What is hydromorphone (oral)?
Hydromorphone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers, also called opioids. It is
similar to morphine.
Hydromorphone is used to treat moderate to severe pain. The extended-release form of this
medication is for around-the-clock treatment of pain.
Hydromorphone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydromorphone (oral)?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a narcotic medicine
(examples include codeine, methadone, morphine, Oxycontin, Darvocet, Percocet, Vicodin, Lortab,
and many others). You should also not take hydromorphone if you are having an asthma attack or if
you have a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus.
Hydromorphone may be habit-forming and
should be used only by the person it
was prescribed for
. Hydromorphone should never be given to another person, especially
someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where
others cannot get to it.
Before using hydromorphone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
-
asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
-
liver or kidney disease;
-
underactive thyroid;
-
curvature of the spine;
-
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
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epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
-
low blood pressure;
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gallbladder disease;
-
Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;
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enlarged prostate, urination problems;
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mental illness; or
-
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an
unborn baby, and could cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Hydromorphone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
You should not use an extended-release form of hydromorphone (such as Palladone) unless
you are already being treated with a similar opioid pain medicine and your body is tolerant to it. Talk
with your doctor if you are not sure you are opioid-tolerant.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.
How should I take hydromorphone (oral)?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you.
Never take
hydromorphone in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to
stop working as well in relieving your pain.
Take the pill form of this medicine with a full glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill
whole. It will release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much
of the drug to be released at one time.
Measure the liquid form of hydromorphone with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a
regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can
get one. Avoid getting hydromorphone liquid on your skin. It can be absorbed through your skin, and
you may get too large a dose.
Do not stop using hydromorphone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal
symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the
medication.
Store this medication at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.
Keep track of how many tablets have been used from each new bottle of this medicine.
Hydromorphone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this
medicine improperly or without a prescription.
After you have stopped using this medication, flush any unused pills down the toilet.
Throw away any unused liquid hydromorphone that is older than 90 days.
What happens if I miss a dose of hydromorphone (oral)?
Since hydromorphone is sometimes used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If
you are using the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost
time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Extended-release hydromorphone is not for use on an as-needed basis for pain.
Where can I get more information about hydromorphone (oral)?
Your pharmacist has information about hydromorphone (oral) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of hydromorphone (oral)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
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seizure (convulsions);
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cold, clammy skin;
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confusion;
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severe weakness or dizziness; or
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feeling light-headed, fainting.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
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nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite;
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warmth, tingling, or redness under your skin;
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dizziness, headache;
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dry mouth;
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sweating; or
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itching.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about hydromorphone (oral)?
Hydromorphone may be habit-forming and
should be used only by the person it
was prescribed for
. Hydromorphone should never be given to another person, especially
someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where
others cannot get to it.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking hydromorphone. Dangerous side effects or death
can occur when alcohol is combined with a narcotic pain medicine. Check your food and medicine
labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol.
Never take more than your prescribed dose of hydromorphone. Tell your doctor if the
medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
Hydromorphone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Do not stop using hydromorphone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal
symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the
medication.
What should I avoid while taking hydromorphone (oral)?
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medication. Dangerous side effects or death
can occur when alcohol is combined with hydromorphone. Check your food and medicine labels to be
sure these products do not contain alcohol.
Hydromorphone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What other drugs will affect hydromorphone (oral)?
Do not take hydromorphone with other narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers,
muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing. Dangerous side
effects may result.
Before taking hydromorphone, tell your doctor if you are using pentazocine (Talwin),
nalbuphine (Nubain), butorphanol (Stadol), or buprenorphine (Buprenex, Subutex). If you are using
any of these drugs, you may not be able to use hydromorphone, or you may need dosage adjustments
or special tests during treatment.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with hydromorphone.
Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new
medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of hydromorphone (oral)?