Hydromorphone Oral and Rectal (patient information)

Why this medication is 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 this medication should 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:

1. Remove the wrapper.
2. Dip the tip of the suppository in water.
3. 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.)
4. 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.
5. Hold it in place with your finger for a few moments.
6. Stand up after about 15 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly and resume normal activities.

Special precautions

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.

Special dietary instructions

Hydromorphone may cause an upset stomach. Take hydromorphone with food or milk.

What to do if you 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.

Side effects

Minor side effects

Hydromorphone may cause side effects. 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

Severe side effects

If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• difficulty breathing
• fainting

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

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.

Other information

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.

Brand names

• Dilaudid®