Precautions
Hydromorphone is used to relieve pain. Hydromorphone extended-release tablets are used to relieve severe pain in people who are expected to need pain medication around the clock for a long time and who cannot be treated with other medications.
What is hydromorphone used to treat?
Hydromorphone oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-name drug Dilaudid (immediate release). These tablets are also available as generic drugs. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name versions. Hydromorphone also comes in the following forms:
Is there a generic version of hydromorphone?
Selling or giving away opioid medicine is against the law. Stop taking all other around-the-clock narcotic pain medications when you start taking hydromorphone. Swallow the capsule or tablet whole to avoid exposure to a potentially fatal overdose. Do not crush, chew, break, open, or dissolve. Measure liquid medicine carefully.
What should I do if I take hydromorphone?
Conversion from Other Oral Hydromorphone Formulations: Starting dose is equivalent to total daily hydromorphone dose taken as extended-release tablet orally once a day Conversion from Other Oral Opioids: Starting dose is equivalent to 50% of the calculated daily hydromorphone requirement taken as extended-release tablet orally once a day
How do you convert hydromorphone to extended-release?
What is hydromorphone used for?
How to stop hydromorphone overdose?
Can you take hydromorphone if you have paralytic ileus?
Can you take hydromorphone for longer than prescribed?
Can you crush hydromorphone?
Can you keep leftover opioids?
Can hydromorphone cause death?
See more
About this website
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not take this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to hydromorphone or other narcotic medicines, or if you have: 1. severe...
How Should I Use Hydromorphone?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Hydromorphone can slow or stop your breathing, especially when you start using this medicine or w...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Since hydromorphone is used for pain, you are not likely to miss a dose. Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A hydromorphone overdose can be fatal, especially in a child or ot...
What Should I Avoid While Using Hydromorphone?
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how hydromorphone will affect...
Hydromorphone Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.L...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Hydromorphone?
Narcotic (opioid) medication can interact with many other drugs and cause dangerous side effects or death. Be sure your doctor knows if you also us...
What's the difference between immediate-release and extended-release hydromorphone?
Immediate-release hydromorphone is used on an as-needed basis and may need to be taken multiple times a day. The medication is released into your b...
What does it mean to be opioid-tolerant, opioid non-tolerant, or opioid-naive?
You're considered opioid-tolerant if you've been taking at least 60 mg of morphine or an equivalent dose of a different opioid every day for at lea...
Can you stop taking hydromorphone (Dilaudid) right away if your pain goes away?
If you've been taking hydromorphone (Dilaudid) for a long period of time and experience bothersome symptoms when you stop the medication or lower y...
Are hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and Percocet the same?
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen) are in the same family of opioid medications, but they contain different active i...
How long do the effects of hydromorphone (Dilaudid) last?
Effects will vary depending on the dose, form, and duration of analgesia (how long you feel relief from pain). It will also vary depending on your...
What else can I do to relieve my pain?
There are many other things you can do to help relieve your pain that don't involve medications. Some include acupuncture, biofeedback techniques,...
Hydromorphone: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and Warnings
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) oral tablet is a prescription opioid medication that's used to treat severe pain that isn’t controlled by other opioid drugs. Learn more.
How Long Does Hydromorphone Stay in Your System?
Oral administration: When hydromorphone is taken orally in pill or liquid form, it begins to work quickly, often in about 15 minutes, and usually reaches its peak effect in 30 minutes to an hour. Intravenous (IV) injection: IV injections of hydromorphone begin to take effect in about 5 minutes. Intramuscular (IM) injection: IM injections of hydromorphone begin to work in about 15 minutes.
Hydromorphone (Oral Route) Side Effects - Mayo Clinic
Side Effects. Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
HYDROmorphone and Morphine are not the same drug!
HYDROmorphone and Morphine are not the same drug! the northern way of caring northernhealth.ca Reference: 10-513-6033 (06/16) HYDROmorphone and morphine are deemed high risk/high alert medications. An Independent Double Check (IDC) must be done to avoid errors when administering all high risk drugs. Please refer to Clinical Practice Standard 1-20-6-3-260.
