Meperidine Hydrochloride

Add Info

Meperidine Hydrochloride Recall

Get an alert when a recall is issued.

Ask a Question

Questions & Answers

Add Info

Side Effects & Adverse Reactions

Meperidine hydrochloride tablets are an opioid agonist and a Schedule II controlled substance with an abuse liability similar to morphine.

Meperidine hydrochloride tablets can be abused in a manner similar to other opioid agonists, legal or illicit. This should be considered when prescribing or dispensing meperidine hydrochloride tablets in situations where the physician or pharmacist is concerned about an increased risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion.

Misuse, Abuse, and Diversion of Opioids

Meperidine is an opioid agonist of the morphine-type. Such drugs are sought by drug abusers and people with addiction disorders and are subject to criminal diversion.

Meperidine can be abused in a manner similar to other opioid agonists, legal or illicit. This should be considered when prescribing or dispensing meperidine hydrochloride tablets in situations where the physician or pharmacist is concerned about an increased risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion.

Meperidine hydrochloride tablets have been reported as being abused by crushing, chewing, snorting, or injecting the dissolved product. These practices will result in the uncontrolled delivery of the opioid and pose a significant risk to the abuser that could result in overdose or death (see WARNINGS and DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION).

Concerns about abuse, addiction, and diversion should not prevent the proper management of pain.

Healthcare professionals should contact their State Professional Licensing Board or State Controlled Substances Authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product.

Interactions with Alcohol and Drugs of Abuse

Meperidine may be expected to have additive effects when used in conjunction with alcohol, other opioids, or illicit drugs that cause central nervous system depression.

Head Injury and Increased Intracranial Pressure

The respiratory depressant effects of meperidine and its capacity to elevate cerebrospinal fluid pressure may be markedly exaggerated in the presence of head injury, other intracranial lesions, or a preexisting increase in intracranial pressure. Furthermore, narcotics produce adverse reactions which may obscure the clinical course of patients with head injuries. In such patients, meperidine must be used with extreme caution and only if its use is deemed essential.

Asthma and Other Respiratory Conditions

Meperidine should be used with extreme caution in patients having an acute asthmatic attack, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, patients having a substantially decreased respiratory reserve, and patients with preexisting respiratory depression, hypoxia, or hypercapnia. In such patients, even usual therapeutic doses of narcotics may decrease respiratory drive while simultaneously increasing airway resistance to the point of apnea.

Hypotensive Effect

The administration of meperidine may result in severe hypotension in the postoperative patient or any individual whose ability to maintain blood pressure has been compromised by a depleted blood volume or the administration of drugs such as the phenothiazines or certain anesthetics.

Usage in Ambulatory Patients

Meperidine may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery. The patient should be cautioned accordingly.

Meperidine, like other narcotics, may produce orthostatic hypotension in ambulatory patients.

Usage in Pregnancy

Meperidine should not be used in pregnant women prior to the labor period, unless in the judgment of the physician the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks, because safe use in pregnancy prior to labor has not been established relative to possible adverse effects on fetal development.

Labor and Delivery

Meperidine crosses the placental barrier and can produce depression of respiration and psychophysiologic functions in the newborn. Resuscitation may be required (See OVERDOSAGE).

Nursing Mothers

Meperidine appears in the milk of nursing mothers receiving the drug. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the potential benefits of the drug to the nursing woman.

Add Info

Legal Issues

There is currently no legal information available for this drug.

Add Info

FDA Safety Alerts

There are currently no FDA safety alerts available for this drug.

Add Info

Manufacturer Warnings

There is currently no manufacturer warning information available for this drug.

Add Info

FDA Labeling Changes

There are currently no FDA labeling changes available for this drug.

Add Info

Uses

Meperidine hyrochloride tablets are indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain.

Add Info

History

There is currently no drug history available for this drug.

Add Info

Other Information

Meperidine hydrochloride is a white crystalline substance with a melting point of 186°C to 189°C. It is readily soluble in water and has a neutral reaction and a slightly bitter taste. The solution is not decomposed by a short period of boiling.

The meperidine hydrochloride tablets, for oral administration contain either 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg or 150 mg of the analgesic. In addition, each tablet contains hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium starch glycolate, and stearic acid. The 75 mg tablet also contains FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake and the 150 mg tablet also contains D&C Red #27 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Yellow #6 Aluminum Lake

Chemically, meperidine hydrochloride is 4- Piperidinecarboxylic acid, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-, ethyl ester, hydrochloride and has the following structure:

Molecular Formula: C15H21 NO2 • HCl

Molecular Weight: 283.79

Sources

Meperidine Hydrochloride Manufacturers

Mikart, Inc.

Meperidine Hydrochloride | Mikart, Inc.

For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. Meperidine is less effective orally than on parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine hydrochloride tablets should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine hydrochloride tablets.

Adults: The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.

Pediatric Patients: The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.

