Hydromorphone
(Dilaudid)
Why is this medication prescribed?
Hydromorphone is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It
also may be used to decrease coughing.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask
your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Hydromorphone comes as a tablet and liquid to take by mouth.
It also comes as a rectal suppository. The oral forms usually are taken every
4-6 hours as needed. The suppository usually is used every 6-8 hours as needed.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor
or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Shake the liquid well before measuring a dose. Take
hydromorphone exactly as directed. Hydromorphone can be habit-forming. Do not
take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor
tells you to.
To insert a hydromorphone suppository rectally, follow these
steps:
- Remove
the wrapper.
- Dip
the tip of the suppository in water.
- Lie
down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A
left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.)
- Using
your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch for
infants and children and about 1 inch for an adult.
- Hold
it in place with your finger for a few moments.
- Stand
up after about 15 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly and resume normal
activities.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking hydromorphone,
- tell
your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to hydromorphone, aspirin,
sulfites, tartrazine (yellow dye), or any other drugs.
- tell
your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications
you are taking, especially other pain relievers; antidepressants;
medications for cough, cold, or allergies; sedatives; sleeping pills;
tranquilizers; and vitamins.
- tell
your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease, a history
of alcoholism, lung or thyroid disease, heart disease, prostatic
hypertrophy, or urinary problems.
- tell
your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking hydromorphone, call your
doctor.
- if
you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist
that you are taking hydromorphone.
- you
should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or
operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember
that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Hydromorphone may cause an upset stomach. Take hydromorphone
with food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Hydromorphone usually is taken as needed. If your doctor has
told you to take hydromorphone regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you
remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to
make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from hydromorphone are not common, they
can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- drowsiness
- upset
stomach
- vomiting
- constipation
- stomach
pain
- rash
- difficulty
urinating
If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your
doctor immediately:
- difficulty
breathing
- fainting
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly
closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from
excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper
disposal of your medication.