Demerol
Pethidine (INN) or meperidine (USAN) (commonly referred to as Demerol but also referred to as: isonipecaine; lidol; pethanol; piridosal; Algil; Alodan; Centralgin; Dispadol; Dolantin; Dolestine; Dolosal; Dolsin and Mefedina is a fast-acting opioid analgesic drug. In the United States and Canada, it is more commonly known as meperidine or by its brand name Demerol.
Pethidine is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, and is delivered as its hydrochloride salt in tablets, as a syrup, or by intramuscular or intravenous injection. For much of the 20th century, pethidine was the opioid of choice for many physicians; in 1983 60% of doctors prescribed it for acute pain and 22% for chronic severe pain.
What is Demerol?
A) Demerol is a narcotic analgesic with effects similar to morphine; the most prominent of these involve the central nervous system and organs composed of smooth muscle. When prescribed it is used for relief of moderate to severe pain.
Q) How is Demerol used?
A) Demerol is manufactured in tablet and syrup form. Demerol tablets are white, round and convex (the 50mg tablet is scored).
Q) When are the effects of Demerol felt?
A) The effects of Demerol are felt 10-15 minutes after ingestion. The effects of Demerol are typically felt anywhere from 2-4 hours after ingestion.
Q) What side effects are associated with the use/abuse of Demerol?
A) Side effects of Demerol include: lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, respiratory depression, circulatory depression, respiratory arrest, shock, and cardiac arrest, euphoria, dysphoria, weakness, headache, agitation, tremor, uncoordinated muscle movements, severe convulsions, transient hallucinations and disorientation, visual disturbances, dry mouth, constipation, biliary tract spasm, flushing of the face, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitation, hypotension, urinary retention. An allergic reaction includes such side effects as: pruritus, urticaria, other skin rashes, wheal and flare over the vein with intravenous injection.
Q) Is Demerol considered addictive?
A) Yes, Demerol is addictive. When the user repeatedly uses Demerol they build a tolerance to the drug and this creates both a mental and physical addiction.
Q) What are the symptoms of a Demerol overdose?
A) The symptoms of a 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.
