A Drug Study on

MEPEREDINE (Demerol)

In Partial Fulfilment of the

Requirements in NCM 216 – RLE

METABOLISM ROTATION

Submitted to:
Pilar Teresa Medidas , RN, MAN
Clinical Instructor

Submitted by:
Guba, Ma. Danica Grace
BSN – 3H GROUP 1

February 26, 2022

Generic Name: Meperidine
Brand Name: Demerol
Drug Classification: Opioid Analgesics
Mode of Action: Meperidine mimics the actions of endogenous neuropeptides via
opioid receptors, thereby producing the characteristic morphine-like effects on the mu-
opioid receptor, including analgesia, euphoria, sedation, respiratory depression, miosis,
bradycardia and physical dependence.
Dose and Route:

Oral form: (not recommended for acute pain control)

 Tablet form: 50 mg to 100 mg

 Syrup form: 50 mg/5 ml

Injectable solution form: 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 75 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml 

Intravenous (IV) injection: inject the dose of 10 mg/ml slowly. The injection should be
a consideration only when an opiate antagonist and the administration of oxygen and
respiratory monitoring facilities are available.

For continuous IV infusion: 15 to 35 mg/hr

Intramuscular: Injection should be into large muscle mass, and it is preferable to

subcutaneous injection..

For pain management:

 In adults: 50 mg to 150 mg orally, IM, subcutaneously (SC) every 3 to 4 hours as

needed.
  In pediatrics: 1 mg/kg to1.8 mg/kg orally, IM, subcutaneously (SC) every 3 to 4
hours as needed. (each dose should not exceed 100mg)

Preoperatively:

 In adults: 50 mg to 150 mg IM/SC every 3 to 4 hours as needed.

 In pediatrics: 1.1 mg/kg to 2.2 mg/kg SC/IM 30 to 90 minutes before anesthesia

Indication: is used to help relieve moderate to severe pain. It may also be used before
and during surgery or other procedures. It works in the brain to change how your body
feels and responds to pain. Meperidine should not be used to treat long-term or ongoing
pain. It should only be used to treat sudden episodes of moderate to severe pain.
Contraindication: Meperidine is contraindicated in patients that are actively receiving
or have been exposed during the past 14 days to monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
because of unpredictable severe, and occasionally fatal reactions such as coma, severe
respiratory depression, hypotension, cyanosis, and acute narcotic overdose.
Side Effects:
 lightheadedness
 dizziness
 weakness
 headache
 extreme calm
 mood changes
 nausea
 vomiting
 stomach pain or cramps
 constipation
 dry mouth
Adverse effects:
 difficulty breathing
 extreme sleepiness
 unable to respond or wake up
 loose, floppy muscles
 cold, clammy skin
 slow heartbeat
 nausea
 blurred vision
 dizziness
 fainting
Drug Interaction:
 Alvimopan
 Isocarboxazid
 Linezolid
 Phenelzine
 Procarbazine
 Rasagiline
 Safinamide
 Selegiline
 Selegiline Transdermal
 Tranylcypromine
Nursing Responsibilities:
1. Assess patient’s risk before prescribing and monitor regularly for these behaviors
and conditions.
R: DEMEROL Tablets and Oral Solution expose users to risks of addiction,
abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death
2. Verify any medication order and make sure it’s complete. The order should
include the drug name, dosage, frequency and route of administration. If any
element is missing, check with the practitioner.
R: This report emphasized the importance of severely reducing medication errors
3. Check the patient's medical record for an allergy or contraindication to the
prescribed medication. If an allergy or contraindications exist, don't administer
the medication and notify the practitioner.
R: Providing this information could help avoid patients with known allergies
wrongly receiving drugs that could endanger their health. 
4. Monitor closely, especially upon initiation or following a dose increase.
R: Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur
5. Tell the Guardian/patient to take this drug exactly as the doctor has prescribed it.
It should not be taken in greater quantities or for longer than recommended and
the medication label directions should be followed
R: Dosing errors due to confusion between mg and mL, and other Meperidine
Solutions of different concentrations can result in accidental overdose and death.
6. Instruct the patient to do not drink alcohol, take prescription or nonprescription
medications that contain alcohol, or use street drugs during your treatment.
R: Patients should not combine DEMEROL with alcohol or other central nervous
system depressants (sleep aids, tranquilizers) except by the orders of the
prescribing physician, because dangerous additive effects may occur, resulting in
serious injury or death.
7. Instruct the Guardian/patient not to let anyone else take his or her medication.
R: If someone takes the medicine, there a possibility that the person can have
adverse effects which can be very dangerous to his/her health
8. Advise the Guardian/Patient to report immediately if there is an adverse reaction
R: To prevent further complication
9. For pregnant women, consult your doctor first about the efficacy and safety of the
drugs.
R: Some drugs have an adverse effect on the mother that can harm the fetus
 10. Emphasize the importance of follow-up exams to evaluate effectiveness of
medication.
R: To determine the patient's outcomes that have resulted from the drug
therapies and to determine if there are any potential medication changes

Bibliography
Juergens, J. (2021). Demerol Addiction And Abuse. Retrieved from
https://www.addictioncenter.com/opiates/demerol/

Neal, T., & Nguyen, M. (2021). Meperidine. Retrieved from

https://www.goodrx.com/meperidine/what-is

Thornton, P. (2021). What is Demerol? Drugs.com. Retrieved from

https://www.drugs.com/demerol.html

Yasaei, R., Rosani, A., & Saadabadi, A. (2021). Meperidine. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470362/