Meperidine

other name

Demerol

interactions with meperidine

MAO inhibitors (antidepressant) Alcohol both will increase risk of oversedation

route of meperidine

PO, IV, IM and subcut.

meperidine action

binds with opioid receptors in CNS altering perception of pain

indications for use

moderate to severe pain preoperative analgesia adjunct to anesthesia obsteric analgesia (labor)

Nursing Implications

monitor vitals every 15 to 30 min decreases peristalsis so may need to order a stool softener or laxiative not intended for long term use

drug classification

opioid analgesic controlled substance schedule 2

Therapeutic effect of meperidine

pain relief numb area during surgery

withhold drug if

repirations are less than 12 per min

adverse side effects

respiratory depression/arrest bradycardia cardiac arrest shock

Contraindicated with meperidine

snore or sleep apnea or asthma - increase risk of respiratory depression ESRD (chronic kidney disease) MAO inhibitors within past 14 days increased intercranial pressure or seizures hepatic or real disease

pt teaching

use inscentive spirometer postoperatively avoid driving dont use alcohol or sleep aids when using - increase risk od respiratory depression and oversedation