How does Demerol work...?

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Specializes in Staff Dev--Critical Care & Trauma.

Anyone know the way that Demerol works to control rigors? I have a student with me and I don't know the answer to this one.

Thanks.

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Specializes in renal,peritoneal dialysis, medicine.
Anyone know the way that Demerol works to control rigors? I have a student with me and I don't know the answer to this one.

Thanks.

at a guess i would say that as it is narcotic it would relax the muscles and control the shaking

just a guess i may be wrong

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Demerol actually causes seizures in some pts due to normeperidine buildup.. Since it works through the kidneys directly on the nervous system....pts w/ impaired kidney function or the elderly should keep way from it.

Just some info. :) I read lots on Demerol since I use it from time to time.

Z

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Anyone know the way that Demerol works to control rigors? I have a student with me and I don't know the answer to this one.

Thanks.

If the "rigors" you are referring to are the shakes some patients can get after surgery, the answer is "we don't really know." A lot of theories have been advanced as to how demerol works for this, especially as to why it is so much more effective than any other narcotic. But noone really knows the answer.

Kevin McHugh

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