Major Research Findings

Meperidine injection is a common pain reliever used to reduce pain after surgery. However, multiple studies have shown that meperidine injection carries the risk of side effects. 2 showed that while meperidine was used to reduce pain after surgery, the higher the dose, the higher the risk of side effects. 3 demonstrated that meperidine used for spinal anesthesia resulted in reported side effects like respiratory depression and decreased blood pressure. Additionally, 1 compared meperidine and hydromorphone, indicating that meperidine is more likely to cause dizziness than hydromorphone.

Reasons for Side Effects

Meperidine's side effects may stem from its mechanism of action. Meperidine acts on opioid receptors, alleviating pain while potentially triggering side effects like respiratory depression, blood pressure reduction, nausea, and vomiting.

Common Side Effects

Fatigue

Meperidine injection can cause fatigue. In 3 , the incidence of fatigue after meperidine administration was 27%.

Pruritus

Meperidine injection can cause pruritus. In 3 , the incidence of pruritus after meperidine administration was 20%.

Nausea

Meperidine injection can cause nausea. In 3 , the incidence of nausea after meperidine administration was 7%.

Respiratory Depression

Meperidine injection can cause respiratory depression. In 3 , the incidence of respiratory depression after meperidine administration was 15%.

Hypotension

Meperidine injection can cause hypotension. In 3 , the incidence of hypotension after meperidine administration was 15%.

Dizziness

Meperidine injection can cause dizziness. In 1 , the incidence of dizziness after meperidine administration was higher than in the hydromorphone group.

Measures to Address Side Effects

Fatigue

To alleviate fatigue, adequate rest and sleep are crucial. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol and staying adequately hydrated are also beneficial.

Pruritus

Taking antihistamines can effectively reduce pruritus. Cooling the affected area can also be effective.

Nausea

Taking anti-nausea medications can effectively reduce nausea. Eating small meals can also be beneficial.

Respiratory Depression

Respiratory depression is a serious side effect, requiring adherence to the doctor's instructions and providing respiratory assistance as needed. It is essential to monitor breathing status closely during meperidine administration.

Hypotension

Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for preventing hypotension. Monitoring blood pressure regularly and reporting it to the doctor during meperidine administration is also vital.

Dizziness

If experiencing dizziness, resting is recommended. When standing up or moving, caution is advised. Staying adequately hydrated is also beneficial.

Comparison between Studies

Commonalities

These studies show that meperidine injection carries a risk of side effects. They also show that the incidence of side effects after meperidine administration varies depending on the dosage and administration method.

Differences

These studies show some differences in the type and incidence of meperidine side effects. 3 reports serious side effects like respiratory depression and hypotension, while 1 reports relatively mild side effects like dizziness. This could be due to differences in the target disease, age, meperidine dosage, and administration methods.

Important Notes for Applying Findings to Real Life

While meperidine injection is a common pain reliever used to reduce pain after surgery, it's essential to understand the risk of side effects. When receiving meperidine injection, it is vital to discuss the risk of side effects with your doctor and report any side effects promptly.

Limitations of Current Research

While these studies offer valuable information about the side effects of meperidine injection, they have some limitations. Firstly, these studies are relatively small in scale and have a small sample size. Additionally, these studies targeted patients with specific diseases and age groups, making it unclear whether the results can be generalized to other patient groups.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed on the side effects of meperidine injection. Studies investigating the relationship between meperidine dosage, administration method, incidence of side effects, and measures to address side effects are particularly needed.

Conclusion

Meperidine injection is a common pain reliever used to reduce pain after surgery, but it is crucial to understand the risk of side effects. When receiving meperidine injection, it is essential to discuss the risk of side effects with your doctor and report any side effects promptly. Further research on the side effects of meperidine injection is needed.