Home/Medicines/Meperidine (Pethidine)

Meperidine (Pethidine)

Opioid Analgesic (Synthetic Phenylpiperidine)

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

1 available

Interactions

1 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Synthetic mu-opioid receptor agonist approximately 1/10th the potency of morphine. Also has local anesthetic properties (sodium channel blockade) and anticholinergic effects. No histamine release (unlike morphine). Short duration (1–2h).

At a glance

Class

Opioid Analgesic (Synthetic Phenylpiperidine)

Schedule

Controlled Substance

Storage

Store at room temperature; controlled substance storage

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Short-acting analgesic for brief procedures

Dose

3–5 mg/kg

Route

IM, IV, SQ

Frequency

q2–3h

🐈

Cat

Mild analgesic in cats

Dose

2–5 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q2–4h

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength

—

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature; controlled substance storage

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Respiratory ratePain scoresNeurological status (seizures with renal impairment)Duration of analgesia (very short)

Educational reference only

Interactions

Contraindicated — 1

Selegiline (L-Deprenyl)

contraindicated

Meperidine + MAO inhibitor: potentially fatal serotonergic crisis with hyperthermia, rigidity, seizures, cardiovascular collapse.

Management: ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATION. Never combine meperidine with any MAO inhibitor. Use alternative opioid (morphine, hydromorphone).

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Demerol

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Meperidine (Pethidine)?

Meperidine (Pethidine) is a opioid analgesic (synthetic phenylpiperidine) used in pets. Synthetic mu-opioid receptor agonist approximately 1/10th the potency of morphine. Also has local anesthetic properties (sodium channel blockade) and anticholinergic effects. No histamine release (unlike morphine). Short duration (1–2h).

›What is Meperidine (Pethidine) used for in pets?

Meperidine (Pethidine) is used in veterinary medicine for: Short-acting analgesic for brief procedures; Mild analgesic in cats.

›What is the Meperidine (Pethidine) dose for dogs?

For dogs, Meperidine (Pethidine) is typically dosed as follows — Short-acting analgesic for brief procedures: 3–5 mg/kg IM/IV/SQ q2–3h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Meperidine (Pethidine) dose for cats?

For cats, Meperidine (Pethidine) is typically dosed as follows — Mild analgesic in cats: 2–5 mg/kg IM q2–4h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Meperidine (Pethidine) need a prescription?

Meperidine (Pethidine) is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Opioid Analgesic).

Morphine Sulfate

Prototype full mu-opioid receptor agonist providing potent analgesia, sedation, and euphoria. Metabolized to active morphine-6-glucuronide (analgesic) and morphine-3-glucuronide (neuroexcitatory, poorly analgesic). Variable histamine release on IV bolus.

dogcat