meperidine liquid – oral, Demerol

Medication Uses How To Use Side Effects Precautions Drug Interactions Overdose Notes Missed Dose Storage USES: This medication is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Meperidine acts on certain centers in the brain to provide pain relief. It is a narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine. HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually every 3 to 4 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. Use a special measuring spoon or device to measure your dose. Avoid using a household spoon as it may result in an incorrect dose. Mix your dose with half a glass of water (4 ounces or 120 milliliters) and drink immediately. If this medication is not mixed with water before being taken, the mouth may become numb temporarily. You may take this drug with or without food. If you experience nausea, taking this drug with food may cause less absorption and reduced benefits. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea, such as antihistamines or lying down with minimal head movement for 1-2 hours. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Pain medications work best when used at the first signs of pain. Waiting until the pain worsens may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. For ongoing pain, your doctor may recommend long-acting narcotic medications or narcotic patches. In such cases, this medication may be used for sudden breakthrough pain as needed. Also, follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions for safely using non-narcotic pain relievers, such as naproxen or ibuprofen. If this medication has been used regularly for an extended period or in high doses, it may cause withdrawal reactions when discontinued suddenly. Symptoms of withdrawal may include restlessness, runny nose, watering eyes, trouble sleeping, severe abdominal/muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and fast heartbeat. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may gradually reduce your dose. This medication can also be habit-forming and may result in addiction. To reduce the risk of addiction, do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when directed by your doctor. If used for an extended period, this medication may not work as effectively and may require adjusted dosing. Consult your doctor if this medication stops working well. Inform your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, flushing, sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, and drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To prevent constipation, maintain a diet that is adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative. Remember that the benefit of using this medication outweighs the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects, including slow/irregular/fast heartbeat, mental/mood changes, numbness, shaking, severe stomach/abdominal pain, trouble urinating, or changes in urine amount. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any very serious side effects, such as slow/shallow breathing, fainting, or seizures. Serious allergic reactions to this drug are rare, but seek medical help if you notice symptoms such as rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice other effects not listed above. In the US, call your doctor or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, call your doctor or Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking meperidine, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Prior medical history should also be discussed, especially abdominal problems, adrenal gland problem, recent significant blood loss, brain disorders, heart problems, kidney disease, liver disease, breathing problems, mental/mood disorders, history of drug/alcohol use or abuse, sickle cell anemia, stomach/intestinal problems, spinal problem, underactive thyroid, or trouble urinating. Meperidine should only be used for a short time, excessive or prolonged use may lead to serious side effects such as seizures and shaking. Exercise caution when using this medication for conditions requiring long-term or high-dosage treatment. This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving, using machinery, or participating in activities that require alertness until your ability to perform such activities is ensured. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Women of childbearing age should discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with their doctor before using it during pregnancy. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed, as it may slightly increase the risk of birth defects if used during the first two months. Additionally, using it for a long time or in high doses near the expected delivery date may harm the unborn baby. The drug passes into breast milk and is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

QUESTION

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include acyclovir, cimetidine, narcotic antagonists, certain other pain medications, phenytoin, and ritonavir. Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors during treatment with this medication and consult your doctor for instructions. Report the use of drugs that might increase seizure risk when combined with meperidine. The risk of serious side effects may be increased if this medication is taken with other products that may also affect breathing or cause drowsiness. Therefore, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products such as alcohol, sleep or anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and other narcotic pain relievers. Check the labels on all your medicines, including cough-and-cold products, as they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Make sure that all healthcare providers are aware of your use of this drug.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include slow breathing, slow heartbeat, seizure, and loss of consciousness. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law. This medication should only be used for the prescribed condition and not for any other condition unless directed by your doctor. MISSED DOSE: Not applicable. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal methods. Information last revised October 2013.