Avoid use in patients with diarrhea secondary to poisoning or infection. Use with caution in patients with respiratory depression or respiratory disease. Combining opioids with an MAOI may result in a severe hypertensive reaction. To be safe, ensure a 2-week washout period before using meperidine. If this is not possible, use with caution.
Naloxone reverses the effects of meperidine.
Dosage reductions may be needed in patients with renal dysfunction.