No Recall
Baxter Healthcare Corporation

Meperidine Hydrochloride | Baxter Healthcare Corporation

For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. While subcutaneous administration is suitable for occasional use, intramuscular administration is preferred when repeated doses are required. If intravenous administration is required, dosage should be decreased and the injection made very slowly, preferably utilizing a diluted solution. Meperidine is less effective orally than by parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine.
Adults
The usual dosage is 50 to 150 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 3 to 4 hours as necessary. Elderly patients should usually be given meperidine at the lower end of the dose range and observed closely.
Children
The usual dosage is 0.5 to 0.8 mg/lb intramuscularly or subcutaneously up to the adult dose, every 3 to 4 hours as necessary.
For Preoperative Medication Adults
The usual dosage is 50 to 150 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 3 to 4 hours as necessary. Elderly patients should usually be given meperidine at the lower end of the dose range and observed closely.
Children
The usual dosage is 0.5 to 1 mg/lb intramuscularly or subcutaneously up to the adult dose, 30 to 90 minutes before the beginning of anesthesia.
For Support of Anesthesia
Repeated slow intravenous injections of fractional doses (e.g., 10 mg/mL) or by a continuous intravenous infusion of a more dilute solution (e.g., 1 mg/mL) should be used. The dose should be titrated to the needs of the patient and will depend on the premedication and type of anesthesia being employed, the characteristics of the particular patient and the nature and duration of the operative procedure. Elderly patients should usually be given meperidine at the lower end of the dose range and observed closely.
For Obstetrical Analgesia
The usual dosage is 50 to 100 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously when pain becomes regular and may be repeated at 1 to 3 hour intervals.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

No Recall
Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd.

Meperidine Hydrochloride | Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd.

For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. Meperidine is less effective orally than on parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine hydrochloride should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine hydrochloride.

Adults: The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.

Pediatric Patients: The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.

No Recall
Physicians Total Care, Inc.

Meperidine Hydrochloride | Physicians Total Care, Inc.

For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. While subcutaneous administration is suitable for occasional use, intramuscular administration is preferred when repeated doses are required. If intravenous administration is required, dosage should be decreased and the injection made very slowly, preferably utilizing a diluted solution. Meperidine is less effective orally than by parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine.
Adults
The usual dosage is 50 to 150 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 3 to 4 hours as necessary. Elderly patients should usually be given meperidine at the lower end of the dose range and observed closely.
Children
The usual dosage is 0.5 to 0.8 mg/lb intramuscularly or subcutaneously up to the adult dose, every 3 to 4 hours as necessary.
For Preoperative Medication Adults
The usual dosage is 50 to 150 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 3 to 4 hours as necessary. Elderly patients should usually be given meperidine at the lower end of the dose range and observed closely.
Children
The usual dosage is 0.5 to 1 mg/lb intramuscularly or subcutaneously up to the adult dose, 30 to 90 minutes before the beginning of anesthesia.
For Support of Anesthesia
Repeated slow intravenous injections of fractional doses (e.g., 10 mg/mL) or by a continuous intravenous infusion of a more dilute solution (e.g., 1 mg/mL) should be used. The dose should be titrated to the needs of the patient and will depend on the premedication and type of anesthesia being employed, the characteristics of the particular patient and the nature and duration of the operative procedure. Elderly patients should usually be given meperidine at the lower end of the dose range and observed closely.
For Obstetrical Analgesia
The usual dosage is 50 to 100 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously when pain becomes regular and may be repeated at 1 to 3 hour intervals.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

No Recall
West-ward Pharmaceutical Corp.

Meperidine Hydrochloride | West-ward Pharmaceutical Corp.

For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. While subcutaneous administration is suitable for occasional use, intramuscular administration is preferred when repeated doses are required. If intravenous administration is required, dosage should be decreased and the injection made very slowly, preferably utilizing a diluted solution. Meperidine is less effective orally than by parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine.
Adults
The usual dosage is 50 to 150 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 3 to 4 hours as necessary. Elderly patients should usually be given meperidine at the lower end of the dose range and observed closely.
Children
The usual dosage is 0.5 to 0.8 mg/lb intramuscularly or subcutaneously up to the adult dose, every 3 to 4 hours as necessary.
For Preoperative Medication Adults
The usual dosage is 50 to 150 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 3 to 4 hours as necessary. Elderly patients should usually be given meperidine at the lower end of the dose range and observed closely.
Children
The usual dosage is 0.5 to 1 mg/lb intramuscularly or subcutaneously up to the adult dose, 30 to 90 minutes before the beginning of anesthesia.
For Support of Anesthesia
Repeated slow intravenous injections of fractional doses (e.g., 10 mg/mL) or by a continuous intravenous infusion of a more dilute solution (e.g., 1 mg/mL) should be used. The dose should be titrated to the needs of the patient and will depend on the premedication and type of anesthesia being employed, the characteristics of the particular patient and the nature and duration of the operative procedure. Elderly patients should usually be given meperidine at the lower end of the dose range and observed closely.
For Obstetrical Analgesia
The usual dosage is 50 to 100 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously when pain becomes regular and may be repeated at 1 to 3 hour intervals.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

No Recall
Physicians Total Care, Inc.

Meperidine Hydrochloride | Physicians Total Care, Inc.

