What is Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose?

• Meperidine hydrochloride is a pain reliever (for moderate to severe pain). It is sold as Demerol and Mepergan Forte among others
• Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose is the accidental or intentional intake of the drug in dosage higher than prescribed quantities
• The condition is diagnosed based upon the clinical history, combination of signs and symptoms, and additional tests (that may include, in some cases, radiological studies and laboratory tests)

What are the Causes of Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose?

• Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose is caused by the intake of meperidine hydrochloride containing drug in dosage that is higher than prescribed
• This intake could be accidental, or in some cases intentional, to bring self-harm

Note: The drug can interact with other prescribed or non-prescribed medications in the body. Such interactions may enhance the therapeutic effects of the drug or other medications being taken, resulting in undesired side effects (such as an overdose).

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose?

The signs and symptoms of Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose can vary from one individual to another. It may be mild in some and severe in others. Several systems of the body, such as the muscular system, digestive system, nervous system, vascular system, and ENT may be affected.

The signs and symptoms of Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose may include:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Muscle spasms including stomach cramps
• Depressed breathing rate and reduced pulse rate
• Reduced blood pressure (hypotension)
• Dizziness and disorientation
• Sleepiness
• Bluish discoloration of fingernails and lips; discolored tongue
• Constricted pupils
• Seizures
• Coma

How is First Aid administered for Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose?

First Aid tips for Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose:

• Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose can be a life-threatening condition. If someone is suspected to have overdosed on meperidine hydrochloride, call 911 (or your local emergency help number) immediately
• Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (or your local poison control center) for further instructions
• Provide them with information such as dosage, type of drug taken, strength and time of ingestion of medication, age, weight and general health status of affected individual
• Confirm that the airways are protected; also, ensure breathing and the presence of pulse
• Unless instructed by a healthcare professional, DO NOT induce vomiting in the affected individual
• Take individual to emergency room (ER) for further treatment
• Always try to take the medication strip/bottle/container to the ER

The emergency medical health professional might perform the following steps towards treating the condition:

• Gastric lavage for elimination of drug from the stomach (irrigation using special solutions)
• Administer suitable medicines/antidote to counter the drug effects
• Medically manage symptoms, such as abnormal heart rate and low blood pressure
• Provide breathing support, if necessary
• Administer activated charcoal to avoid absorbance of drug in the body
• Administer laxatives for elimination of drug from the body
• Administer fluids by an intravenous drip line

Who should administer First Aid for Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose?

First aid for Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose is administered by healthcare professionals.

• The individual who overdosed, or someone near, should call 911 for emergency assistance (or the local emergency number)
• They should also call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (or the local poison control center) and follow instructions

What is the Prognosis of Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose?

• The prognosis of Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose is dependent on the amount of drug consumed, time between overdose and treatment, severity of the symptoms, as well as general health status of the patient
• If the individual can recover from the symptoms with appropriate medication and support within the first 24 hours, the outcome is generally good
• In case of severe respiratory and cardiac symptoms, it may result in complications and considerably worsen the outcome

In general, overdoses are common situations in the emergency departments. A majority of the cases are often not fatal, when appropriate treatment is given.

How can Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose be Prevented?

Meperidine Hydrochloride Overdose can be prevented by:

• Always taking the right dose of medication at recommended times
• Avoiding drugs that might interact with meperidine hydrochloride
• Talking to your healthcare provider, if recommended dose of meperidine hydrochloride does not provide adequate relief
• Refrain from self-medication
• Exercising caution while taking multiple drugs with meperidine hydrochloride
• Keeping medications out of reach of children in child-proof containers
• For older individuals and those who tend to be forgetful, medications should be stored in single dose containers with time labels, to avoid multiple dosage
• Monitor intake of this drug especially in patients, who have depression or harbor suicidal thoughts and behavior

It is important to give your healthcare provider a complete list of prescription and non-prescription medications that are being currently taken. This will help them in assessing the possible drug interactions within various medications and help avoid/prevent accidental or unintentional toxic drug effects.

What are certain Crucial Steps to be followed?

• Call 911 (or your local emergency number) for emergency assistance, if symptoms are life-threatening
• Call Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (or the local poison control center) and follow the recommend steps
• It would be helpful if the following information is readily available:
  • Type, dosage and time of administration of medication
  • Age and weight of the individual
  • And, the overall health status of the individual