Demerol

Demerol slows brain activity and intensifies the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

If Demerol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Demerol with the following:

• Acyclovir
• Antidepressant drugs such as amitriptyline or imipramine
• Buprenorphine
• Butorphanol
• Cimetidine
• General anesthetics such as midazolam
• Major tranquilizers (phenothiazines) such as chlorpromazine and thioridazine
• MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressant drugs phenelzine and tranylcypromine.
• Muscle relaxants such as carisoprodol and chlorzoxazone
• Nalbuphine
• Other narcotic painkillers such as codeine and oxycodone
• Pentazocine
• Phenytoin
• Ritonavir
• Sedatives such as temazepam and triazolam
• Sleep aids such as zaleplon and zolpidem
• Tranquilizers such as alprazolam and diazepam

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Do not take Demerol if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant unless you are directed to do so by your doctor. Demerol appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage for Demerol

ADULTS

The usual dosage of Demerol is 50 milligrams to 150 milligrams every 3 or 4 hours, determined according to your response and the severity of the pain.

CHILDREN

The usual dosage is 1.1 milligrams to 1.8 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight, taken every 3 or 4 hours, as determined by your doctor.

It's best to consult your doctor before giving Demerol to newborns or very young infants.

OLDER ADULTS

Your doctor may reduce the dosage.

Overdosage

• Symptoms of Demerol overdose include:
  Bluish discoloration of the skin, cold and clammy skin, coma or extreme sleepiness, limp, weak muscles, low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, troubled or slowed breathing

With severe overdose, a person may stop breathing, have a heart attack, and even die.

If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.