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.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case
of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
What other information should
I know?
Keep
all appointments with your doctor.
Do not
let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions
you have about refilling your prescription.
