MedicinecontrolledEssential

Pethidine

An opioid painkiller (meperidine) for severe short-term pain.

Clinical information

Common uses

acute pain severe enough to need an opioid

Common side effects

lightheadedness
dizziness
sedation
nausea or vomiting
sweating

Cautions

risk of addiction, misuse, overdose and death (boxed warning)
can cause life-threatening slowed breathing
never with or within 14 days of MAOI antidepressants

Interactions

MAOI antidepressants (contraindicated)
CYP3A4 inhibitor or inducer medicines (many common drugs)

Pregnancy: prolonged use can cause newborn withdrawal — specialist care needed

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, Meperidine Hydrochloride tablets and oral solution label (Hikma), setid 15bc51a8-1e24-4d33-9a2f-05a41c29acf0 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations4

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Demothine	Parenteral ( Injection )	50 mg/ ml	authorized medicine importers	controlled
Pethidine	Parenteral ( Injection )	50 mg/ml	authorized medicine importers	controlled
Pethidine	Parenteral ( Injection )	50 mg/ ml	authorized medicine importers	controlled
Pethidine	Parenteral ( Injection )	50 mg/ ml	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	controlled