Meperidine: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
Meperidine Hydrochloride Tablets and Oral Solution are indicated for the management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate.
- Data source
- FDA labeling via NIH DailyMed (label 15bc51a8…)
- Label version
- current
- Last reviewed
- 2026
Reported adverse reactions
Reactions listed in current FDA labeling, with the highest frequency reported across summarized placebo-controlled trials.
No structured frequency data available in current labeling. Consult the official label.
Labeled uses (from FDA prescribing information)
Meperidine Hydrochloride Tablets and Oral Solution are indicated for the management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration and persist over the course of therapy, reserve opioid analgesics, including Meperidine Hydrochloride Tablets and Oral Solution, for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain. Meperidine Hydrochloride Tablets or Oral Solution should not be used for the treatment of chronic pain. Use of Meperidine Hydrochloride Tablets or Oral Solution for an extended period of time may increase the risk of toxicity (e.g. seizures) from the accumulation of the meperidine metabolite, normeperidine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Meperidine used for?
FDA labeling lists the approved uses shown above under "Labeled uses." This summary is informational; only a qualified prescriber can determine whether a medication is appropriate for you.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of Meperidine?
Current labeling for this ingredient does not include a structured frequency table that we can reproduce. Review the official label linked below.
Does Meperidine require lab monitoring?
Monitoring needs vary. Ask your healthcare provider whether any lab tests apply while taking Meperidine.
Where does this information come from?
All clinical facts on this page were extracted from the current FDA-registered product labeling for this ingredient, published by manufacturers through NIH DailyMed. See the source link below.
Medical disclaimer: Educational content extracted from public FDA labeling. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.