FDA Drug Shortage Database
Meperidine (Demerol) shortage
No meperidine presentation is listed as limited or unavailable in the FDA Drug Shortage Database (read October 8, 2026); it keeps 6 current entries listed as available (updated September 22, 2026). ASHP keeps a separate shortage list, which can differ.
- Generic listed
- Boxed warning
- DEA Schedule II
Check it at the source: the FDA Drug Shortage Database.
Which strengths are short?
| Strength | Limited or unavailable now | Listed now, available | Resolved or discontinued |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25mg/1ml injection | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 50mg/1ml injection | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 100mg/1ml injection | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Which presentations are listed?
Listed now, available (6)
| Presentation | Company | Status and dates | Availability and reason given |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demerol, Injection, 25 mg/1 mL (NDC 0409-1176-30) | Hospira, Inc., a Pfizer Company | Current posted May 30, 2025, updated September 22, 2026 | Available |
| Demerol, Injection, 50 mg/1 mL (NDC 0409-1178-30) | Hospira, Inc., a Pfizer Company | Current posted May 30, 2025, updated September 22, 2026 | Available |
| Demerol, Injection, 50 mg/1 mL (NDC 0409-1181-30) | Hospira, Inc., a Pfizer Company | Current posted May 30, 2025, updated September 22, 2026 | Available |
| Meperidine Hydrochloride, Injection, 100 mg/1 mL (NDC 0641-6054-25) | Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. | Current posted May 30, 2025, updated September 18, 2026 | Available |
| Meperidine Hydrochloride, Injection, 25 mg/1 mL (NDC 0641-6052-25) | Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. | Current posted May 30, 2025, updated September 18, 2026 | Available |
| Meperidine Hydrochloride, Injection, 50 mg/1 mL (NDC 0641-6053-25) | Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. | Current posted May 30, 2025, updated September 18, 2026 | Available |
Source: FDA Drug Shortage Database via openFDA, read October 8, 2026
Are medicines for the same conditions short too?
Medicines whose labels share an indication with this one, and their own shortage status; listed as records, not substitutes.
| Medicine | Shared indication | Shortage | Generic labelers | Pharmacy cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen and hydrocodone | Pain | No current entry | 36 labelers | $0.152 per tablet 10-325 mg tablet |
| Oxycodone | Pain | No current entry | 32 labelers | $0.0884 per tablet 5 mg tablet |
| Acetaminophen and oxycodone | Pain | A presentation being discontinued | 29 labelers | $0.183 per tablet 7.5-325 mg tablet |
| Tramadol | Pain | No current entry | 39 labelers | $0.0248 per tablet 50 mg tablet |
| Morphine | Pain | In shortage | 22 labelers | $0.226 per tablet 15 mg tablet |
| Acetaminophen and codeine | Pain | No current entry | 24 labelers | $0.256 per tablet 3 tablet |
| Hydromorphone | Pain | In shortage | 13 labelers | $0.219 per tablet 4 mg tablet |
| Methadone | Pain | No current entry | 18 labelers | $0.177 per tablet 10 mg tablet |
| Oxymorphone | Pain | No current entry | 9 labelers | n/a |
| Tapentadol | Pain | No current entry | 4 labelers | $14.48 per tablet 100 mg tablet |
| Hydrocodone | Pain | No current entry | 1 labeler | $7.95 per capsule 15 mg capsule |
| Acetaminophen and tramadol | Pain | No current entry | 11 labelers | $0.116 per tablet 37.5-325 mg tablet |
Source: FDA drug labels, FDA Drug Shortage Database, NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Every shortage now
- medicines by presentations in shortage