meperidine hydrochloride /meper″idēn/ , an opioid analgesic. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used to treat moderate to severe pain and to relieve pain and anxiety before or after surgery. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It is used with caution in many conditions, including head injuries, asthma, seizures, impaired renal or hepatic function, or unstable cardiovascular status. Concomitant use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. It is not used if the patient has convulsive disorders. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the most serious adverse effects are drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, seizures, constipation, sweating, respiratory and circulatory depression, and drug addiction.
