Generality
Meperidine - also known as pethidine - is a drug belonging to the class of opioid analgesics.
It is a synthetic drug with an analgesic power equal to one tenth of that of morphine.
Meperidine - Chemical Structure
Meperidine has a rapid onset of action and a short duration of action and - unlike other opioid analgesics - can also be used in obstetrics.
Since meperidine has poor oral bioavailability, parenteral administration is preferred.
