262 Meperidine
time of birth were tested for perception and thinking ability. On one test they
did worse than monkeys who had no meperidine exposure, and on another
test they did better. In humans, meperidine enters the milk of nursing moth-
ers, but the level is low enough to be considered safe for the infant.
Additional information.An injectable format of the drug called Mepergan
is intended for deep intramuscular administration. Intravenous injection can
diminish breathing and stop the heart. Subcutaneous administration can cause
sores at the injection site and even kill patches of skin. The product ingredients
include sodium metabisulfite, to which some persons have a dangerous al-
lergy. Mepergan is to be used cautiously by asthmatics.
Additional scientific information may be found in:Clark, R.F., E.M. Wei, and P.O. Anderson. “Meperidine: Therapeutic Use and Toxicity.”
The Journal of Emergency Medicine13 (1995): 797–802.
Henderson, M.E. “Central Nervous System Effects of Meperidine.”Hospital Pharmacy
20 (1985): 934.
Korttila, K., and M. Linnoila. “Psychomotor Skills Related to Driving after Intramus-
cular Administration of Diazepam and Meperidine.”Anesthesiology42 (1975):
685–91.
Miller, R.R., and H. Jick. “Clinical Effects of Meperidine in Hospitalized Medical Pa-
tients.”Journal of Clinical Pharmacology18 (1978): 180–89.
Zacny, J.P., et al. “Subjective, Behavioral and Physiological Responses to Intravenous
Meperidine in Healthy Volunteers.”Psychopharmacology111 (1993): 306–14.