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Demerol (Meperidine Hydrochloride) - Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

 



ADVERSE REACTIONS

The major hazards of meperidine, as with other narcotic analgesics, are respiratory depression and, to a lesser degree, circulatory depression; respiratory arrest, shock, and cardiac arrest have occurred.

The most frequently observed adverse reactions include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. These effects seem to be more prominent in ambulatory patients and in those who are not experiencing severe pain. In such individuals, lower doses are advisable. Some adverse reactions in ambulatory patients may be alleviated if the patient lies down.

Other adverse reactions include:

Nervous System: Euphoria, dysphoria, weakness, headache, agitation, tremor, uncoordinated muscle movements (e.g. muscle twitches, myoclonus), severe convulsions, transient hallucinations and disorientation, visual disturbances.

Gastrointestinal: Dry mouth, constipation, biliary tract spasm.

Cardiovascular: Flushing of the face, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitation, hypotension (see WARNINGS), syncope.

Genitourinary: Urinary retention.

Allergic: Pruritus, urticaria, other skin rashes, wheal and flare over the vein with intravenous injection. Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis.



REPORTS OF SIDE EFFECTS / ADVERSE REACTIONS RELATED TO DEMEROL

Below is a sample of reports where side effects / adverse reactions may be related to Demerol. The information is not vetted and should not be cosidered as verified clinical evidence.

Possible Demerol side effects / adverse reactions in 60 year old male

Reported by a pharmacist from United States on 2007-01-18

Patient: 60 year old male

Reactions: Heart Rate Decreased, Apnoea, Blood Pressure Diastolic Increased

Adverse event resulted in: death

Suspect drug(s):
Demerol

Versed



Possible Demerol side effects / adverse reactions in 70 year old male

Reported by a pharmacist from United States on 2007-01-31

Patient: 70 year old male weighing 75.3 kg (165.7 pounds)

Reactions: Rash Erythematous

Suspect drug(s):
Demerol
    Dosage: 25 mg q5 prn pain im
    Indication: Procedural Pain
    Start date: 2006-10-17

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen
    Indication: Procedural Pain
    Start date: 2006-10-18
    End date: 2006-10-19

Other drugs received by patient: Cardizem; Proscar; Zetia; Zocor; Decadron; Toradol; Restoril; Ancef; Keflex



Possible Demerol side effects / adverse reactions in 34 year old female

Reported by a pharmacist from United States on 2007-02-08

Patient: 34 year old female weighing 185.0 kg (407.0 pounds)

Reactions: Confusional State, Agitation, Anxiety, Respiratory Depression, Hallucination

Suspect drug(s):
Demerol
    Dosage: 2 doses
    Indication: Headache
    Start date: 2006-11-08
    End date: 2006-11-08

Demerol
    Dosage: 2 doses
    Indication: Neck Pain
    Start date: 2006-11-08
    End date: 2006-11-08

Phenergan HCL



See index of all Demerol side effect reports >>

Drug label data at the top of this Page last updated: 2008-09-11

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