Drug Guide

Generic Name

Anileridine Phosphate

Brand Names Leritine

Classification

Therapeutic: Analgesic

Pharmacological: Opioid analgesic (Narcotic)

FDA Approved Indications

  • Management of moderate to severe pain

Mechanism of Action

Anileridine binds selectively to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, particularly the mu-opioid receptor, resulting in inhibition of ascending pain pathways, altering the perception of and response to pain.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 50-100 mg every 3-4 hours as needed, not to exceed 600 mg per day.

Pediatric: Data limited; use with caution and under specialist guidance.

Geriatric: Start at lower doses due to increased sensitivity; monitor for adverse effects.

Renal Impairment: Adjust dose accordingly; careful titration needed.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor closely; dose adjustments may be required.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed via intramuscular and subcutaneous routes.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues including the brain.

Metabolism: Primarily metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Excreted mainly via the kidneys.

Half Life: Approximately 2–4 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to anileridine or other opioids.
  • Severe respiratory depression.
  • Acute or severe bronchial asthma.

Precautions

  • Use caution in patients with head injury, increased intracranial pressure, or impaired hepatic or renal function.
  • Potential for dependence, misuse, and addiction.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Drowsiness, dizziness (Common)
  • Nausea, vomiting (Common)
  • Constipation (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Respiratory depression (Serious)
  • Hypotension or shock (Serious)
  • Allergic reactions including rash, pruritus (Uncommon)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • CNS depressants (e.g., sedatives, tranquilizers, alcohol)
  • MAO inhibitors (risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression)

Drug-Food Interactions

  • Alcohol

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor respiratory status, level of consciousness, and pain relief.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for respiratory depression
  • Ineffective breathing pattern

Implementation: Administer with caution, monitor vital signs closely, especially respiratory rate.

Evaluation: Assess pain relief effectiveness and monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Do not operate heavy machinery or drive until effects are known.
  • Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
  • Report any signs of respiratory depression or allergic reactions immediately.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential for misuse, addiction, overdose.

Genetic Factors: Genetic variations can affect metabolism and response.

Lab Test Interference: May interfere with certain lab tests; inform laboratory personnel.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Respiratory depression, unconsciousness, pinpoint pupils, hypotension.

Treatment: Administer opioid antagonists such as naloxone; supportive respiratory and cardiovascular care.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.