Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Demerol HCl

Generic Name: meperidine (Pronunciation: me PER i deen)

• What is meperidine (Demerol HCl)?
• What are the possible side effects of meperidine (Demerol HCl)?
• What is the most important information I should know about meperidine (Demerol HCl)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking meperidine (Demerol HCl)?
• How should I take meperidine (Demerol HCl)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Demerol HCl)?
• What happens if I overdose (Demerol HCl)?
• What should I avoid while taking meperidine (Demerol HCl)?
• What other drugs will affect meperidine (Demerol HCl)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is meperidine (Demerol HCl)?

Meperidine is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. It is similar to morphine.

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

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

Demerol 50 mg

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Meperidine 100 mg-BAR

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Meperidine 100 mg-MAL

round, white, imprinted with 7115, M inside square

Meperidine 100 mg-ROX

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Meperidine 100 mg-WAT

round, white, imprinted with 727 100, WATSON

Meperidine 50 mg-BAR

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Meperidine 50 mg-ROX

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Meperidine 50 mg-WAT

round, white, imprinted with 726 50, WATSON

What are the possible side effects of meperidine (Demerol HCl)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: 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:

• shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
• seizure (convulsions);
• cold, clammy skin;
• confusion;
• severe weakness or dizziness; or
• feeling light-headed, fainting.

Less serious side effects may include:

• constipation;
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• dizziness, headache;
• 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.

What is the most important information I should know about meperidine (Demerol HCl)?

Meperidine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Meperidine should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking meperidine. 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 more than your prescribed dose of meperidine. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Meperidine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Do not stop using meperidine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.