MEPERIDINE

Do not use this drug:

• If you are allergic to any ingredient in Meperidine
• If you have severely slow or difficult breathing
• If you have taken a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, Phenelzine) within the last 14 days
• If you are taking Ritonavir, Sibutramine, or Sodium Oxybate (GHB)

Common side effects may include:

• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Headache
• Extreme Calm
• Mood Changes
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach Pain or Cramps
• Constipation
• Dry Mouth
• Flushing
• Sweating
• Changes in Vision

Notify your doctor promptly if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.

Your doctor may have prescribed this medication because he or she judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Serious side effects may include:

• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of Appetite
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Inability to Get or Keep an Erection
• Irregular Menstruation
• Decreased Sexual Desire
• Slow or Difficult Breathing
• Shaking Hands that you Cannot Control
• Seizures
• Changes in Heartbeat
• Difficulty Urinating
• Fainting
• Rash
• Hives

Precautions

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor or pharmacist:

• If you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies.
• All prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
• If you are to undergo any surgery.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Your medical condition and history, especially of:
  • Alcohol or Drug Abuse
  • Addison’s Disease (A Condition in which the Body does not Produce Certain Important Chemicals)
  • A Head Injury or a Problem with Pressure in your Head Or Brain
  • Mental Illness
  • Asthma
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Sickle Cell Anemia (A Blood Disease)
  • Pheochromocytoma (A Type of Tumor)
  • An Abnormally Curved Spine, Especially if it Causes Breathing Problems
  • Enlarged Prostate
  • Urethral Stricture (Narrowing of the Opening through which Urine Leaves the Body)
  • Irregular Heartbeat
  • Seizures
  • Stomach Problems
  • Thyroid, Liver, Kidney, or Lung Disease

This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision. Avoid activities requiring alertness or clear vision such as driving until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit the use of alcohol and certain other medications that cause drowsiness.

Older adults and children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, drowsiness, mental or mood changes, constipation, fast heartbeat, trouble urinating, or blood pressure changes. This drug may also decrease fertility.

Interactions

Drug interactions may either lessen the effectiveness of this drug or heighten the risk for severe side effects. It’s important to inform your doctor all the medication including prescription and non-prescription and herbal medicines you are taking or going to take.

Possible interactions with this drug are:

• Mixed Narcotic Agonist/Antagonists (eg, Butorphanol, Pentazocine)
• Naltrexone
• Rifamycins (eg, Rifampin)
• Furazolidone
• MAOIs (eg, Phenelzine)
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, Fluoxetine)
• Sibutramine
• Acyclovir
• Cimetidine
• Phenothiazines (eg, Chlorpromazine)
• Phenytoin
• Ritonavir
• Muscle Relaxers (eg, Cyclobenzaprine)
• Sodium Oxybate (GHB)

Call emergency hotline if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Slowed Breathing
• Extreme Sleepiness
• Coma
• Loose or Floppy Muscles
• Cold or Clammy Skin
• Slow Heartbeat
• Nausea
• Blurred Vision
• Dizziness
• Fainting

Available brand/s:

• Pethidine