Alternatives to meperidine
FDA shortage status is active for meperidine; 6 same-class SPL records are listed below for registry comparison only.
Brand: Demerol
meperidine class peers while FDA lists an active shortage
meperidine (Demerol) is on an FDA shortage listing while 6 other Opioid Analgesic SPL records remain in this registry peer set (class inventory 7). Labeled indication field for meperidine: Meperidine is used to manage acute pain that is severe enough to need an opioid pain medicine.
Top FAERS reaction fields for meperidine total 10,633 reports across 10 reactions, set beside codeine, fentanyl, hydromorphone. Counts are exposure-weighted submissions, not per-patient risk.
About meperidine
Meperidine is a strong pain medicine. It is used to treat severe, acute pain when other pain medicines are not strong enough.
Used for: Meperidine is used to manage acute pain that is severe enough to need an opioid pain medicine. It is for use when other treatments do not work well enough. Meperidine should not be used for chronic, long-lasting pain. Taking meperidine for a long time may increase the risk of seizures.
6 Opioid Analgesic peers (wide set)
codeine
RxCodeine Sulfate
This medicine is used to manage mild to moderate pain. It is for when an opioid medicine is appropriate. You should only use it if other pain treatments are not working well enough for you.
fentanyl
RxDuragesic, Actiq
Fentanyl Citrate Injection is used to manage pain during and after surgery. It can be used alone or with other medicines during general or regional anesthesia. It may also be used with oxygen for high-risk patients during certain surgeries.
hydromorphone
RxDilaudid
This medicine treats severe pain that requires an opioid pain medicine. It is for use when other treatments are not adequate. Do not use it for long periods unless your pain stays severe and other options are still not adequate. This medicine carries risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse.
morphine
RxMS Contin, Kadian
Morphine is used to manage severe pain in adults and children who weigh at least 110 pounds. It is for pain that requires an opioid medicine. It is used when other pain treatments are not strong enough or cannot be tolerated.
oxycodone
RxOxyContin, Roxicodone
Oxycodone is used to manage severe pain. It is for pain that requires an opioid medicine. You should only use it when other pain treatments are not enough. Talk to your doctor about other options if possible.
tramadol
RxUltram, ConZip
Tramadol extended-release tablets are used to manage severe, long-lasting pain. This medicine is for pain that requires an opioid and cannot be treated well with other options. It is not for pain that comes and goes.
meperidine vs codeine & fentanyl · FAERS reaction fields
FAERS top-reaction field "Pain" shows the widest count spread between meperidine and codeine, fentanyl, hydromorphone in this extract (20,882-report gap on that field). Counts are exposure-weighted submissions, not prevalence rates.
| Side Effect | meperidine | codeine | fentanyl | hydromorphone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Hypersensitivity | 3,249 | 807 | - | 2,840 |
| Pain | 1,248 | 279 | 7,250 | 22,130 |
| Nausea | 1,132 | 488 | 5,081 | 4,622 |
| Hyperhidrosis | 821 | - | - | - |
| Rash | 775 | 252 | - | - |
| Vomiting | 734 | 365 | 3,688 | 3,373 |
| Overdose | 719 | - | 5,720 | 22,994 |
| Hypertension | 677 | - | - | - |
"-" means no reports for that reaction. Report counts reflect total FAERS submissions, not prevalence rates.
meperidine shortage vs Opioid Analgesic peer index
Shortage status
FDA shortage listing is active for meperidine (status: Current). Peer rows remain a registry index, not a switch guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FDA list a shortage for meperidine while peers remain indexed? ▼
Registry note: Shortage listings and peer indexes are for registry orientation only. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not stop or change your medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Field note for meperidine: see also the generic vs brand label guide when reading Demerol SPL strings.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.