Meperidine duration of action is typically

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Multiple Choice

Meperidine duration of action is typically

Explanation:
Meperidine’s analgesic effect is typically 2–4 hours. After administration it acts fairly quickly, but the duration ends within a few hours because the drug is rapidly redistributed and metabolized. A key point to remember is its active metabolite, normeperidine, which can accumulate—especially with repeated dosing or in renal impairment—leading to CNS effects and potential seizures. So, the practical duration clinicians expect from a single dose is around 2–4 hours, not just minutes or many hours.

Meperidine’s analgesic effect is typically 2–4 hours. After administration it acts fairly quickly, but the duration ends within a few hours because the drug is rapidly redistributed and metabolized. A key point to remember is its active metabolite, normeperidine, which can accumulate—especially with repeated dosing or in renal impairment—leading to CNS effects and potential seizures. So, the practical duration clinicians expect from a single dose is around 2–4 hours, not just minutes or many hours.

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