Removing Meperidine from the Health-System Formulary—Frequently Asked Questions

Abstract

Meperidine is FDA-approved for relieving moderate to severe pain and has been widely used since its introduction in the 1930s. However, the drug is no longer considered a first-line analgesic. Many clinicians recommend that meperidine be removed from health-systems or that its use be restricted, due to concerns about adverse reactions, drug interactions, and normeperidine neurotoxicity. In addition, clinical evidence shows that meperidine has no advantage over other opioids for biliary colic or pancreatitis. The formulary status of meperidine has been extensively discussed at University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics. The Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee has been working with hospital staff to assess the impact of either removing meperidine from the formulary, or limiting its use. The Drug Information Service developed this document to help pharmacists respond to prescribers' questions and to alleviate the prescribers' concerns about these changes. Information is provided comparing meperidine with other opioids, including dosage equivalency, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, cost, adverse effects, and drug interactions. Where available, alternatives to meperidine are suggested for various indications.

Key Words:

• Meperidine
• formulary
• analgesia
• opioids
• normeperidine
• toxicity
• seizures
• rigors
• chilling
• conscious sedation
• drug interactions
• serotonin syndrome
• dosage equivalence
• CNS irritation
• analgesia
• opioids

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jane Chandramouli

Cherokee Layson-Wolf, PharmD, is Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. At the time that this review was conducted, she was a Community Care Pharmacy Practice Resident at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Perry G. Fine, MD, is Professor of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Associate Medical Director, Pain Management Center at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City; and National Medical Director, VistaCare, based in Scottsdale, AZ. This commentary is based on an article in Dr. Fine's VistaCare Palliative Medicine Monitor.

Jonathan R. Gavrin, MD, is the Internet editor for the Journal. He is Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine; Associate Member, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; and Associate Director for Clinical Anesthesia Services, Harborview Medical Center.

Perry G. Fine, MD, is Professor of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Associate Medical Director, Pain Management Center at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City; and National Medical Director, VistaCare, based in Scottsdale, AZ. This commentary is based on an article in Dr. Fine's VistaCare Palliative Medicine Monitor.