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Compare Demerol vs. Stadol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Meperidine (Demerol) and butorphanol are both opioid medications used to relieve pain, but they have some key differences. Meperidine is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a higher potential for misuse and dependence compared to butorphanol, which is a Schedule IV controlled substance. Meperidine is available in tablet, oral liquid, and injectable forms, while butorphanol is available as a nasal spray and injection. Butorphanol acts as both an opioid agonist and antagonist, which means it activates some opioid receptors and blocks others to help lower pain. Both medications are intended for short-term use. Long term use can result in physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms and for those taking meperidine there is a higher risk of seizures. Both medications can cause serious side effects like slowed breathing and low blood pressure, and they should not be mixed with alcohol or other medications that cause drowsiness.

  • Demerol (meperidine)
    Butorphanol
  • Demerol (meperidine)
    Butorphanol

  • Summary of Demerol vs. Stadol

    Summary for Opioid
    Prescription only

    Demerol (meperidine) is an opioid medication that's typically used for pain when other treatment options haven't worked well. Your provider will work with you closely to find a safe dosage that can help relieve your pain. It shouldn't be used long term because of its serious risks and side effects, such as withdrawal if you stop the medication suddenly. Demerol (meperidine) is available as generic pill and liquid, as well as a brand-name and generic injection.

    Summary for Opioid agonist / Opioid antagonist
    Prescription only

    Butorphanol is an opioid medication used to relieve pain that hasn't responded well to other non-opioid pain medications. It's available as a generic nasal spray and as a generic injection. Brand name Stadol has been discontinued. Butorphanol is thought to have a lower risk of misuse compared to some other opioids and is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. Common side effects of the butorphanol nasal spray include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

  • Indications of Demerol vs. Stadol

    Indications for
    •Pain that isn't relieved by alternative treatments (e.g., non-opioid pain medications) alone
    Indications for
    •Pain that's not relieved by non-opioid medications
    •Anesthesia - injection only
    •Premedication prior to procedure or surgery - injection only

  • Pros and Cons of Demerol vs. Stadol

    Pros and Const for Opioid
    Pros
    •Possible option when other pain medications haven't worked well
    •Works fairly quickly to relieve pain
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available as a liquid if you're not able to take pills
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option used to treat pain
    •Can be habit-forming
    •Not meant for long-term pain relief
    •Can't use if you're currently taking, or have taken in the last 14 days, certain medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
    Pros and Const for Opioid agonist / Opioid antagonist
    Pros
    •Might be a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills
    •Works quickly (within 15 minutes) to relieve pain
    •Might have less potential for misuse compared to other opioids, like morphine (MS Contin, Kadian)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Risk of overdose and life-threatening breathing problems
    •Interacts with many medications and alcohol, which can put you at risk for serious side effects
    •Can cause low blood pressure and even fainting within the first hour of dosing
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking suddenly

  • Common Side Effects of Demerol vs. Stadol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Sweating
    Common Side Effects for

    Injection and nasal spray:

    •Drowsiness (49%)
    •Dizziness (23%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (8%)

    Nasal spray only:

    •Stuffy nose (13%)
    •Trouble sleeping (11%)

  • Warnings of Demerol vs. Stadol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Risk of opioid overdose
    •Dangerous interactions with other medications and alcohol
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Higher sensitivity to pain
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Low blood pressure
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Caution use in people with seizure or heart rhythm problems
    •Not for use in people with a gastrointestinal (GI) blockage
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potentially life-threatening slowed breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Risk of accidental overdose
    •Harm to newborn babies when taken during pregnancy
    •Dangerous interactions with other medications and alcohol
    •Low hormone levels
    •Changes in blood pressure
    •Higher risk of seizures in people with seizure conditions
    •Excessive drowsiness and slowed reaction time
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal

  • Prices with our coupons for Demerol vs. Stadol

    Learn more about Demerol
    Learn more about Butorphanol

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