Dose-responsive characteristics of meperidine sedation in preschool children.

Using double-blind conditions, 60 uncooperative and fearful preschool children (24-66 months) received intramuscular injections of meperidine 0.25, 0.50, 1.00 mg/lb or placebo prior to restorative dental treatment. Behavior was assessed by the dentist and an independent observer during five specific treatment procedures. Behavioral ratings found meperidine to be an effective sedative, with 0.50 mg/lb and 1.00 mg/lb being significantly more effective than placebo (P less than 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis). Children receiving 1.0 mg/lb of meperidine had significantly more nausea and vomiting than patients receiving lower doses of the drug (P less than 0.05, Chisquare). Physiologic monitoring demonstrated that the highest dose of meperidine was associated with transient drops in arterial oxygen saturation. Meperidine sedation was found to be more effective for older children (37-66 months) and for children initially rated as being only moderately uncooperative and fearful.