In the Meperidine + Hydroxyzine combination, what is the maximum dose of Meperidine?

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Multiple Choice

In the Meperidine + Hydroxyzine combination, what is the maximum dose of Meperidine?

When meperidine is given with hydroxyzine, the per-dose amount of meperidine must be kept small because of combined CNS effects and the potential for toxic metabolites. Meperidine has an active metabolite, normeperidine, which can accumulate and provoke CNS excitation, tremors, myoclonus, and seizures, especially with higher or repeated doses or in patients with reduced renal function. Hydroxyzine adds sedative and anticholinergic effects and can deepen respiratory depression. This combination raises the risk of serious CNS toxicity and respiratory compromise, so the maximum recommended single dose of meperidine in this context is 50 mg. Doses of 75 mg or 100 mg carry a greater risk of adverse effects, and 25 mg may be insufficient for analgesia when paired with a sedating antihistamine.

When meperidine is given with hydroxyzine, the per-dose amount of meperidine must be kept small because of combined CNS effects and the potential for toxic metabolites. Meperidine has an active metabolite, normeperidine, which can accumulate and provoke CNS excitation, tremors, myoclonus, and seizures, especially with higher or repeated doses or in patients with reduced renal function. Hydroxyzine adds sedative and anticholinergic effects and can deepen respiratory depression. This combination raises the risk of serious CNS toxicity and respiratory compromise, so the maximum recommended single dose of meperidine in this context is 50 mg. Doses of 75 mg or 100 mg carry a greater risk of adverse effects, and 25 mg may be insufficient for analgesia when paired with a sedating antihistamine.

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