Meperidine hydrochloride (
Demerol®) is a prescription pain reliever that is classified as a controlled substance in the United States. As a narcotic, it has a significant potential for abuse. As a result, people hear about meperidine and may wonder, "What does it look like?"
Brand-Name Meperidine
Brand-name meperidine tablets are round and white, with a "W" in a square on one side. On the other side (the "scored" side, with a line running through it), they have an "M" on top of the score line and either a 35 or a 37 below the score line (50 mg tablets have the 35, 100 mg tablets have the 37). Previous versions of
Demerol tablets may have different markings (such as a "D" instead of an "M").
Demerol is also available in oral solution or injection form, but it would be virtually impossible to identify these products without appropriate labeling. Brand-name
Demerol oral solution is banana-flavored.
Generic Meperidine
Generic meperidine tablets are also round and white. However, because generic meperidine is made by several different manufacturers, each manufacturer will use different markings on the tablets (this helps to identify the tablets).
(Click What Does Demerol Look Like? for more information on this topic and to learn more about the potential dangers of addiction and abuse with this medication.)