Dilaudid (hydromorphone HCL) for Pain: Sides Effects & Dosage
Hydromorphone hydrochloride (Dilaudid, Dilaudid-5, Dilaudid-HP Injection, Exalgo) is a narcotic pain reliever similar to other narcotics like oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl, and methadone for acute pain and chronic moderate to severe pain. Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sweating.
How it works
Hydromorphone oral tablet belongs to a class of drugs called opioid analgesics. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Special considerations
People with kidney disease: Your doctor may start you at a dose that is 25 percent to 50 percent lower than the typical starting dose.
Low blood pressure warning
This drug may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. This may cause lightheadedness, dizziness, and even fainting.
Alcohol interaction warning
Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of side effects from this drug. These can include breathing problems, low blood pressure, extreme drowsiness, and coma. If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor.
Warnings for people with certain health conditions
For people with head injury and increased head pressure: This drug can increase intracranial pressure (blood pressure in your brain). This can make your condition worse. Ask your doctor if this drug is safe for you.
Warnings for other groups
For pregnant women: Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the pregnancy. If a woman takes this drug for a long time during pregnancy, it can lead to opioid withdrawal syndrome in a newborn.
How long does hydromorphone stay in your system?
This recovery option involves a residential stay, usually between several weeks to 3 or 4 months, at an inpatient rehab facility.
What are the symptoms of hydromorphone overdose?
The signs and symptoms of a hydromorphone overdose can include: 2. Weakness. Confusion. Lightheadedness. Dizziness. Drowsiness. Impaired levels of consciousness. Loss of consciousness.
What is outpatient treatment?
Unlike inpatient treatment, people who opt for this form of treatment live at home and are often able continue their daily routines outside of designated treatment times (e.g., work, school, etc.).
Can hydromorphone be fatal?
However, if a person does not receive treatment or has taken an extremely large dose of hydromorphone, the results can be deadly. 2. People who overdose on hydromorphone may have underlying substance abuse issues that need to be addressed to prevent future overdoses and to avoid the long-term effects of addiction.
Can you abuse hydromorphone?
Taking hydromorphone in a way that is not prescribed is considered substance abuse, whether they have a prescription or not. Some people abuse hydromorphone by taking more pills than prescribed, adding a dose before it is time, taking hydromorphone with other substances, or crushing and snorting or injecting the drug.
Can hydromorphone cause death?
Combining hydromorphone and other CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates) can be fatal. It can lead to many negative outcomes, including death. The combination can cause the body to slow down so much that it actually stops working at all, resulting in systems failure and potential fatalities.
Does hydromorphone cause dependence?
Tolerance and dependence typically precede hydromorphone addiction. When a person does not feel the same effect from their prescribed dose of hydromorphone (ie, tolerance), they sometimes take more of the medication to get those effects.
What is hydromorphone (Dilaudid)?
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) is an opioid (narcotic) pain reliever. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and changing how you feel and respond to pain.
Pros and cons of hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) works well to help relieve moderate to severe pain.
Pharmacist tips for hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
Don't take more than is recommended by your healthcare provider. Doing so can lead to dependence and/or accidental overdose.
What are the side effects of hydromorphone (Dilaudid)?
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
What are the risks and warnings for hydromorphone (Dilaudid)?
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options
How much does hydromorphone (Dilaudid) cost?
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to hydromorphone (Dilaudid)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
What is hydromorphone used for?
Hydromorphone is used to relieve pain. Hydromorphone extended-release tablets are used to relieve severe pain in people who are expected to need pain medication around the clock for a long time and who cannot be treated with other medications.
How to keep hydromorphone safe?
Keep hydromorphone in a safe place so that no one else can take it accidentally or on purpose. Be especially careful to keep hydromorphone out of the reach of children. Keep track of how many tablets or how much liquid is left so you will know if any medication is missing.
