Tag: Normeperidine

First synthesized in 1939, meperidine (Demerol) was originally developed for its anticholinergic properties, but its potent pain-relieving effects were discovered during routine screening. So, **what class of drug is meperidine**, and why is it now used with caution?

According to the National Cancer Institute, Demerol (meperidine) is a synthetic opioid agonist used to treat moderate to severe pain by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. This confirms that is demerol an opioid, placing it in the same pharmacological class as other potent prescription painkillers and illicit substances like heroin.

First developed in 1939, meperidine (brand name Demerol) was once a widely used opioid analgesic, but its prescription has dropped by over 95% since the early 2000s due to significant safety concerns. This change reflects a better understanding of the drug's risks, including its toxic metabolite and severe drug interactions, which dictate its limited use today.