Definition

1. Noun:
   • A synthetic narcotic analgesic drug, the hydrochloride salt form of meperidine, used medically to treat moderate to severe pain. It is an opioid medication that acts on the central nervous system.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed meperidine hydrochloride for postoperative pain management.
  • Due to its potential for addiction, meperidine hydrochloride is a controlled substance.
  • The patient received an injection of meperidine hydrochloride to relieve the acute pain.

Advanced Usage

• Pharmaceutical Context: The term is primarily used in formal medical, pharmacological, and legal contexts to specify the chemical compound. In general clinical conversation, the brand name "Demerol" or the generic name "meperidine" is often used.
  • The hospital's formulary lists both meperidine and meperidine hydrochloride.

Variants and Related Words

• Meperidine (n): The base name of the drug, of which meperidine hydrochloride is a salt form.
• Pethidine (n): The international nonproprietary name (INN) for meperidine, commonly used outside of North America.
• Demerol (n): A former common brand name for meperidine hydrochloride (now often used generically).
• Opioid analgesic (n): The class of pain-relieving drugs to which this compound belongs.

Synonyms

• Narcotic analgesic
• Opioid pain medication

Notes on Meaning

• This term refers specifically to the pharmaceutical preparation. It is distinct from the broader category of opioids or the base compound "meperidine," though they are closely related. Its use highlights the specific salt form used in medication.

Noun

1. a synthetic narcotic drug (trade name Demerol) used to treat pain