Demerol

Here’s a general information overview about Demerol (Meperidine):

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🔹 What is Demerol?

Demerol is the brand name for meperidine, a prescription opioid pain medication. It has historically been used to treat moderate to severe pain, especially in hospital settings (e.g., post-surgery, during labor, or for acute pain episodes).

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🔹 How it Works

Demerol binds to mu-opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, changing how the body perceives pain. It provides analgesia (pain relief) and sedation.

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🔹 Common Medical Uses

• Moderate to severe acute pain
• Pain management in surgical and obstetric settings (e.g., labor pain)
• Sometimes used for patients who cannot tolerate other opioids

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🔹 Benefits

• Provides effective pain relief
• Rapid onset of action
• Available in oral, injectable, and liquid forms

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🔹 Possible Side Effects

• Drowsiness, dizziness, sedation
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation
• Sweating, dry mouth
• Respiratory depression (slowed breathing) in higher doses
• Confusion, mood changes

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🔹 Important Precautions

• Not commonly used long-term due to risk of toxic metabolite (normeperidine) buildup, which may cause seizures
• High risk of dependence, tolerance, and misuse (like other opioids)
• Should never be mixed with alcohol, sedatives, or certain antidepressants (risk of serotonin syndrome)
• Requires close medical supervision, especially in elderly or patients with kidney/liver impairment

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👉 Summary:
Demerol (meperidine) is an older opioid pain medication that provides effective relief for moderate to severe pain. However, due to its side effect risks and potential for toxicity with long-term use, it is now less commonly prescribed, often reserved for specific hospital or short-term situations.

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Would you like me to also give you a comparison of Demerol vs. Morphine or Dilaudid, so you can see how it differs in strength and safety?