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Meptazinol
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About meptazinol
| Type of medicine | Analgesics |
| Used for | Pain |
| Also called | Meptid® |
| Available as | Tablets and injection |
Meptazinol is used to treat severe pain and is particularly useful for treating pain associated with labour and kidney problems. Meptazinol can also be used to ease pain before, during and after an operation.
Before taking meptazinol
Before taking meptazinol make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If the person prescribed this medicine is less than 12 years old.
- If you suffer from liver, kidney or prostate problems.
- If you suffer from respiratory (breathing) problems.
- If you suffer from thyroid problems.
- If you suffer from epilepsy or hypotension (low blood pressure).
- If you have recently suffered a serious head injury.
- If you have been constipated for more than a week or have any inflammatory bowel problems.
- If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a growth of the adrenal gland).
- If you have any alcohol or drug-related problems.
- If you have recently had a heart attack.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
- If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
How to take meptazinol
- Take meptazinol exactly as directed by your doctor.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
- Meptazinol can cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as wholegrain cereals, fruit, green leafy vegetables and drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day.
- Your doctor may prescribe a medicine with meptazinol to help with sickness if you suffer from this.
- Because meptazinol may be a controlled drug in some countries, if you are planning a trip abroad, check with the government department HM Revenue and Customs to see if you need any documentation for your medicine. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has a list of medicines that contain controlled drugs and can tell you the amount that you are allowed to take abroad. If you need to pack more of your medicine than you are allowed you will need to apply in writing for a licence from the Home Office before you travel.
Can meptazinol cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick | Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If vomiting continues to be a problem speak to your doctor. |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. If constipation continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor. |
| Drowsiness, dizziness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or dizzy. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness. |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. If this becomes troublesome speak to your pharmacist or doctor. |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor. |
| Sweating | Use a cold, wet flannel placed on the brow. If this continues to be a problem and prevents you from taking your medicine speak with your doctor. |
| Difficulty urinating (passing water), flushing (redness of the face), fast or fluttering heartbeat, seeing or hearing things that aren't real, mood changes, sexual problems or skin rashes | Speak with your doctor. |
How to store meptazinol
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
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