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Generic Name: meperidine

A narcotic analgesic - It is used to treat moderate to severe pain

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What is this medicine?

MEPERIDINE (me PER i deen) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

brain tumor
drug abuse or addiction
head injury
heart disease
kidney disease
liver disease
lung disease or breathing difficulties, including asthma
seizures
use within 14 days of a MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
an unusual or allergic reaction to meperidine or other opiate drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
procarbazine
ritonavir

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

acyclovir
alcohol or medicines that contain alcohol
antihistamines
barbiturates like phenobarbital
cimetidine
furazolidone
general anesthetics
linezolid
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
medicines for pain
medicines for sleep
muscle relaxants
naltrexone
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
phenytoin
valacyclovir

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All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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