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Demerol (Meperidine Hydrochloride) - Indications and Dosage

 
 



INDICATIONS AND USAGE

For the relief of moderate to severe pain

For preoperative medication

For support of anesthesia

For obstetrical analgesia

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

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. The dose of DEMEROL 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 DEMEROL.

Adults. The usual dosage is 50 mg to 150 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 3 or 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 mg/lb to 0.8 mg/lb intramuscularly or subcutaneously up to the adult dose, every 3 or 4 hours as necessary.

For Preoperative Medication

Adults. The usual dosage is 50 mg to 100 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously, 30 to 90 minutes before the beginning of anesthesia. 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 mg/lb 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 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 mg 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 and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.

HOW SUPPLIED

For Parenteral Use

Solutions of DEMEROL for parenteral use are clear and colorless and are available as follows:

NDC Number Container
Concentration
Fill (mL)
Quantity (per box)
0409-1176-30

Carpuject™ with luer lock

2.5% (25 mg/mL)

1

10

0409-1178-30

Carpuject with luer lock

5% (50 mg/mL)

1

10

0409-1179-30

Carpuject with luer lock

7.5% (75 mg/mL)

1

10

0409-1180-69

Carpuject with luer lock

10% (100 mg/mL)

1

10

0409-1203-01

Uni-Amp™ unit dose pak

5% (25 mg)

0.5

25

0409-1253-01

Uni-Amp unit dose pak

5% (50 mg)

1

25

0409-1254-01

Uni-Amp unit dose pak

5% (75 mg)

1.5

25

0409-1255-02

Uni-Amp unit dose pak

5% (100 mg)

2

25

0409-1256-01

Uni-Amp unit dose pak

10% (100 mg)

1

25

0409-1181-30

Multiple-dose vial

5% (50 mg/mL)

30

1

0409-1201-20

Multiple-dose vial

10% (100 mg/mL)

20

1

Carpuject™ are packaged in a Slim-Pak™ tamper detection package. To prevent needle-stick injuries, needles should not be recapped, purposely bent, or broken by hand. Blunt cannulas should not be recapped, purposely bent or broken by hand.

NOTE: The pH of DEMEROL solutions is adjusted between 3.5 and 6 with sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid. Multiple-dose vials contain metacresol 0.1 percent as preservative. No preservatives are added to the ampuls or Carpuject™ sterile cartridge units.

Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

Demerol is not a trademark of Hospira.

Revised: June, 2010

 

Printed in USA                    EN-2526

Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045

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