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Meperidine Hydrochloride: Chemical Structure, Mechanism of Action, Uses & Side Effects

sachinkumar244
1 min read

Chemical Structure:

  • C15H21NO2 · HCl

Chemical Structure
Chemical Structure

Mechanism of Action:

  • Acts as a mu-opioid receptor agonist. It also has effects on the serotonin system, which can lead to serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs.

Uses:

  • Pain Management: Particularly for acute pain and used in anesthesia.

  • Shivering: Can be used to treat postoperative shivering.

Side Effects:

  • Serotonin Syndrome: When combined with serotonergic agents.

  • Typical Opioid Side Effects: Such as respiratory depression, sedation, nausea, and constipation.

  • CNS Excitation: May cause tremors, muscle twitches, and seizures, especially in higher doses or in renal impairment due to accumulation of its metabolite normeperidine.

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