Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Side Effects
CNS: agitation,
incoordination,
clouded sensorium,
dizziness,
euphoria,
lightheadedness,
sedation,
somnolence,
seizures,
hallucinations,
headache,
paradoxical
anxiety, physical
dependence,
syncope, tremor.
CV: bradycardia,
cardiac arrest,
shock,
hypotension,
tachycardia,
palpitations.
GI: biliary tract
spasms,
constipation, dry
mouth, ileus,
nausea, vomiting.
GU: urine
retention.
Musculoskeletal:
muscle twitching.
Respiratory:
respiratory arrest,
respiratory
depression.
Skin: diaphoresis,
pruritus, urticaria.
Other: induration,
local tissue
irritation, pain at
injection site,
phlebitis after I.V.
delivery.
breaths/minute, if respiratory
rate or depth is decreased, or if
change in pupils is noted.
If drug is stopped abruptly
after long-term use, monitor
patient for withdrawal
symptoms.
In postoperative patients,
monitor bladder function.
Monitor bowel function.
Patient may need a stimulant
laxative and stool softener.
Look alike-sound alike: Dont
confuse Demerol with Demulen.
Alert: Explain assessment and
monitoring process to patient
and family. Instruct them to
immediately report difficulty
breathing or other signs or
symptoms of an adverse opioidrelated reaction.
Encourage postoperative
patient to turn, cough, deepbreathe, and use an incentive
spirometer to prevent lung
problems.
Caution ambulatory patient
about getting out of bed or
walking. Warn outpatient to
avoid driving and other
potentially hazardous activities
that require mental alertness
until drugs CNS effects are
known.
Advise patient to avoid alcohol
and sleep aids during therapy.
Caution patient that drug isnt
intended for long-term use.