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

Brand Names: Demerol HCl®

Classification: Narcotic Analgesics

Issue Date: 1977

Demerol is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It's used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. Demerol may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Take Demerol exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take Demerol with food or milk if it causes stomach upset. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the syrup with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Demerol is also available as an injection. Your healthcare provider will administer injectable Demerol. If you are using injectable Demerol at home, your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions regarding preparation, administration, and storage of the medication.

Never take more Demerol than is prescribed. If the pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

Demerol may be habit forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do not stop taking Demerol suddenly without first talking to your doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

Demerol may cause constipation. Drink plenty of water (six to eight full glasses a day) to lessen this side effect. Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet can also help to alleviate constipation.

Do not share this medication with anyone else. Store Demerol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Demerol may be habit forming and should only be used under close supervision if there is a history of alcohol or drug addiction. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Asthma
• Urinary retention
• Enlarged prostate
• Hypothyroidism
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Gallbladder disease
• Head injury
• Addison's disease

You may not be able to take Demerol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Demerol may cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms as well as other harmful effects in an unborn baby. Do not take Demerol without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Demerol may also cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in a nursing infant. Do not take Demerol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Wait the prescribed amount of time before taking the next dose.

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a Demerol overdose include:

• slow breathing
• seizures
• dizziness
• weakness
• loss of consciousness
• coma
• confusion
• tiredness
• cold and clammy skin
• small pupils

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Demerol may cause drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Avoid alcohol while taking Demerol. Alcohol may increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by Demerol and could be dangerous.

Demerol may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including:

• other pain relievers
• alcohol
• antihistamines
• sedatives (used to treat insomnia)
• antidepressants
• anxiety medicines
• muscle relaxants

Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Demerol and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• An allergic reaction:
• difficulty breathing
• closing of the throat
• swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
• hives
• Slow, weak breathing
• Seizures
• Cold, clammy skin
• Severe weakness or dizziness
• Unconsciousness

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Demerol and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• Constipation
• Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite
• Dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness
• Sweating
• Itching
• Decreased urination
• Decreased sex drive

Demerol may be habit forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do not stop taking Demerol suddenly without first talking to your doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Do not take Demerol if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as:

• Isocarboxazid (Marplan®)
• Phenelzine (Nardil®)
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate®)

in the last 14 days. DANGEROUS side effects could result.

Demerol may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including:

• other pain relievers
• alcohol
• antihistamines
• sedatives (used to treat insomnia)
• antidepressants
• anxiety medicines
• muscle relaxants

Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Demerol. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.