Download the cheat: https://bit.ly/50-meds View the lesson: https://bit.ly/MeperidineDemerolNursingConsiderations   Generic Name meperidine

Trade Name Demerol

Indication moderate to severe pain, sedation

Action Binds to opiate receptors in the CNS and alters perception of pain while producing a general depression of the CNS.

Therapeutic Class Opioid Analgesic

Pharmacologic Class opioid agonists

Nursing Considerations • may cause alterations in mentation, hypotension, constipation, nausea, vomiting
• assess BP, pulse, and respiratory rate prior to administration and frequently during
administration
• use caution if patient is receiving MAOIs
• Narcan (naloxone) is the antidote for opioid agonists
• can cause seizure
• may increase pancreatic enzyme levels
• assess bowel function