Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Practice

What is Meperidine, commonly known as Demerol, classified as?

1. A natural narcotic

2. The first synthetic narcotic

3. A common over-the-counter drug

4. A hallucinogenic drug

The correct answer is: The first synthetic narcotic

Meperidine, commonly known as Demerol, is classified as the first synthetic narcotic. This classification is important because it highlights its development and use in medicine as a pain relief medication that is not derived from natural opiates like morphine or codeine. Instead, Meperidine was specifically created through chemical synthesis, which allows for precise control over its properties and effects. Being the first synthetic narcotic, Meperidine represented a significant advancement in pharmacology at the time of its development, as it provided a new option for pain management. Synthetic narcotics like Meperidine are designed to mimic the pain-relieving qualities of natural opiates while offering different pharmacokinetic profiles, which can be beneficial in clinical settings. Other classifications, such as natural narcotics, common over-the-counter drugs, or hallucinogenic drugs, do not accurately represent Meperidine’s makeup or intended use. For instance, natural narcotics are derived from opiate sources, whereas Meperidine is entirely synthetic. Additionally, it is a prescription medication rather than one available over the counter, and it does not have hallucinogenic properties, which differentiates it from other drug classes.