Demerol hydrochloride 50mg

What is Demerol hydrochloride 50mg?

Demerol hydrochloride 50mg (Meperidine) is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.

Meperidine is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain.

Meperidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Demerol hydrochloride 50mg (meperidine)?
You should not use meperidine if you have severe asthma or breathing problems.

Meperidine can slow or stop your breathing, and may be habit-forming. Use only your prescribed dose. Never share meperidine with another person.

MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.

Meperidine may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother has taken this medicine during pregnancy.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Demerol hydrochloride 50mg (meperidine)?
You should not use meperidine if you are allergic to it, or if you have severe asthma or breathing problems.

Do not use meperidine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Some medicines can interact with meperidine and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Be sure your doctor knows if you also take medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor before making any changes in how or when you take your medications.

To make sure meperidine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

any type of breathing problem or lung disease;
a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
a history of head injury, brain tumor, or seizures;
a history of drug abuse, alcohol addiction, or mental illness;
urination problems;
liver or kidney disease;
problems with your gallbladder, adrenal gland, or thyroid;
sickle cell anemia;
abnormal curvature of the spine that affects breathing; or
if you use a sedative like Valium (diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Tranxene, Versed, Xanax, and others).
It is not known whether meperidine will harm an unborn baby. Meperidine may cause breathing problems in your newborn if you use the medication during late pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Meperidine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using meperidine.

How should I take Demerol hydrochloride 50mg (meperidine)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Meperidine can slow or stop your breathing, especially when you start using this medicine or whenever your dose is changed. Never take meperidine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Meperidine may be habit-forming, even at regular doses. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Selling or giving away meperidine is against the law.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Do not stop using meperidine suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using meperidine.

Never crush or break a meperidine pill to inhale the powder or mix it into a liquid to inject the drug into your vein. This practice has resulted in death with the misuse of meperidine and similar prescription drugs.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Meperidine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Do not keep leftover meperidine pills or liquid. Ask your pharmacist where to locate a drug take-back disposal program. If there is no take-back program, flush any unused pills or liquid medicine down the toilet.

What happens if I miss a dose?
Since meperidine is used for pain, you are not likely to miss a dose. Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?
A meperidine overdose can be fatal, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include slow breathing and heart rate, severe drowsiness