About meperidine hcl
Opioid pain medicine
Used for
- Short-term treatment of severe pain
- Pain relief during and after surgery
- Pain relief during childbirth
Usual adult dose
Typically 25–100 mg by injection every 3–4 hours as needed; dose depends on route and clinical setting.
Usual dose in children
For selected children, typically 0.5–2 mg/kg by injection every 3–4 hours; specialist supervision is required.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness, dizziness, or confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Slow or difficult breathing
Important warnings
- Can cause dependence, overdose, and life-threatening breathing suppression.
- Avoid alcohol and other sedatives unless specifically directed by a clinician.
- Use cautiously in older adults and people with breathing, liver, or kidney problems.
- Repeated use can cause tolerance and withdrawal; avoid abrupt discontinuation after regular use.
Pregnancy
May cause newborn breathing problems or withdrawal, especially with repeated use or near delivery; use only when clinically necessary.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk and may cause infant sleepiness or breathing problems; generally avoid during breastfeeding.
Interactions
- Alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleeping medicines, and other opioids increase sedation and breathing risk.
- MAO inhibitors can cause dangerous reactions; avoid during treatment and for 14 days after stopping them.
- Some antidepressants and other serotonergic medicines may increase serotonin-syndrome risk.
- Medicines that slow or speed liver enzymes can alter pethidine effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.