Demerol (Meperidine Hydrochloride) - Indications and Dosage

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

DEMEROL is indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

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 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 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.

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.

HOW SUPPLIED

For Oral Use

Tablets are white, round and convex. The 50 mg tablet has a stylized “W” on one side and “M” score “35” on the other side. The 100 mg tablet has a stylized “W” on one side and “M” score “37” on the other side.

Tablets of 50 mg, bottles of 100 (NDC 0024-0335-04) and 100 mg, bottles of 100 (NDC 0024-0337-04).

Oral Solution, nonalcoholic, banana-flavored 50 mg per 5 mL teaspoon, bottles of 16 fl oz (NDC 0024-0332-06).

Store at 25° C (77° F); excursions permitted to 15° – 30° C (59° – 86° F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].