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 SUSPECTED DEMEROL SIDE EFFECTS / ADVERSE REACTIONS

Possible Demerol side effects / adverse reactions in 67 year old female

Reported by a pharmacist from United States on 2011-10-06

Patient: 67 year old female weighing 66.0 kg (145.2 pounds)

Reactions: Bradycardia

Adverse event resulted in: hospitalization

Suspect drug(s):
Versed
    Dosage: 1mg once iv recent
    Indication: Preoperative Care

Versed
    Dosage: 1mg once iv recent
    Indication: Gastrostomy Tube Insertion

Demerol
    Dosage: 50mg once iv recent
    Indication: Preoperative Care

Demerol
    Dosage: 50mg once iv recent
    Indication: Gastrostomy Tube Insertion

Other drugs received by patient: Lipitor; Lisinopril; Aggrenox; Potassium Chloride; Coreg

Possible Demerol side effects / adverse reactions in 89 year old male

Reported by a health professional (non-physician/pharmacist) from United States on 2011-10-26

Patient: 89 year old male

Reactions: Drug Dose Omission, Wrong Technique in Drug Usage Process, Pain, Withdrawal Syndrome

Adverse event resulted in: hospitalization

Suspect drug(s):
Demerol

Possible Demerol side effects / adverse reactions in 73 year old male

Reported by a health professional (non-physician/pharmacist) from United States on 2011-10-26

Patient: 73 year old male weighing 71.7 kg (157.7 pounds)

Reactions: Agitation, Confusional State, Vomiting, Nausea, Chills, Abnormal Behaviour, Disorientation, Aggression, Dizziness, Oxygen Saturation Decreased, Infusion Related Reaction

Adverse event resulted in: hospitalization

Suspect drug(s):
Ativan
    Dosage: 1 mg, single
    Indication: Nausea
    Start date: 2011-10-13
    End date: 2011-10-13

Ativan
    Dosage: 1 mg, single
    Indication: Vomiting
    Start date: 2011-10-13
    End date: 2011-10-13

Provenge
    Dosage: 250 ml, single, intravenous
    Indication: Prostate Cancer Metastatic
    Start date: 2011-09-29
    End date: 2011-09-29

Provenge
    Dosage: 250 ml, single, intravenous
    Indication: Prostate Cancer Metastatic
    Start date: 2011-09-15
    End date: 2011-09-15

Provenge

Demerol
    Dosage: 25 mg,
    Indication: Chills
    Start date: 2011-10-13
    End date: 2011-10-13

Other drugs received by patient: Metoprolol Tartrate; Glipizide; Aspirin; Lisinopril; Metformin HCL; Aspirin; Omeprazole