• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

How should I take meperidine?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Never take meperidine in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Take meperidine with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.

Measure the liquid form of meperidine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not stop using meperidine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication. Store meperidine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Meperidine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

After you have stopped using this medication, flush any unused pills down the toilet.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since meperidine is sometimes used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of meperidine can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, muscle weakness, confusion, cold and clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking meperidine?

Do not drink alcohol while you are using meperidine. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with meperidine. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol. Meperidine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What are the possible side effects of meperidine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;

• seizure (convulsions);

• cold, clammy skin;

• confusion;

• severe weakness or dizziness; or

• feeling light-headed, fainting.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• constipation;

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

• dizziness, headache;

• dry mouth;

• sweating;

• itching;

• urinating less than usual; or

• loss of interest in sex.

This list is not complete and other side effects may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

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