Demerol

Alternative names

Meperidine hydrochloride overdose; Mepergan Forte

Definition

Poisoning from an overdose of meperidine.

Poisonous Ingredient

• meperidine
  

Where Found

• Demerol
  
• Mepergan Forte
  

Symptoms

• body as a whole
  o muscle spasticity
  o convulsions
  
• respiratory
  o difficulty breathing
  + slow and labored
  + shallow
  + no breathing
  o
  
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o pinpoint pupils
  
• skin
  o bluish fingernails and lips
  
• gastrointestinal
  o spasms of the stomach and/or intestinal tract
  o nausea
  o vomiting
  o constipation
  
• heart and blood vessels
  o weak pulse
  o low blood pressure
  
• nervous system
  o drowsiness
  o coma
  o dizziness
  

Home Treatment
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
  
• the time it was swallowed
  
• the amount swallowed
  
• it the medication was prescribed for the patient
  

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Use gastric lavage.
  
• Administer activated charcoal.