Meperidine Hydrochloride

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Demerol, Meperidine Hydrochloride

Brand Names: Demerol, Meperidine Hydrochloride
Dosage Form: POWDER
Product Type: BULK INGREDIENT

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF MEPERIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF MEPERIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection exposes users to risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can also lead to overdose and death. Assess patient's risk before prescribing and reassess regularly for these behaviors and conditions. ( 5.1 ) Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with the use of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of Meperidine Hydrochloride are essential ( 5.2 ) Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. ( 5.3 , 7 ). If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery. ( 5.4 ) Concomitant use with CYP3A4 inhibitors (or discontinuation of CYP3A4 inducers) can result in fatal overdose of meperidine. ( 5.5 , 7 ) Concomitant use of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection with Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors can result in coma, severe respiratory depression, cyanosis and hypotension. Use of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection with MAO inhibitors is contraindicated. ( 4 , 5.6 , 7 ) Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions. [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection, especially during initiation or following a dose increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection are essential. [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Risks From Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Drug Interactions (7) ]. Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery. [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Cytochrome P450 3A4 Interaction The concomitant use of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection with all cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors may result in an increase in meperidine plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong adverse reactions and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression. In addition, discontinuation of a concomitantly used cytochrome P450 3A4 inducer may result in an increase in meperidine plasma concentration. Monitor patients receiving Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection and any CYP3A4 inhibitor or inducer. [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) , Drug Interactions (7) ]. Concomitant Use of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection with Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors Concomitant use of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors can result in coma, severe respiratory depression, cyanosis, and hypotension. Use of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection with MAO inhibitors within last 14 days is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.6) , Drug Interactions (7) ].

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection, USP is an opioid agonist, available as a sterile aqueous solution, for intramuscular, subcutaneous or slow intravenous administration. Each mL contains meperidine hydrochloride, either 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg in Water for Injection. Buffered with acetic acid-sodium acetate. pH 3.5-6.0. The meperidine hydrochloride chemical name is 4-Piperidinecarboxylic acid, 1- methyl-4-phenyl-,ethyl ester, hydrochloride. The molecular weight is 283.79. Its molecular formula is C 15 H 21 NO 2 ·HCl, and it has the following chemical structure. Meperidine hydrochloride is a white crystalline substance with a melting point of 186° C to 189° C. It is readily soluble in water and has a neutral reaction and a slightly bitter taste. The solution is not decomposed by a short period of boiling. Chemical Structure

What Is Meperidine Hydrochloride Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for preoperative medication, support of anesthesia, and obstetrical analgesia. Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for preoperative medication, support of anesthesia, for obstetrical analgesia, and for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use ( 1 ) Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, which can occur at any dosage or duration ( 5.1 ), reserve Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products]: Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate. Use of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection for an extended period of time may increase the risk of toxicity (e.g., seizures) from the accumulation of the meperidine metabolite, normeperidine. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, which can occur at any dosage or duration [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ], reserve Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options (e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products): Have not been tolerated or are not expected to be tolerated Have not provided adequate analgesia or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate. Use of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection for an extended period of time may increase the risk of toxicity (e.g., seizures) from the accumulation of the meperidine metabolite, normeperidine.

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Meperidine Hydrochloride should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks ( 2.1 ) Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals. Reserve titration to higher doses of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. ( 2.1 , 5 ) Many acute pain conditions (e.g., the pain that occurs with a number of surgical procedures or acute musculoskeletal injuries) require no more than a few days of an opioid analgesic. Clinical guidelines on opioid prescribing for some acute pain conditions are available. ( 2.1 ) Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments. ( 2.2 , 5.3 ) For Relief of Pain: Titrate the dose based upon the individual patients’ response to their initial dose of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection ( 2.2 , 5 ) Adults: 50 mg to 150 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 3 to 4 hours. ( 2.2 ) Children: 0.5 mg/lb to 0.8 mg/lb intramuscularly or subcutaneously up to the adult dose every 3 to 4 hours. ( 2.2 ) Preoperative Medication: Adults: 50 mg to 150 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously, 30 to 90 minutes before beginning anesthesia. ( 2.3 ) Children: 0.5 mg/lb to 1 mg/lb intramuscularly or subcutaneously up to the adult dose, 30 to 90 minutes before beginning anesthesia. ( 2.3 ) Obstetrical Analgesia: 50 mg to 100 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously; may be repeated at 1 to 3 hour intervals. ( 2.4 ) Do not abruptly discontinue Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection abruptly in a physically dependent patient. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see Warnings and Precautions (5) ] . Because the risk of overdose increases as opioid doses increase, reserve titration to higher doses of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. Many acute pain conditions (e.g., the pain that occurs with a number of surgical procedures...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Interactions with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Serotonin Syndrome with Concomitant Use of Serotonergic Drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15) ] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of meperidine were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. The major hazards of meperidine, as with other opioid analgesics, are respiratory depression and, to a lesser degree, circulatory depression; respiratory arrest, shock, and cardiac arrest have occurred. The most frequently observed adverse reactions include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. These effects seem to be more prominent in ambulatory patients and in those who are not experiencing severe pain. In such individuals, lower doses are advisable. Some adverse reactions in ambulatory patients may be alleviated if the patient lies down. Other adverse reactions include: Nervous System : Mood changes (e.g. euphoria, dysphoria), weakness, headache, agitation, tremor, involuntary muscle movements (e.g. muscle twitches, myoclonus), severe convulsions, transient hallucinations and disorientation, confusion, delirium, visual disturbances. Inadvertent injection about a nerve trunk may result in sensory-motor paralysis which is usually, though not always, transitory. Gastrointestinal: Dry mouth, constipation, biliary tract spasm. Cardiovascular : Flushing of the face, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitation, hypotension [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.18 ) ], syncope, phlebitis following intravenous injection. Genitourinary : Urinary retention. Allergic: . Pruritus, urticaria, other skin rashes, wheal and flare over the vein with intravenous injection. Hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis. Histamine release leading to hypotension and/or tachycardia, flushing, sweating, and pruritus. Other : Pain at injection site; local tissue irritation and induration following subcutaneous injection, particularly when repeated; antidiuretic effect. Serotonin syndrome : Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs. Adrenal insufficiency : Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Androgen deficiency : Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with chronic use of opioids for an extended period of time [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Hyperalgesia and Allodynia: Cases of hyperalgesia and allodynia have been reported with opioid therapy of any duration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]. Hypoglycemia: Cases of hypoglycemia have been reported in patients taking opioids. Most reports were in patients with at least one predisposing risk factor (e.g., diabetes). Most common adverse reactions were lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting and sweating. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. at 1-877-845-0689, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or...

