased pain transmission and increased dopamine release, resulting in analgesic effects. Meperidine is thought to act similarly to other opioid medications, such as morphine and codeine.
How Long Does Meperidine Take to Work?
Meperidine begins to take effect within 5 to 20 minutes after administration. The time frame for meperidine’s effects will vary depending on the individual patient, the severity of pain, the dose taken, and other medications or supplements the patient may be taking.
Absorption
Meperidine is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration. When taken in tablet form, the drug is rapidly absorbed into the blood stream and reaches peak levels within 30 to 60 minutes.
Route of Elimination
Meperidine is mainly metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine. The metabolized form of meperidine, normeperidine, is known to cause seizures when it accumulates to dangerous levels in the body. This is why it is important for patients taking meperidine to use the drug only as directed.
Dosage
The dosage of meperidine varies according to patient characteristics, such as age, medical history, and other medications the patient may be taking. Patients typically begin with a low dose of meperidine and increase slowly as needed. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions when taking meperidine, as your doctor will know best about your personal dosage and needs.
Administration
Meperidine is usually taken every three to four hours, or as needed for pain. It is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms. It is important to take meperidine only as prescribed by your doctor to ensure you are getting the full benefits of the drug.
Side Effects
Common side effects associated with meperidine include nausea, dizziness, constipation, drowsiness, and vomiting. If any of these side effects become bothersome, be sure to contact your health care provider. Additionally, patients should be aware of the potential for serious side effects, such as shallow or slow breathing, extreme drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Toxicity
Meperidine can cause serious adverse reactions, especially when used excessively or at high dosages, for an extended period of time. Overdose can result in seizures, difficulty breathing, slow or shallow breathing, coma, and even death. Meperidine should only be used as directed by your healthcare provider, in order to avoid the risks of drug toxicity.
Precautions
Meperidine should be used with caution in patients who have a history of breathing problems, or who are elderly or debilitated. Patients with liver or kidney impairment should use meperidine with caution, as the drug may take longer to be eliminated from the body. Patients using meperidine should also be monitored closely, in case of such therapeutic failures as tolerance or addiction.
Interactions
Meperidine can interact with several other prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as certain supplements and natural products. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking before using meperidine. In addition, alcohol should not be consumed while taking meperidine, as this can increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Disease Interactions
Meperidine should be used with caution in patients who have a history of heart, liver, or kidney disease, seizures, or respiratory problems. Meperidine should also be used with caution in patients who have a history of depression, mental illness, or drug abuse.
Drug Interactions
Meperidine can interact with several other medications, including certain antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, and sedatives. It can also interact with medications that affect the liver or kidneys, supplements containing grapefruit, and any medications that cause drowsiness. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking before starting meperidine.
Food Interactions
Meperidine does not interact with food. However, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol while taking meperidine, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects.
Pregnancy Use
Meperidine should not be used during pregnancy, as it can be harmful to a developing fetus. It should also be avoided in women who are breastfeeding, as it can have an effect on the baby's health.
Lactation Use
Meperidine should not be used by women who are breastfeeding, as it can have an effect on the baby's health. Nursing mothers should talk to their doctor before taking meperidine.
Acute Overdose
An overdose of meperidine can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose may include difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures. If you suspect an overdose, contact your healthcare provider or emergency medical services immediately.
Contraindications
Meperidine should not be used in patients who have a known allergy to meperidine or other medications of the phenylpiperidine class. Additionally, it should not be used in patients who have a history of drug abuse, or those who have taken or are currently taking MAO inhibitors.
Use Directions
Meperidine should be taken orally, with or without food, as prescribed by your doctor. The drug is usually taken every three to four hours, or as needed for pain. If you miss a dose of meperidine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose.
Storage Conditions
Meperidine should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Keep the medication in a safe and secure place where other people cannot access it. Do not store meperidine in the bathroom.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of meperidine is 3-4 L/kg. This indicates that meperidine is well distributed in the body.
Half Life
The half life of meperidine is around 3-5 hours. This means that the body takes about 3-5 hours to metabolize and eliminate half of the active ingredient in meperidine.
Clearance
The clearance of meperidine is about 33-42 mL/min/kg. This suggests that meperidine is cleared from the body at a moderate rate.
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