Demerol is the brand name for meperidine hydrochloride, a synthetic opioid analgesic indicated for the management of acute moderate to severe pain. Originally developed in the 1930s, meperidine is chemically classified as a phenylpiperidine derivative and belongs to the opioid class of medications. Its clinical use has declined due to the availability of opioids with improved safety profiles, but it remains approved for specific medical situations.
Yes, Demerol is a synthetic opioid. It exerts its analgesic effects by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), altering the perception of and response to pain.
Demerol is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, indicating accepted medical use with a high potential for abuse and dependence. The term “narcotic” is often used interchangeably with opioids in a legal context.
Speak Confidentially
with an opiate detox treatment expert.
Meperidine primarily acts as a mu-opioid receptor agonist. Its analgesic effects are mediated through the inhibition of ascending pain pathways, the modification of the perception of pain, and the emotional response to pain.
Unlike many other opioids, meperidine is metabolized into normeperidine, an active metabolite with a longer half-life and potential neurotoxic properties. Accumulation of normeperidine, particularly in renal impairment or with chronic use, can lead to central nervous system excitation, including tremors and seizures.
Meperidine is indicated for the short-term relief of moderate to severe pain when alternative treatments are contraindicated or insufficient. It may be used in:
Due to the risk of accumulation of normeperidine and associated toxicity, meperidine is not recommended for chronic pain or for use in elderly or renally impaired patients.
Demerol shares many of the side effects common to opioids but also carries additional risks due to its unique metabolism.
Meperidine is contraindicated in patients who:
Extreme caution is advised in patients with:
Meperidine has several clinically significant drug interactions:
Speak With an Addiction Specialist
Exceptional Care & Better Outcome. Get In Touch With Us Today!
While meperidine is still approved and available in the United States, its use has become limited due to safety concerns and the availability of safer alternatives. Many hospitals and healthcare systems have removed it from formularies or restrict its use to very specific indications.
Yes, Demerol is still available by prescription in the United States but is not widely used as a first-line opioid analgesic. Prescribers are encouraged to use caution and evaluate risk-benefit when considering its use.
Demerol (meperidine) is a Schedule II controlled substance under federal law, denoting a high potential for misuse and dependence, but with accepted medical uses under strict prescribing regulations.
Demerol has a half-life of approximately 3 to 5 hours, while its metabolite normeperidine can remain in the system for significantly longer—especially in those with renal impairment.
Detection windows:
Purchasing Demerol online or using it without a prescription is illegal and dangerous. Counterfeit opioids may be adulterated with substances like fentanyl, increasing the risk of overdose and death. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any opioid medication.
Learn more about hospital-based Rapid Demerol detox and begin your path to renewed health and freedom.
Contact Waismann Method Opioid Treatment Specialists Today!
Side effects may include drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, constipation, respiratory depression, and, with high doses or chronic use, seizures due to metabolite accumulation.
It is used to treat acute moderate to severe pain, often in post-surgical or emergency care settings.
Yes. Demerol (meperidine) is a synthetic opioid analgesic.
Yes. It is classified as a Schedule II narcotic under U.S. federal law.
Schedule II — high potential for abuse, with accepted medical use under restriction.
Yes, though its use has become limited due to safety concerns.
It is still used in some medical contexts, but other opioids are preferred for most cases.
No. Morphine is generally considered more potent and effective.
Analgesic effects typically last 2 to 4 hours.
It is moderately potent but less so than morphine or hydromorphone.
No. Dilaudid is significantly stronger than Demerol.
Meperidine clears in about 24 hours, but its metabolite normeperidine may persist for days, particularly with impaired kidney function.
Discover the Latest Blogs on Addiction and Mental Health
Pain is a universal human experience, and for millions, pain and opioid painkillers have become a common issue. While these medications offer powerful relief, their
The Latest on New Opioid Prescription Laws As of 2025, states across the U.S. including Florida, Tennessee, and Michigan have enacted and updated New Opioid
Oxycodone, is a powerful prescription opioid used to manage moderate to severe pain. Whether you’re a patient, a healthcare provider, or someone facing a drug
