Meperidine Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (meh-PAIR-id-een)
Meperidine Oral Uses
This medication is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Meperidine acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. This medication is a narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine.
How To Use Meperidine Oral
Take this medication by mouth, usually every 3 to 4 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. You may take this drug with or without food. If you have nausea, you may take this drug with food, although this may cause your body to absorb less of the drug and get less benefit from it. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1-2 hours with as little head movement as possible).
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
You may also take long-acting narcotic medications or use narcotic patches for ongoing pain if so directed by your doctor. In that case, this medication might be used for sudden (breakthrough) pain only as needed. Also follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions for safely using non-narcotic pain relievers (e.g., naproxen, ibuprofen). Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, if you suddenly stop this drug, withdrawal reactions may occur. Such reactions can include restlessness, runny nose, watering eyes, trouble sleeping, severe abdominal/muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and fast heartbeat. Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately. When stopping long-term, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Though very unlikely, this medication can also be habit-forming and may result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). To lessen the risk of becoming addicted, do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.
When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Inform your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.
