Drug reference
meperidine
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Musculoskeletal (Opioids)
Mechanism of action
Narcotic agonist-analgesic of opiate receptors; inhibits ascending pain pathways, thus altering response to pain; produces analgesia, respiratory depression, and sedation
Common side effects
- Agitation
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Cardiac arrest
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Euphoria
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to drug or component of the formulation Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment Significant respiratory depression Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus
- Within 14 days of taking MAO inhibitors; if linezolid or IV methylene blue (MAOIs) must be administered, discontinue serotonergic drug immediately and monitor for CNS toxicity; may resume 24 hr after last linezolid or methylene blue dose, or after 2 weeks of monitoring, whichever comes first
Known interactions (4)
- isocarboxazid + meperidine Contraindicated
- meperidine + phenelzine Contraindicated
- meperidine + tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- linezolid + meperidine Major
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is meperidine?
meperidine belongs to: Musculoskeletal.
How does meperidine work?
Narcotic agonist-analgesic of opiate receptors; inhibits ascending pain pathways, thus altering response to pain; produces analgesia, respiratory depression, and sedation
What are the common side effects of meperidine?
Agitation, Constipation, Dizziness, Cardiac arrest, Bradycardia, Hypotension, Euphoria
Which drugs interact with meperidine?
isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid
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