Dilaudid

Generic name: Hydromorphone hydrochloride

What is Dilaudid?

Dilaudid is a narcotic analgesic prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe pain.

What is the most important information I should know about Dilaudid?

High dose tolerance leading to mental and physical dependence can occur with the use of Dilaudid when it is taken repeatedly. Physical dependence (need for continual doses to prevent withdrawal symptoms) can occur after only a few days of narcotic use, although it usually takes several weeks.

Who should not take Dilaudid?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Dilaudid or narcotic painkillers, you should not take this medication. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.

Additionally, you should not take Dilaudid if you suffer from severe, uncontrolled breathing difficulties or uncontrolled asthma.

Dilaudid cannot be used in pregnant women during labor or delivery.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Dilaudid?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with this drug. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have severe liver or kidney disease, a seizure disorder, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), Addison's disease (adrenal gland failure), severe lung problems, an enlarged prostate, a urethral stricture (narrowing of the urethra), low blood pressure, or a head injury.

It's important to tell the doctor if you've ever suffered from alcoholism or other drug dependencies. Abusing Dilaudid, or combining it with other nervous system depressants, can cause serious—and possibly life-threatening—side effects.

Dilaudid suppresses the cough reflex; therefore, the doctor will be cautious about prescribing Dilaudid after an operation or for patients with a lung disease.

High doses of Dilaudid may produce labored or slowed breathing. This drug also affects centers that control breathing rhythm and may produce irregular breathing. Be sure to tell the doctor if you have breathing difficulties, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or a condition that reduces oxygen to the tissues (hypoxia) or causes an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercapnia).

Let the doctor know if you're scheduled to have any surgical procedures involving the biliary tract, since Dilaudid could increase the chance of muscle spasms in this area.

Narcotics such as Dilaudid may mask or hide the symptoms of sudden or severe abdominal conditions, making diagnosis and treatment difficult.

Be sure to tell the doctor if you're sensitive to sulfites (preservatives commonly found in red wine), since Dilaudid contains this substance.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: Tablets. The usual starting dose of Dilaudid tablets is 2 to 4 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours as determined by your doctor. Severity of pain, your individual response, and your size are used to determine your exact dosage.

Liquid

The usual dose of Dilaudid liquid is one-half to 2 teaspoonfuls every 3 to 6 hours. In some cases, the dosage may be higher.

Suppositories

Dilaudid suppositories (3 milligrams) may provide relief for a longer period of time. The usual adult dose is 1 suppository inserted rectally every 6 to 8 hours or as directed by your doctor.

How should I take Dilaudid?

Take Dilaudid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never increase the amount you take without your doctor's approval.

What should I avoid while taking Dilaudid?

Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval. Abruptly stopping Dilaudid could cause withdrawal symptoms within the first 24 hours, including restlessness, tearing or watery eyes, dilated pupils, runny nose, yawning, sweating, goosebumps, and restless sleep. These symptoms could increase during the next 72 hours, and new withdrawal symptoms may appear, including irritability, anxiety, weakness, muscle spasms, severe backache, stomach or leg pain, insomnia, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Because Dilaudid may impair mental alertness, you should avoid hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery.

Dilaudid is a central nervous system depressant and intensifies the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Dilaudid?

If Dilaudid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Dilaudid with the following:

Antiemetics (drugs that prevent or lessen nausea and vomiting such as prochlorperazine and promethazine),Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine,General anesthetics,Opioid antagonists such as naloxone and nelmefene,Other central nervous system depressants such as pentobarbital and temazepam,Other narcotic analgesics such as meperidine and oxycodone,Phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine,Sedative/hypnotics such as diazepam and triazolam,Tranquilizers such as alprazolam,Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and imipramine

What are the possible side effects of Dilaudid?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Dilaudid.

Side effects may include: Anxiety, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, fear, impairment of mental and physical performance, inability to urinate, mental clouding, mood changes, nausea, restlessness, sedation, sluggishness, troubled and slowed breathing, vomiting

Can I receive Dilaudid if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do not take Dilaudid if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant unless you are directed to do so by your doctor. Drug dependence occurs in newborns when the mother has taken narcotic drugs regularly during pregnancy. Withdrawal signs include irritability and excessive crying, tremors, overactive reflexes, increased breathing rate, increased stools, sneezing, yawning, vomiting, and fever. Dilaudid may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. Consult your doctor if you plan on breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Dilaudid?

If you miss a dose of this drug, skip it. Do not take an extra dose to make up for missed doses.

How should I store Dilaudid?

Tablets and liquid should be stored at room temperature. Protect from light and extreme cold or heat. Suppositories should be stored in the refrigerator.