It is closely related to the drug prodine, the only difference being that meprodine has an ethyl group rather than a methyl at the 3-position of the piperidine ring.

[3] Meprodine has similar effects to other opioids, and produces analgesia, sedation and euphoria.

Side effects can include itching, nausea and potentially serious respiratory depression which can be life-threatening.

Meprodine is considered a Schedule 9 prohibited substance in Australia under the Poisons Standard (February 2017).

[4] A Schedule 9 substance is a substance which may be abused or misused, the manufacture, possession, sale or use of which should be prohibited by law except when required for medical or scientific research, or for analytical, teaching or training purposes with approval of Commonwealth and/or State or Territory Health Authorities.