Treats moderate to severe pain. Belongs to a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics
Brand Names:
Dilaudid, Dilaudid-HP
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to hydromorphone or to related narcotic pain-killers. You should not use hydromorphone if you have lung or breathing problems, or if you have an injury or wound inside your skull
Uses:
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (upper arm, thigh, buttocks).
An SC injection is a shot given just under the skin, usually in the back of your upper arm or the top of your thigh.
An IV infusion is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.
This medicine should be given by a person trained to give IV or IM medicine. Sometimes you, a family member, or friend can be taught to give your medicine.
To avoid dizziness from this medicine, get up slowly from a lying or sitting position.
If a dose is missed:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
Take the rest of your doses for the day at evenly spaced time intervals, then return to your normal schedule.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
Storage:
Store your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking medicine for diarrhea, an MAO inhibitor (Nardil®, Parnate®, Eldepryl®), or medicines that may make you sleepy such as cold or allergy medicines, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, or other pain killers.
Avoid drinking alcohol while using hydromorphone.
Warnings:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you liver, kidney, gallbladder, or inflammatory bowel disease, an enlarged prostate, or trouble going to the bathroom.
This medicine may be habit-forming. You should not use more than your doctor ordered, or use for longer periods of time than prescribed.
Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this medicine. You may need to take smaller and smaller amounts before stopping completely.
This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Avoid driving or using machinery.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
