ALS MEDICATION

Meperidine (Demerol)

Class of Drug

Narcotic analgesic

INIDCATIONS

1. Moderate to severe pain

CONTRAINDICATIONS

1. Hypersensitivity

2. Recent MAO inhibitor use

3. Use cautiously in:

1. Head injury

2. Severe hepatic, renal, and pulmonary disease

3. Undiagnosed abdominal pain

4. Elderly or debilitated patients

5. Multi-system trauma patients

DRUG INTERACTION

1. Fatal reactions with MAO inhibitors and procarbazine (seizures)

2. Additive effects with other CNS depressants

ADMINISTRATION

Adult: (25-50 mg) IVP, (50-100 mg) IM

Pediatricc: (0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg) IV, (1 mg/kg) IM

On-line medical control should be contacted before administering

PRECAUTIONS

1. May cause nausea and vomiting

2. Hypotension and respiratory depression may occur

Note: For IV use diluted in NS to 10 mg/ml, give very slow IVP to reduce nausea and vomiting