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 1 includes clinically significant drug interactions with Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection. Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: Meperidine is contraindicated in patients who are receiving monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or those who have recently received such agents. Therapeutic doses of meperidine have occasionally precipitated unpredictable, severe, and occasionally fatal reactions in patients who have received such agents within 14 days. The mechanism of these reactions is unclear, but may be related to a pre-existing hyperphenylalaninemia. Some have been characterized by coma, severe respiratory depression, cyanosis, and hypotension, and have resembled the syndrome of acute narcotic overdose. Serotonin syndrome with agitation, hyperthermia, diarrhea, tachycardia, sweating, tremors and impaired consciousness may also occur. In other reactions the predominant manifestations have been hyperexcitability, convulsions, tachycardia, hyperpyrexia, and hypertension. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]. Intervention: Do not use Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection in patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. Intravenous hydrocortisone or prednisolone have been used to treat severe reactions, with the addition of intravenous chlorpromazine in those cases exhibiting hypertension and hyperpyrexia. The usefulness and safety of narcotic antagonists in the treatment of these reactions is unknown. Examples: Phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid Inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection and CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 inhibitors can increase the plasma concentration of meperidine, resulting in increased or prolonged opioid effects. These effects could be more pronounced with concomitant use of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection and CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 inhibitors, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection is achieved [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the meperidine plasma concentration will decrease [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ], resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to meperidine. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider dosage reduction of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor patients for respiratory depression and sedation at frequent intervals. If a CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 inhibitor is discontinued, consider increasing the Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal. Examples: Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g. ketoconizole), protease inhibitors (e.g.,...

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection is contraindicated in patients with: Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6 ) , Drug Interactions (7) ] Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] Hypersensitivity to meperidine (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] Significant respiratory depression. ( 4 ) Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment. ( 4 ) Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAIOs within the last 14 days. ( 7 ) Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus. ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to meperidine or to any other ingredients of the product. ( 4 )

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Prolonged use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Available data with Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage or adverse maternal outcomes. There are adverse outcomes reported with fetal exposure to opioid analgesics (see Clinical Considerations ). Formal animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with meperidine. Neural tube defects (exencephaly and cranioschisis) have been reported in hamsters administered a single bolus dose of meperidine during a critical period of organogenesis at 0.85 and 1.5 times the total human daily dose of 1200 mg. [see Data ] The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss or other outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the drug by the newborn. Observe newborns for symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Labor or Delivery Opioids cross the...

Overdosage

10 OVERDOSAGE Clinical Presentation Acute overdose with Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, hypoglycemia, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . In severe overdose, particularly by the intravenous route, apnea, circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest, and death may occur. Accumulation of normeperidine as in chronic use or possibly following introduction of a concomitant CYP3A4 inducer presents as excitatory syndrome including hallucinations, tremors, muscle twitches, dilated pupils, hyperactive reflexes, and convulsions. Treatment of Overdose In case of overdose, priorities are the reestablishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support techniques. The opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, are specific antidotes to respiratory depression resulting from opioid overdose. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to meperidine overdose, administer an opioid antagonist. Because the duration of opioid reversal is expected to be less than the duration of action of meperidine in Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection, carefully monitor the patient until spontaneous respiration is reliably re-established. If the response to an opioid antagonist is suboptimal or only brief in nature, administer additional antagonist as directed by the product's prescribing information. In an individual physically dependent on opioids,...

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING For Parenteral Use Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection, USP is clear and colorless and is available in the following packages: 25 mg/mL 1 mL Single Dose vials packaged in 25s ( NDC 0641-6052-25) 50 mg/mL 1 mL Single Dose vials packaged in 25s ( NDC 0641-6053-25) 100 mg/mL 1 mL Single Dose vials packaged in 25s ( NDC 0641-6054-25) Store at 20 ° to 25 °C (68 ° to 77 °F), excursions permitted to 15 ° to 30 °C (59 ° to 86 °F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.