Reptile · Trachemys scripta elegans · typical adult weight 0.20–2.20 kg
Meperidine is dosed at 1–5 mg/kg IM q6-12h in red-eared sliders, per Wambugu SN, TowettPK, Kiama SG, et al. Effects of opioids in the formalin test in the Speke's hinged tortoise (Kinixys spekii). J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 2010;33:347-351. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.255 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Meperidine is used in red-eared sliders for Analgesia. Routes documented in red-eared sliders: IM. A typical adult red-eared slider weighs 0.20–2.20 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Meperidine in red-eared sliders, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 1–5 mg/kg | q6-12h | Analgesia | Weak | Wambugu SN, TowettPK, Kiama SG, et al. Effects of opioids in the formalin test in the Speke's hinged tortoise (Kinixys spekii). J Vet Pharmacol Ther. 2010;33:347-351. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.255 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your red-eared slider's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Added 2026-08-04 by the book-verification programme. Drug identity independently confirmed as distinct from every existing formulary entry. Source opened: Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery 3rd Ed, p.1414 (Table 127.6 Analgesic Agents); also Carpenter's 6th Ed p.255, p.454, p.792. Class as printed in source: Opioid agonist (phenylpiperidine, mu-receptor agonist) — analgesic/sedative
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for red-eared sliders may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Meperidine dose range in red-eared sliders, with cited source references: IM 1–5 mg/kg q6-12h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Meperidine in red-eared sliders: IM.
Meperidine is indicated in red-eared sliders for: Analgesia.
These are general warnings for Meperidine across species; consult the red-eared slider dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Added 2026-08-04 by the book-verification programme. Drug identity independently confirmed as distinct from every existing formulary entry. Source opened: Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery 3rd Ed, p.1414 (Table 127.6 Analgesic Agents); also Carpenter's 6th Ed p.255, p.454, p.792. Class as printed in source: Opioid agonist (phenylpiperidine, mu-receptor agonist) — analgesic/sedative
Why a species-specific page? Meperidine pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in red-eared sliders — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.