Drug Guide

Generic Name

Anileridine Hydrochloride

Brand Names Leritine

Classification

Therapeutic: Analgesic (Pain relief)

Pharmacological: Opioid analgesic (NRI) - Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor)

FDA Approved Indications

  • Short-term management of moderate to severe pain

Mechanism of Action

Anileridine is an opioid analgesic that binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, inhibiting ascending pain pathways, altering the perception of and response to pain.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 50-100 mg IV or IM every 3-4 hours as needed, not exceeding 600 mg/day.

Pediatric: Limited data; use with caution, dosing similar to adult, adjusted for age and weight.

Geriatric: Use with caution; start at lower end of dosing range due to increased sensitivity.

Renal Impairment: Adjust dose carefully, monitoring for accumulation.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; reduced metabolism may prolong effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Complete absorption via IM or IV routes.

Distribution: Widely distributed; crosses blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism: Liver primarily metabolizes; small portion excreted unchanged.

Excretion: Renal excretion of metabolites.

Half Life: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to anileridine or opioids.
  • Severe respiratory depression.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with respiratory depression, increased intracranial pressure, or head trauma.
  • Potential for dependence, abuse, and misuse.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Drowsiness, sedation (Common)
  • Nausea, vomiting (Common)
  • Dizziness (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Respiratory depression (Rare but serious)
  • Addiction, overdose (Serious)
  • Hypotension (Less common)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives), potentiating sedation and respiratory depression.
  • MAO inhibitors may increase effects or prolong analgesia.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor respiratory rate, consciousness, and pain levels.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for respiratory depression
  • Impaired comfort related to pain

Implementation: Administer IV/IM as prescribed, monitor vital signs closely.

Evaluation: Assess pain relief and respiratory status regularly.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Do not operate heavy machinery or drive until effects are known.
  • Caution against alcohol and sedative use due to increased risk of respiratory depression.
  • Report symptoms of difficulty breathing or excessive sedation immediately.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Risk of respiratory depression, addiction, and overdose.

Genetic Factors: Not specifically noted in guidelines.

Lab Test Interference: May affect liver function tests; interpret with caution.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, extreme sedation, possible coma.

Treatment: Administer opioid antagonist (naloxone) immediately; provide supportive respiratory care.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, protected from light and moisture.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions for the period specified in the product labeling.

🛡️ 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.