Active Ingredients: Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection Representative Names: Demerol Injection
What is meperidine injection? MEPERIDINE (Demerol®) relieves moderate to severe pain. Meperidine may be used to control pain following surgery, child birth, and other procedures. Meperidine may also be used to treat pain associated with cancer, heart attacks, sickle cell disease, other medical conditions and helps induce and maintain anesthesia. Federal law prohibits the transfer of meperidine to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic meperidine injections are available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive meperidine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •diarrhea •glaucoma •heart disease •intestinal disease •kidney disease •liver disease •lung disease or breathing difficulties •pain or difficulty passing urine •prostate problems •seizures •an unusual or allergic reaction to meperidine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Meperidine is for injection into a muscle or under the skin or into a vein. The injection is usually given by a health-care professional in a clinic or hospital setting. If your prescriber or health care professional prescribes meperidine for around-the-clock relief of pain, you may be shown how to give yourself injections. Follow the directions carefully. Dispose of all injection equipment safely. Do not share this medicine with any one.
What drug(s) may interact with meperidine? (Back to top) •acyclovir •furazolidone •linezolid •medicines for high blood pressure •medicines called MAO inhibitors-phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®) •medicines for seizures •procarbazine •other medicines for depression, such as SSRIs •ritonavir •selegiline •valacyclovir Because meperidine causes drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of meperidine. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are: •alcohol and alcohol containing medicines •barbiturates such as phenobarbital •certain antidepressants and tranquilizers •certain antihistamines used in cold medicines •muscle relaxants
What side effects may I notice from taking meperidine? (Back to top) Some side effects can be eased if you lie down after taking your medicine. Rare or uncommon: •cold, clammy skin •difficulty breathing, wheezing •irregular heartbeat, palpitations •seizures •severe rash •unusual weakness More common: •confusion •lightheadedness or fainting spells •nervousness or restlessness •difficulty passing urine Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •blurred vision •constipation •drowsiness, dizziness •flushing •dry mouth •headache •nausea, vomiting
Where can I keep my medicine? Keep out of the reach of children in the original container. Do not share or give this medicine to anyone else. Avoid accidental swallowing of meperidine by someone (especially children) other than the person for whom it was prescribed as this may result in severe effects and possibly death.
Questions...
Was the Demerol Vial found in the room?
How many holes were in the self healing rubber top from syringes being poked into it?
Where in the syringe?
Who's finger prints where on the syringe, Demerol Vial, and cotton swab wrapper if one was used?
Who name was on the Demerol?
If no syringe was found in the room - then why is that? (if she injected herself with it why not leave it in the room untouched?)