section name header

Pronunciation ⬇

me-PER-i-deen

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: opioid analgesics

Pharmacologic Classification: opioid agonists

Indications ⬆ ⬇

BEERS REMS

Unlabeled Use:

Action ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Effects:

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: 50% from the GI tract; well absorbed from IM sites. Oral doses are about half as effective as parenteral doses. IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Widely distributed to tissues.

Metabolism/Excretion: Mostly metabolized by the liver; some converted to normeperidine, which may accumulate and cause seizures. 5% excreted unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-life: Neonates: 12–39 hr; Infants 3–18 mo: 2.3 hr; Children 5–8 yr: 3 hr; Adults: 2.5–4 hr (↑ in impaired renal or hepatic function [7–11 hr]).

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(analgesia)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO15 min60 min2–4 hr
IM10–15 min30–50 min2–4 hr
SUBQ10–15 min40–60 min2–4 hr
IVimmediate5–7 min2–3 hr

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: hypotension, bradycardia.

Derm: flushing, sweating.

EENT: blurred vision, diplopia, miosis.

Endo: adrenal insufficiency.

GI: constipation, nausea, vomiting.

GU: urinary retention.

Neuro: confusion, sedation, dysphoria, euphoria, floating feeling, hallucinations, headache, SEIZURES, unusual dreams.

Resp: RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION (INCLUDING CENTRAL SLEEP APNEA OR SLEEP-RELATED HYPOXEMIA).

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS), physical dependence, psychological dependence, tolerance.

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-Drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

see Calculator

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Lab Test Considerations: Toxicity and Overdose:

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Demerol

Contr. Subst. Schedule ⬆ ⬇

Schedule II (C-II)

Code ⬆

NDC Code*