What are the side effects of hydromorphone?
Hydromorphone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: 1 headache 2 difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep 3 dry mouth 4 lightheadedness 5 drowsiness 6 heavy sweating 7 muscle, back or joint pain 8 stomach pain 9 anxiety 10 flushing 11 itching 12 depression
What happens if you take hydromorphone?
If you use hydromorphone with any of these medications and you develop any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care: unusual dizziness, lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.
What is the number to call for opioid addiction?
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
Can hydromorphone touch your skin?
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take hydromorphone exactly as directed. Do not allow the hydromorphone liquid to touch your skin or clothing.
Does hydromorphone affect fertility?
you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men and women. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking hydromorphone. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking hydromorphone. you should know that hydromorphone may make you drowsy.
What is REMS in opioids?
The new FDA Opioid Analgesic REMS is a designed to assist in communicating the serious risks of opioid pain medications to patients and health care professionals.
Does methadone accumulate in plasma?
Conversion from Methadone: The ratio between methadone and other opioid agonists including hydromorphone varies widely; methadone can accumulate in the plasma due to its long half-life; close monitoring and a conservative approach are of particular importance during conversion.
What pain medication is used for heroin addiction?
According to an article published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), it was discovered that an already popular pain medication proved to be highly successful at treating individuals with heroin addiction: hydromorphone.
Is dilaudid a drug?
Reserachers recently discovered that hydromorphone, typically sold under the brand name Dilaudid, can also be a highly effective treatment medication for heroin addiction. Despite their similarities, diacetylmorphine and hydromorphone vary in availability and legality depending on where the patient lives.
Can hydromorphone help with heroin addiction?
Using the hydromorphone for heroin addiction is a fresh new take on a drug that’s primarily been used for treating pain. Hydromorphone is a licensed pain relief medication usually sold under the brand name Dilaudid. According to the JAMA article, the drug will become an effective method for heroin addiction and may be key for those who do not see benefit from Suboxone or methadone treatment. The latest findings also show that hydromorphone can be just as effective as diacetylmorphine, the active ingredient in heroin that’s already being used with as an alternative treatment for heroin addiction.
Is Suboxone a first response?
Although Suboxone and other conventional medicines work and should be used as a first response, alternatives are important as different people respond to different medicines in various ways. Hydromorphone and the new method of usage can provide the hope of recovery for people who do not respond to conventional medicine.
Is hydromorphone as effective as diacetylmorphine?
The latest findings also show that hydromorphone can be just as effective as diacetylmorphine, the active ingredient in heroin that’s already being used ...
What is hydromorphone used for?
Hydromorphone is an opioid medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. The extended-release form of hydromorphone is for around-the-clock treatment of moderate to severe pain, not for use on an as-needed basis for pain. Hydromorphone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
How to stop hydromorphone overdose?
Stop taking all other around-the-clock narcotic pain medications when you start taking hydromorphone. Swallow the capsule or tablet whole to avoid exposure to a potentially fatal overdose. Do not crush, chew, break, open, or dissolve. Measure liquid medicine carefully.
Can you take hydromorphone if you have paralytic ileus?
You should not take hydromorphone if you have ever had an allergic reaction to hydromorphone or other narcotic medicines, or if you have: a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus. Do not use hydromorphone if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur.
Can you take hydromorphone for longer than prescribed?
Never use hydromorphone in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more of this medicine. Never share opioid medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH.
Can you crush hydromorphone?
Never crush or break a hydromorphone pill to inhale the powder or mix it into a liquid to inject the drug into your vein. This can cause in death. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Throw away any unused liquid after 90 days.
Can you keep leftover opioids?
Do not keep leftover opioid medication. Just one dose can cause death in someone using this medicine accidentally or improperly. Ask your pharmacist where to locate a drug take-back disposal program. If there is no take-back program, flush the unused medicine down the toilet.
Can hydromorphone cause death?
Dangerous side effects or death could occur. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how hydromorphone will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.