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Demerol (Meperidine): Medical Uses, Pharmacology, and Safety Profile

What Is Demerol?

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.

Is Demerol an Opioid?

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.

Is Demerol a Narcotic?

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.

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Mechanism of Action

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.

Clinical Indications

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:

  • Postoperative pain management
  • Obstetric analgesia during labor (though rarely today)
  • Adjunctive pain control during certain diagnostic or surgical procedures

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.

Pharmacokinetics

  • Onset of action: 10–15 minutes after intramuscular injection; faster with intravenous administration
  • Peak effect: Approximately 30–60 minutes
  • Duration of action: Typically 2–4 hours
  • Half-life: Meperidine: ~3–5 hours; Normeperidine: up to 15–30 hours (depending on renal function)

Side Effects of Demerol

Demerol shares many of the side effects common to opioids but also carries additional risks due to its unique metabolism.

Common Adverse Effects

  • Sedation
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth

Serious Adverse Effects

  • Respiratory depression
  • Hypotension
  • Serotonin syndrome (particularly when combined with SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs)
  • Seizures (associated with normeperidine accumulation)
  • CNS excitability (tremors, agitation)

Contraindications and Warnings

Meperidine is contraindicated in patients who:

  • Are currently using or have recently used monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Have a history of seizures or seizure disorders
  • Have significant respiratory depression or acute/severe bronchial asthma
  • Have known hypersensitivity to meperidine

Extreme caution is advised in patients with:

  • Renal or hepatic impairment
  • Elderly or debilitated individuals
  • Those with a history of substance use disorder

Interactions

Meperidine has several clinically significant drug interactions:

  • MAO inhibitors: Can cause fatal reactions, including convulsions, coma, and death
  • SSRIs/SNRIs/TCAs: Risk of serotonin syndrome
  • CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, alcohol): Enhanced sedative and respiratory depressive effects

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Is Demerol Still Used?

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.

Is Demerol Still Available?

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.

Legal Classification

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.

Duration and Potency

  • How long does Demerol last? The analgesic effect typically lasts 2 to 4 hours per dose.
  • How strong is Demerol? Meperidine is considered less potent than morphine on a milligram-per-milligram basis.
  • Is Demerol stronger than Dilaudid? No. Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is significantly more potent than Demerol.
  • Is Demerol stronger than morphine? No. Morphine is generally stronger and more effective for sustained analgesia.

How Long Does Demerol Stay in Your System?

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:

  • Urine: 2–3 days
  • Blood: Up to 24 hours
  • Hair: Up to 90 days (depending on testing methodology)

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.

Risks of Non-Prescribed Use

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Demerol FAQs

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.

  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine – MedlinePlus
    • Offers a clear summary of meperidine’s use, side effects, precautions, and interactions.
  2. FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
    • Official prescribing information and pharmacological data for Demerol (PDF link to FDA label).
  3. DEA Diversion Control Division – Controlled Substance Scheduling
    • Confirms Demerol’s classification as a Schedule II controlled substance.
  4. PubChem (NIH / NCBI)
    • Provides in-depth molecular structure, pharmacodynamics, and chemical data.
  5. CDC – Opioid Overdose Information
    • Background on opioid risks, overdose rates, and safety considerations.
  6. Mayo Clinic – Meperidine (injection route)
    • Trusted clinical information on administration, precautions, and side effects.

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