
Meperidine Coupons & Savings Card – Discount Prices from $3.44
Generic for: Demerol
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1ML of 100MG/ML, Meperidine (1 Vial)
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CVS
$21.82
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Rite Aid
$3.44
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Walgreens
$11.70
COUPON PRICEMeperidine savings card
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Rite Aid
$3.44
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Meperidine dosage forms
Dosage | Quantity | Price from | Per unit |
---|---|---|---|
1ML of 100MG/ML | 1 Vial | $3.44 | $3.44 |
1ML of 25MG/ML | 1 Vial | $3.14 | $3.14 |
1ML of 50MG/ML | 1 Vial | $3.23 | $3.23 |
Meperidine Warnings
Meperidine is a medication with several important safety considerations that must be carefully understood by patients and healthcare providers. Below is crucial information regarding its use:
Risk of Abuse and Addiction: Meperidine carries a significant risk for abuse and addiction, which can result in overdose and potentially fatal outcomes. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to use the smallest effective dose for the shortest duration. Consult your healthcare provider about having naloxone available for opioid overdoses and educate your family about recognizing and responding to these emergencies.
Breathing Issues: This medication can cause severe breathing problems, especially when beginning treatment, after a dose increase, or if taken incorrectly. The risk is amplified when combined with alcohol or other sedatives. Immediate medical attention is required for symptoms like slow or shallow breathing, severe dizziness, or difficulty awakening.
Interactions with Other Substances: Meperidine can interact with various drugs, altering its effects and potentially causing dangerous side effects. Avoid alcohol and consult your healthcare provider to understand which medications to avoid.
Use During Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should discuss the benefits and risks with their doctor. Meperidine should be used during pregnancy only if absolutely necessary due to potential birth defects and withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.
Symptoms of Overdose: An opioid overdose may present as unresponsiveness, extremely slow breathing, extreme drowsiness, a slow heartbeat, or cold and clammy skin. Immediate medical assistance is crucial in such cases.
Potential Withdrawal in Newborns: Long-term use during pregnancy can lead to neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Symptoms in newborns include persistent crying, breathing issues, irritability, and feeding difficulties.
Serotonin Syndrome: Although rare, this life-threatening condition can occur, especially when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Symptoms include rapid heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness, fever, and confusion.
Adrenal Insufficiency: Prolonged use of opioids like meperidine may lead to low adrenal hormone levels, resulting in tiredness, weakness, or nausea. If symptoms occur, medical evaluation is necessary.
Low Blood Pressure: Meperidine can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to minimize these effects.
Physical Dependence and Withdrawal: Long-term use can lead to physical dependence. Do not abruptly stop taking meperidine without consulting your healthcare provider, who can guide a gradual tapering off to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Cognitive Impairment: The medication may cause extreme sleepiness or impaired cognitive function. Avoid activities requiring high concentration, such as driving, until you know how meperidine affects you.
Precautions for Certain Conditions: Patients with seizure disorders or heart rhythm issues should discuss their medical history with their provider, as meperidine may exacerbate these conditions.
Contraindications: Meperidine should not be used in individuals with severe breathing problems, acute asthma, those using MAOIs, or those with gastrointestinal blockages.
Always keep meperidine secured to prevent misuse and seek immediate medical help if accidental ingestion occurs. Consult your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about using meperidine safely.
Meperidine Side Effects
Common side effects:
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- sweating
- lightheadedness
- dizziness
drowsiness
Less common but important to monitor:
- weakness
- headache
- tremor
- confusion
- dry mouth
- low blood pressure
rash
Serious side effects:
- allergic reactions
- trouble breathing
- hives
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- dangerously slow breathing
- extremely low blood pressure
- symptoms of an overdose
- extreme sleepiness
- cold or clammy skin
- slow heartbeat
- serotonin syndrome
- fast heart rate
- muscle stiffness
- hallucinations
- seizures
- severe drowsiness
- difficulty waking up
- signs of opioid withdrawal
- anxiety
- irritability
Meperidine Interactions
Some medications can interact with this drug, impacting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of serious side effects. Avoid using certain pain medications like mixed opioid agonist-antagonists (e.g., Butorphanol, Nalbuphine, pentazocine) and opioid blockers such as Naltrexone and samidorphan while taking this drug.
Using MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine) alongside this medication can lead to a severe and potentially fatal interaction. It is important to avoid MAO inhibitors during treatment and for two weeks before starting this medication. Consult your doctor for guidance on when to begin or discontinue use.
The risk of serious side effects, such as slow or shallow breathing and extreme drowsiness, increases if this drug is taken with other substances that depress the central nervous system. These include opioid pain or cough relievers (e.g., codeine, Hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, sleep or anxiety medications (e.g., Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Zolpidem), muscle relaxants (e.g., Carisoprodol, Cyclobenzaprine), and antihistamines (e.g., Cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Always check the labels of other medications you are taking, as they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness, and consult your pharmacist for safe use.
The risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, is higher if this drug is taken with other medications that increase serotonin levels. This includes certain antidepressants (such as SSRIs like Fluoxetine and SNRIs like Duloxetine), St. John's wort, and illicit drugs like MDMA. The risk is especially significant when starting or adjusting the dosage of these drugs.
Additionally, some medications can affect how meperidine is metabolized in your body, altering its effectiveness. These include azole antifungals (e.g., Ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., Erythromycin), Mifepristone, rifamycins (e.g., Rifabutin), Ritonavir, and certain seizure medications (e.g., Carbamazepine, Phenytoin).
Lastly, this medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (such as amylase or lipase tests), potentially causing inaccurate results. Ensure all healthcare professionals involved in your care are aware of your use of this drug.
What is the drug meperidine used for?
Meperidine is used for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It is an opioid analgesic that works by altering the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.
Why is meperidine not used anymore?
Meperidine is less commonly used today due to several concerns. It has a higher risk of causing central nervous system toxicity, such as seizures, especially with repeated dosing or in patients with renal impairment. Additionally, meperidine has a short duration of action and can interact with other medications, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. Safer and more effective alternatives are available, which has led to a decline in its use.
Why is Demerol off the market?
Demerol, known generically as meperidine, is not entirely off the market, but its use has significantly declined. This is due to concerns about its safety profile, including the risk of seizures, serotonin syndrome, and the potential for abuse and addiction. Additionally, meperidine has a short duration of action and can accumulate in the body, leading to toxic effects, especially in patients with renal impairment. As a result, many healthcare providers prefer alternative pain management options that have a more favorable safety profile.
What does meperidine do to the body?
Meperidine is an opioid analgesic that works by altering the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. It binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, leading to pain relief, sedation, and a sense of euphoria. It can also cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, constipation, and respiratory depression.
Is meperidine the same as Demerol?
Yes, meperidine is the generic name for the brand name drug Demerol. They are the same medication.