What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Cimetidine and meperidine
Meperidine's FDA label of November 29, 2025 names cimetidine in its drug interactions section; the cimetidine label PlainMeds reads does not name meperidine. The meperidine label: “The concomitant use of cimetidine may reduce the clearance and volume of distribution of meperidine also the formation of the metabolite, normeperidine, in healthy subjects”
Check it at the source: the cimetidine FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 15, 2026, Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.); the meperidine FDA label on DailyMed (effective November 29, 2025, EPIC PHARMA, LLC).
What does the cimetidine label say about meperidine?
Cimetidine's label (effective July 15, 2026) does not name meperidine in these sections. A label lists what its studies and reports found; it is not a complete list.
Source: FDA drug label (Cimetidine), Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., effective July 15, 2026 (SPL set 06c0a509-026f-44e0-9975-a94a8de51d43), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the meperidine label say about cimetidine?
Meperidine label, drug interactionsCimetidine Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of cimetidine may reduce the clearance and volume of distribution of meperidine also the formation of the metabolite, normeperidine, in healthy subjects. Intervention: If concomitant use of cimetidine and meperidine hydrochloride tablets is necessary, evaluate patients for respiratory depression and sedation at frequent intervals.
Source: FDA drug label (Demerol, NDA021171), Hospira, Inc., effective July 20, 2026 (SPL set b31d1308-28c3-43f4-e0a6-2f3ed76b8975), via openFDA
Source: FDA drug label (Meperidine Hydrochloride), EPIC PHARMA, LLC, effective November 29, 2025 (SPL set fae5cc34-5917-4445-9516-25f97ffca8db), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Cimetidine | Meperidine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Acid reflux and ulcers | Pain |
| Boxed warning | No | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $0.236 per tablet 300 mg tablet | $0.157 per mL 50 mg/5 mL solution |
| Shortage now | No current entry | Listed; available |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once