Hydromorphone is used to control pain in cases where there is a need for 24 hour painkiller treatment, in case of severe asthma symptoms for people that cannot take other painkillers and for people who are intolerant to the action of other narcotics.
What is Hydromorphone?
Hydromorphone is a narcotic. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.
How should Hydromorphone be taken?
Hydromorphone is usually taken the form of a liquid solution (every 3-6 hours), tablets (every 4-6 hours), or extended-release tablets (once a day, strictly swallowed whole).
Sometimes, the doctor may initially prescribe a low dose and then gradually increase it whenever necessary. Other times, the dose may be reduced to prevent any occurrence of side effects; however, a doctor should always be consulted.
Side effects associated with Hydromorphone
Hydromorphone can cause serious and dangerous breathing problems, especially during the first 72 hours of treatment and whenever dosages are increased.
Possible side effects of this drug include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle aches or back ache
- Stomach ache
- Anxiety
- Redness
- Itch
- Depression
You should immediately contact a doctor if the drug triggers:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Swelling of eyes, face, lips , tongue , mouth, arms, feet, ankles or calves
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Convulsions
- Chest pains
- Extreme fatigue
- Fainting
- Feeling faint or lightheaded when you change position
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Hydromorphone
Taking Hydromorphone should never be stopped abruptly, but only under the supervision of a doctor, who will proceed to gradually reduce the dosage. Hydromorphone may cause drowsiness and impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. Also, it can cause dizziness when standing up
Before taking the drug, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you have any allergy to the active ingredient, its excipients or any other medication (in particular to sulfites)
- If you are taking any medicinal products, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: buprenorphine, butorphanol, ipratropium, drugs against glaucoma, drugs against irritable bowel syndrome, drugs against Parkinson's disease, medications for ulcers and urinary tract disorders, nalbuphine and pentazocine
- If you are taking isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, or tranylcypromine, even if the intake was stopped two weeks prior
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from paralytic ileus, gastrointestinal blocks, low blood pressure, Addison's disease, seizures, disorders that cause difficult urination, gallbladder disease, disorder of the pancreas, liver disease, thyroid or kidney disease
- If you have undergone surgery or have suffered from diseases affecting the bowel transit in the digestive tract
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is important to inform surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Hydromorphone.
