Which cardiovascular effect is associated with meperidine?

Prepare for the Anesthesia Pharm Exam with our comprehensive study resources. Utilize flashcards and detailed multiple-choice questions complete with hints. Ace your exam and become proficient in anesthesia pharmacology!

Multiple Choice

Which cardiovascular effect is associated with meperidine?

Explanation:
Meperidine tends to increase heart rate because it has mild antimuscarinic activity that reduces parasympathetic (vagal) influence on the heart. It also releases less histamine than morphine, so it doesn’t cause the vasodilation and reflex changes that can lead to other heart-rate effects with some opioids. The net result is tachycardia, which is the most typical cardiovascular effect associated with meperidine. Bradycardia and arrhythmias are not the usual patterns here.

Meperidine tends to increase heart rate because it has mild antimuscarinic activity that reduces parasympathetic (vagal) influence on the heart. It also releases less histamine than morphine, so it doesn’t cause the vasodilation and reflex changes that can lead to other heart-rate effects with some opioids. The net result is tachycardia, which is the most typical cardiovascular effect associated with meperidine. Bradycardia and arrhythmias are not the usual patterns here.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy