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Reduce Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) Involving Narcotics and Sedatives:
Eliminate Use of Meperidine

Meperidine, usually prescribed for pain relief, is known to have some undesirable side effects that may lead to adverse drug events (ADEs). Use other narcotic medications that provide adequate pain relief without these risks. Many organizations have eliminated the use of meperidine entirely, so consider doing the same in your organization.


Tips
  • Remove meperidine from protocols and pre-printed orders as a first step, if there is reluctance to eliminate it entirely. When it is not there as a choice, many prescribers will not even miss it, and usage will drop.
  • Review data on usage of meperidine, especially after removing meperidine as a choice. If usage is low, physicians may be more likely to support its removal from the hospital formulary.