Hydromorphone (Injection)
Hydromorphone (hye-droe-MOR-fone)
Treats moderate to severe pain. Belongs to a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics.
Brand Name(s):Dilaudid, Dilaudid-HP
There may be other brand names for this medicine. When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
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. How to Use This Medicine:
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.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
-
Store your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.
-
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
-
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 While Using This Medicine:
-
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.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
-
Shortness of breath, trouble breathing
-
Severe skin rash, itching, or hives
-
Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
-
Trouble going to the bathroom (urinating)
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
-
Drowsiness or confusion
-
Dizziness, headache, or blurred vision
-
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
-
Constipation
-
Sweating, or cold, clammy skin
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
|