MeperidineDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Cattle, Dogs and Horses.

Synthetic phenylpiperidine opioid analgesic; a weak mu-receptor agonist with a short duration of action. Meperidine has been used as a sedative/analgesic in small animal species for both postoperative pain and medical conditions, such as acute pancreatitis and thermal burns; however, other opioids are usually preferred as meperidine has a short analgesic duration and can cause significant histamine release. Meperidine is occasionally used in horses and other large animal species for pain control; how

Meperidine is an opioid agonist with activity at the mu-OP3 receptor. It has ≈20% to 25% the potency of morphine. Receptors for opioid analgesics are found in high concentrations in the limbic system, spinal cord, thalamus, hypothalamus, striatum, and midbrain. The GI tract, urinary tract, and other smooth muscle tissues also contain opioid receptors.

Meperidine is contraindicated in patients that are hypersensitive to narcotic analgesics and in patients currently receiving or that have received monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within 14 days. Avoid use in patients with diarrhea caused by toxic ingestion until the toxin is eliminated from the gastric tract.

Meperidine may be irritating when administered SC. Severe hypotension can occur with rapid IV administration. Meperidine can cause pronounced histamine release, particularly with IV administration. At usual doses, the primary concern is the effect meperidine has on respiratory function. Decreased tidal volume, depressed cough reflex, and the drying of respiratory secretions may all have a detrimental effect on susceptible patients.

■ Respiratory rate and depth; ETCO2; pulse oximetry (SpO2) ■ Heart rate ■ CNS level of depression/excitation 834 Mepivacaine ■ Blood pressure (especially with IV use) ■ Analgesic efficacy ■ Body temperature