meperidine and promethazine Health Article

Generic name(s):

meperidine and promethazine

Brand name(s):

meperidine-promethazine, Meprozine

What is the most important information I should know about meperidine and promethazine?

Before using meperidine and promethazine, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, kidney or liver disease, asthma or a sulfite allergy, a head injury or brain tumor, seizures, underactive thyroid, Addison's disease, glaucoma, urination or prostate problems, or a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

Do not take this medication if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take meperidine and promethazine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking meperidine and promethazine. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with a narcotic pain medicine. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol. Never take more than your prescribed dose of meperidine. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain. Meperidine and promethazine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not stop using meperidine and promethazine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication. Meperidine and promethazine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medication should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

What is meperidine and promethazine?

Meperidine is a narcotic pain reliever.

Promethazine is an anti-nausea medication.

The meperidine and promethazine combination is used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Meperidine and promethazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking meperidine and promethazine?

Do not use this medication if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take meperidine and promethazine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Meperidine and promethazine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medication should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Before using meperidine and promethazine, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder;

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• underactive thyroid;

• an allergy to sulfites;

• asthma or a breathing disorder;

• a history of head injury or brain tumor;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• glaucoma;

• Addison's disease;

• prostate enlargement or urination problems; or

• a history of drug or alcohol dependence or abuse.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use meperidine and promethazine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Meperidine and promethazine may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.