Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is a meperidine injection. It treats severe pain, including pain that happens during procedures, like surgery. You may hear it called by the brand name, 'Demerol'.

When a dose is given into your vein, it starts working right away. When a dose is given as a shot, it starts working in about 10 minutes. It is common for a dose to last for six hours.

Some side effects can occur. You will probably feel drowsy, so you should not do activities that require you to be alert. Also, you could feel dizzy or unsteady. This could cause you to fall down. So, you should always ask for help before standing. Other side effects include a dry mouth, nausea, sweating, flushing or itching. It can also cause severe constipation. You should ask your doctor how to prevent this. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your healthcare team.

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects can occur. Call for emergency help if you have any unusual changes to your body, like problems breathing, extreme sleepiness, fainting, stomach pain or swelling in your face or mouth. 

It is important to know that meperidine is an opioid medicine. People can become addicted to opioids after prolonged use. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose for the shortest time possible to treat your pain.    

Meperidine can have very serious drug interactions. Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take, and do not drink alcohol. Women should talk to their doctors before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding.

For best results with meperidine, talk to your healthcare team if you have any concerns.