by Melody St. John

Created on: September 24, 2011   Last Updated: September 26, 2011

Meperidine hydrochloride, popularly known as Demerol first gained approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 10, 1942 to treat pain ranging from moderate to severe in intensity. Like morphine, this drug is classified as a narcotic pain reliever that requires a doctor’s prescription. Otherwise known as pethidine or isonipecaine,

meperidine works by altering the body’s perception of pain.

Demerol (meperidine) is available in various forms. It comes in the form of a tablet, a solution or syrup to be taken by mouth. It can also be given as a shot either injected into the muscle (intramuscular) or into the layer of fatty tissue under the skin (subcutaneous). This drug is also administered intravenously either diluted in an IV solution or directly into the vein.

The oral form of Demerol is used to alleviate pain. Both the subcutaneous and intramuscular forms work much faster than the oral form and are used to alleviate pain, relieve discomfort due to contractions during labor, or as a preoperative medication before a surgical procedure.

On the other hand, the intravenous form of Demerol provides the fastest route of administration enabling the drug to work much quicker. Intravenous Demerol (meperidine) is used in a clinical setting for the following purposes: relief of moderate to severe pain; alleviation of pain and discomfort caused by labor and child delivery; sedation prior to a surgical procedure (preoperative sedation); and as an adjunct to anesthesia (used with anesthetic drugs).

Although Demerol used to be a popular pain reliever, it is now rarely used. At present, many healthcare providers and medical facilities are not using the drug as often as before. This may be due in part to the fact that the effect of Demerol (meperidine) is rather short-lived (it often works to provide pain relief for only two hours or so); but the drug forms a toxic metabolite (normeperidine) that remains in the body much longer. Repeated use of Demerol can result in the accumulation of the toxic metabolite which in turn, can cause serious side effects.

The use of Demerol in the elderly who are at least 65 years of age has not been studied extensively to find out whether their response to the drug differs from that of younger subjects.  Thus this drug is not to be recommended to the elderly as much as possible. When this drug is used in an older adult, it is generally given in the lowest dose limits as this age group reflects a higher incidence of decreased liver, kidney or heart function; underlying medical condition, or concomitant use of other medications.

As a sedative, Demerol may cause confusion and oversedation in older people. Thus, they need to be started on low-dose therapy with this drug, and should be closely monitored. This drug is eliminated through the kidneys; hence the risk of its toxic effects may be higher in people whose kidney function is impaired.

Demerol (meperidine) may be habit-forming thus; it needs to be taken with proper medical advice and guidance. And if you’re taking the oral form, take the drug exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Demerol (meperidine) may be prescribed for other uses not mentioned here. Ask your doctor for information regarding other uses of this drug.

Learn more about this author, Melody St. John.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.