When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to meperidine, or if you have used an MAO inhibitor (Nardil®, Marplan®, Parnate®, Eldepryl®) within the past 2 weeks.

How to Use This Medicine:
Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If you receive this medicine through a needle or tube inserted into a vein (an IV injection), this medicine needs to be given slowly, so the needle will remain in place.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a phenothiazine medicine (such as Compazine®, Phenergan®, Serentil®, Thorazine®).
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma or other lung disease, heart rhythm problems, epilepsy, stomach or digestive problems, kidney disease, liver disease, low thyroid, Addison's disease, problems with urination, prostate problems, or have had a recent head injury.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Confusion, unusual thoughts, hallucinations.
• Extreme weakness.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Seizures.
• Shortness of breath, shallow breathing.
• Slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nausea, vomiting.
• Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot is given.
• Sweating.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088