USES Moderate to severe pain relief. Effects last 2 - 4 hours. Metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidney. Repeat every 3 - 4 hours, as needed. Administer slowly I.V. in 10 mg increments.
Most side effects occur with too rapid administration.
Keep patient quiet and reclining, both during and following administration, in an attempt to prevent nausea and vomiting. Consider concomitant administration of an antiemetic. Incompatible with aminophylline, barbiturates, heparin, cortisone preparations and sodium bicarbonate. Phenothiazines potentiate the action of Demerol. Monitor E.C.G. continuously.