Meperidine Exerts Agonist Activity at the α2B-Adrenoceptor Subtype

Abstract

Meperidine is a potent agonist at the alpha2 adrenoceptors at its clinically relevant concentrations, especially at the alpha(2B)-adrenoceptor subtype. Activation of the alpha(2B) receptor does not contribute significantly to the analgesic action of meperidine. This raises the possibility that some of its actions, such as antishivering, are transduced by this mechanism.