Ch 40: Drug Abuse IV: Major Drugs of Abuse Other Than Alcohol and Nicotine

Question 1

Why 3 reasons might lead drug abusers to choose meperidine over morphine or heroin?

Answer 1

1. ) Unlike heroin, meperidine is highly effective when administered orally, so there are no “track marks” from injections.
2. ) It produces less pupillary constriction than other opioids.
3. ) It has minimal effects on smooth muscle function, making constipation and urinary retention less problematic than with other opioids.

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