Meperidine
Also known as: Demerol, Pethidine, Alodan, Centralgine, Dolantin, Dolantina, Dolantine, Dolestine, Dolosal, Meperidine
> **Important:** Meperidine is a strong prescription pain medication (opioid) that is typically only used in a hospital setting under direct veterinary supervision. * **Short-acting:** This medication wears off very quickly in pets (often in less than an hour), so it is usually given as an injection during procedures rather than sent home. * **Side Effects:** May cause sleepiness, nausea, or drooling. If given by mouth, the liquid or tablets can be irritating to the mouth, especially in cats. * **Safety:** Never give your pet human pain medications or leftover meperidine without strict veterinary guidance, as overdoses can cause life-threatening breathing problems.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Perioperative pain
- Analgesia
- Pre-medication
- Post-op analgesia
- General Note
- Analgesia (mild to moderate pain)
- Restraining agent (preanesthetic)
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- Analgesia
- Moderate pain (Rabbits)
- Moderate pain (Rabbits/Rodents)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Respiratory depression
- Histamine release
- Bronchoconstriction (dogs)
- CNS depression
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased intestinal peristalsis
- Mydriasis (dogs)
- Salivation (especially cats)
- Physical dependence (chronic use)
- Tachycardia with PVCs (horses)
- Profuse sweating (horses)
- Hyperpnea (horses)
- Severe hypotension (if given IV rapidly)
- Hypotension (especially if given IV)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to narcotic analgesics
- Patients receiving monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Diarrhea caused by a toxic ingestion (until toxin is eliminated)
- Envenomations from Centruroides scorpion species, Gila monsters, or Mexican beaded lizards
- Intravenous (IV) administration
- Animals at risk from histamine release (e.g., skin allergies, asthma, mast cell tumours)
- > **Important Administration Note:** Many clinicians state meperidine should NOT be administered intravenously. If given IV, it must be given **very slowly** to avoid severe hypotension and histamine release. It may also be irritating when given SC. * **Extreme Caution:** Patients with respiratory disease or acute respiratory dysfunction (e.g., pulmonary edema secondary to smoke inhalation). * **Caution:** Hypothyroidism, severe renal insufficiency, adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease), geriatric or severely debilitated patients. * **Caution:** Head injuries or increased intracranial pressure, and acute abdominal conditions (e.g., colic) as it may obscure diagnosis. * **Equine Note:** May potentiate intestinal obstruction secondary to reduced intestinal motility.
Drug interactions
- CNS Depressants (anesthetics, antihistamines, phenothiazines, barbiturates, tranquilizers): May cause increased CNS or respiratory depression when used with meperidine.
- Diuretics: Opiates may decrease efficacy in CHF patients.
- Isoniazid: Meperidine may enhance INH adverse effects.
- Monamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (e.g., amitraz, selegiline): Contraindicated. Can cause severe opiate overdose signs; avoid meperidine for at least 14 days after receiving MAOIs.
- Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Meperidine may enhance neuromuscular blockade.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (clomipramine, amitriptyline): Meperidine may exacerbate the effects of tricyclic antidepressants.
- Warfarin: Opiates may potentiate anticoagulant activity.
- CNS depressants (anaesthetics, antihistamines, barbiturates, phenothiazines, tranquillizers): Increased CNS or respiratory depression
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Serious interaction resulting in coma, convulsions, and hyperpyrexia
Frequently asked questions
What is Meperidine used for in pets?
> **Important:** Meperidine is a strong prescription pain medication (opioid) that is typically only used in a hospital setting under direct veterinary supervision. * **Short-acting:** This medication wears off very quickly in pets (often in less than an hour), so it is usually given as an injection during procedures rather than sent home. * **Side Effects:** May cause sleepiness, nausea, or drooling. If given by mouth, the liquid or tablets can be irritating to the mouth, especially in cats. * **Safety:** Never give your pet human pain medications or leftover meperidine without strict veterinary guidance, as overdoses can cause life-threatening breathing problems.
Is Meperidine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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