Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
Pethidine, Demerol
Synonyms :
meperidine
Class :
Opioid Analgesics
Brand Name :
Pethidine, Demerol
Synonyms :
meperidine
Class :
Opioid Analgesics
Adult dosing:Â
Dosage Forms & Strengths Â
Tablet Â
50mg Â
100mg Â
Syrup Â
50mg/5mL Â
Injectable solution Â
25mg/mL Â
50mg/mL Â
75mg/mL Â
100mg/mL Â
Pediatric dosing :
Dosage Forms & Strengths Â
Tablet Â
50mg Â
100mg Â
Syrup Â
50mg/5mL Â
Injectable solution Â
25mg/mL Â
50mg/mL Â
75mg/mL Â
100mg/mL Â
Gediatric dosing:
Refer adult dosingÂ
may enhance the CNS depressant effect
CYP3A strong enhancers of the small intestine may reduce the bioavailability of meperidine 
it increases the effect of CNS depressants
CNS depressants increase the effect of paraldehyde
CNS depressants increase the effect of orphenadrine
meperidine: they may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
meperidine: they may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
meperidine: they may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
meperidine: they may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
meperidine: they may diminish the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Inducers
dihydroergotamine intranasal and meperidine are both known to elevate serotonin levels
it may enhance the sedation when combined with lofexidine
inhalational anesthetics increase the effect of hypotension of calcium channel blockers
inhalational anesthetics increase the effect of hypotension of calcium channel blockers
inhalational anesthetics increase the effect of hypotension of calcium channel blockers
inhalational anesthetics increase the effect of hypotension of calcium channel blockers
inhalational anesthetics increase the effect of hypotension of calcium channel blockers
When meperidine is used together with profenamine, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of adverse events
CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of flunarizine
it increases the effect of CNS depressants
it increases the effect of CNS depressants
it increases the effect of CNS depressants
when combined it may increase sedation
when combined, it may increase sedation
may increase the arrhythmogenic effect of inhalational anesthetics
may increase the hypotensive effect of QT-Prolonging Inhalational Anesthetics
may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of each other when combined
Actions and Spectrum:Â
meperidine is effective at relieving both acute and chronic pain, which can cause drowsiness and sedation.Â
It can produce feelings of euphoria, which can lead to abuse and addiction.Â
This can slow down breathing which can be dangerous if taken in large doses.Â
The spectrum of meperidine’s effects can vary depending on the dose, route of administration, and individual factors such as age, weight, and medical history. meperidine can produce a range of effects including pain relief, sedation, euphoria, and respiratory depression.
Adverse Reaction :
Frequency Not Defined Â
Bradycardia Â
Angina Â
Cardiac arrest Â
Constipation Â
Coma Â
Agitation Â
Dizziness Â
Dysphoria Â
Dry mouth Â
Euphoria Â
Hypotension Â
Faintness
Black Box Warning:Â
The black box warning for meperidine is related to the potential for serious and life-threatening adverse reactions, particularly when it is used in high doses or for long periods of time.Â
Contraindication/Caution:Â
Some of the contraindications of meperidine include:Â
AllergyÂ
Bowel obstructionÂ
Severe liver diseaseÂ
Pregnancy/Lactation:
Pregnancy warnings:    Â
AU TGA pregnancy category: CÂ
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assignedÂ
Lactation: Excreted into human milk is knownÂ
Pregnancy Categories:        Â
Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.Â
Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.  Â
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   Â
Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.  Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.   Â
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacodynamics:Â
It acts as an agonist at the mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) to produce analgesia. It also has some affinity for the delta-opioid and kappa-opioid receptors. Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
Absorption Â
When taken orally, the drug is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 30-60 minutes.  Â
Distribution Â
meperidine has a moderate volume of distribution and binds to plasma proteins (mainly albumin) at a rate of approximately 60%.  Â
Metabolism Â
It is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 system like CYP3A4 and CYP2B6.  Â
Elimination and Excretion Â
meperidine and its metabolites are primarily eliminated through the kidneys via urine. The elimination of half-life of meperidine is relatively short ranging from 2-5 hours in healthy individuals.
Administration: Â
meperidine is usually administered as an injection into a muscle, under the skin, or into a vein by a healthcare provider. The dosage and frequency of administration will depend on the individual patient’s needs and medical condition.Â
It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for using meperidine, as it can be habit-forming and may lead to addiction or overdose if not used properly.Â
Patient information leaflet:
Generic Name: meperidine
Why do we use meperidine?Â
Meperidine is an opioid analgesic drug that is used to treat moderate–severe pain by binding to opioid receptors in brain and nervous system to reduce the sensation of pain.Â
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