For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. Meperidine is less effective orally than on parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine hydrochloride tablets should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine hydrochloride tablets.
Adults
The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.
Pediatric Patients
The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use).
For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. Meperidine is less effective orally than on parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine hydrochloride tablets should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine hydrochloride tablets.
Adults
The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.
Pediatric Patients
The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use).
Adults
The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.
Pediatric Patients
The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use).

No Recall
Hospira, Inc.

Meperidine Hydrochloride | Hospira, Inc.

For use as a single-dose unit to provide analgesia via the intravenous route using a compatible Hospira infusion device. Each vial is intended for SINGLE DOSE ONLY. When the dosing requirement is complete, the unused portion should be discarded in an appropriate manner. DO NOT AUTOCLAVE.

PHYSICIANS SHOULD COMPLETELY FAMILIARIZE THEMSELVES WITH A COMPATIBLE HOSPIRA INFUSION DEVICE BEFORE DECIDING TO ADMINISTER MEPERIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION VIA THE INFUSER.

Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. There can be considerable variability in both the dosage requirement and patient response.

When administered intravenously, meperidine hydrochloride should be given very slowly. Rapid intravenous injection increases the incidence of adverse reactions; severe respiratory depression, apnea, hypotension, peripheral circulatory collapse and cardiac arrest have occurred. This drug should be administered intravenously only if a narcotic antagonist (i.e., naloxone) and the facilities for assisted or controlled respiration are immediately available. When meperidine hydrochloride is given parenterally, especially intravenously, the patient should be lying down.

Adults: The usual initial dose for adult administration via a compatible Hospira infusion device is 10 mg, with a range of 1 to 5 mg per incremental dose. The recommended Lockout Interval is 6 to 10 minutes. The minimum recommended Lockout Interval is 5 minutes.

The physician may adjust the dosage either upward or downward; or, increase or decrease the Lockout Interval, depending on patient response. For continuous infusion the usual adult dose is 15 to 35 mg per hour administered intravenously as required.

Incompatibility: Meperidine hydrochloride is incompatible with soluble barbiturates, aminophylline, heparin, morphine sulfate, methicillin, phenytoin, sodium bicarbonate, iodide, sulfadiazine and sulfisoxazole.

Dosage of meperidine hydrochloride should be carefully adjusted according to the severity of pain and the response of the patient. Reduced dosage is indicated in poor-risk patients, in the very young or very old, in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function and in patients receiving other central nervous system depressants. For surgical patients, dosage should be based on response of the patient, other premedication and concomitant medications, the anesthetic being used and the nature and duration of the operation.

Occasionally, it may be necessary to exceed the usual dosage recommended in cases of exceptionally severe pain or in those patients who become tolerant.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration whenever solution and container permit prior to administration.

No Recall
Epic Pharma, Llc

Meperidine Hydrochloride | Epic Pharma, Llc

For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. Meperidine is less effective orally than on parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine hydrochloride tablets should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine hydrochloride tablets.
Adults
The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.
Pediatric Patients
The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary (see PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric use).

No Recall
Roxane Laboratories, Inc

Meperidine Hydrochloride | Roxane Laboratories, Inc

For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. Meperidine is less effective orally than with parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine.

Adults: The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.

Pediatric Patients: The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary (see PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use).

Each dose of the oral solution should be taken in one-half glass of water, since if taken undiluted, it may exert a slight topical anesthetic effect on mucous membranes.

No Recall
Qualitest Pharmaceuticals

Meperidine Hydrochloride | Qualitest Pharmaceuticals

For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. Meperidine is less effective orally than on parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine hydrochloride tablets should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine hydrochloride tablets.
Adults
The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.
Pediatric Patients
The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use).
For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. Meperidine is less effective orally than on parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine hydrochloride tablets should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine hydrochloride tablets.
Adults
The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.
Pediatric Patients
The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use).
Adults
The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.
Pediatric Patients
The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use).

No Recall
Bryant Ranch Prepack

Meperidine Hydrochloride | Bryant Ranch Prepack

For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. Meperidine is less effective orally than on parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine hydrochloride tablets should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine hydrochloride tablets.
Adults
The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.
Pediatric Patients
The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use).
For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. Meperidine is less effective orally than on parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine hydrochloride tablets should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine hydrochloride tablets.
Adults
The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.
Pediatric Patients
The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use).
Adults
The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.
Pediatric Patients
The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use).

No Recall
Barr Laboratories Inc.

Meperidine Hydrochloride | Barr Laboratories Inc.

For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. Meperidine is less effective orally than on parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine hydrochloride should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine HCl.

Adults: The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.

Pediatric Patients: The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary (see PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric use).

No Recall
Barr Laboratories Inc.

Meperidine Hydrochloride | Barr Laboratories Inc.

For Relief of Pain
Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. Meperidine is less effective orally than on parenteral administration. The dose of meperidine hydrochloride should be proportionately reduced (usually by 25 to 50 percent) when administered concomitantly with phenothiazines and many other tranquilizers since they potentiate the action of meperidine HCl.

Adults: The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg orally, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.

Pediatric Patients: The usual dosage is 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg orally, up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary (see PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use).

No Recall