Meperidine / pethidine (injection)

🧮 Dose calculator

Severe pain requiring an opioid · Regimen source: FDA Meperidine inj. · 2.2

• • Titrate to response. Label pediatric dose: 0.5–0.8 mg/lb (about 1.1–1.8 mg/kg) up to the adult dose — but the label says safety below 18 is not established. FDA Meperidine inj. · 2.2FDA Meperidine inj. · 8.4

Enter age (weight is optional for this regimen).

👥 Special populations

• 🤰 PregnancyDangerous / avoid

  Label: can cause fetal harm. Dangerous in pregnancy. FDA Meperidine inj. · Boxed Warning

  “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.”

• 🤱 BreastfeedingUse with caution

  Label: use with caution while breastfeeding; see the label text. FDA Meperidine inj. · 8.2

  “Risk Summary Meperidine appears in the milk of nursing mothers receiving the drug.”

• 👶 ChildrenSafety not established

  Label: safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. FDA Meperidine inj. · 8.4

  “The safety and efficacy of Meperidine Hydrochloride Injection in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.”

• 👴 Older adultsUse with caution

  Label: use with caution in older adults, usually starting at the low end of the dose range. FDA Meperidine inj. · 8.5

  “In general, use caution when selecting a dosage for an elderly patient, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.”

• ⚥ Females & males of reproductive potentialUse with caution

  Label has advice on pregnancy testing, contraception or fertility for females and males. FDA Meperidine inj. · 8.3

  “Infertility Use of opioids for an extended period of time may cause reduced fertility in females and males of reproductive potential.”