hydromorphone (oral) Health Article

How should I use hydromorphone?

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?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of hydromorphone can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, confusion, cold and clammy skin, weak pulse, shallow breathing, fainting, or breathing that stops.

What should I avoid while using hydromorphone?

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 are the possible side effects of hydromorphone?

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:

• shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;

• seizure (convulsions);

• cold, clammy skin;

• confusion;

• severe weakness or dizziness; or

• feeling light-headed, fainting.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite;

• warmth, tingling, or redness under your skin;

• dizziness, headache;

• dry mouth;

• sweating; or

• itching.

This list is not complete and other side effects may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.