What is Dilaudid, and how does it work?
Hydromorphone hydrochloride (HCI) is an opioid narcotic pain reliever similar to oxycodone, morphine, methadone, fentanyl, and other opioids. Hydromorphone, like other opioids, stimulates receptors on nerves in the brain to increase the threshold to pain (increasing the amount of stimulation it takes to feel pain) and reduce the perception of pain (the perceived importance of the pain).
What are the side effects of Dilaudid?
Common side effects:
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Sedation
Nausea
Constipation
Sweating
Flushing
Itching
Dry mouth
Other serious side effects
Other serious and important side effects of hydromorphone are respiratory depression and trouble breathing.
Since hydromorphone is a controlled narcotic, it carries a warning of respiratory depression and abuse potential. Use with alcohol or other medications affecting the central nervous system can worsen respiratory depression and may lead to death..
What is the dosage for Dilaudid, and how should it be taken?
Immediate-release tablets: Take 2 to 4 mg tablets by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Increase to 8 mg after careful observation and if needed to control pain.
Extended-release tablets: Start after discontinuation of all other opioid extended-release tablets. Dosed once-daily, individualized based on prior opioid therapy.
Injections: Give 1 to 2 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously every 2 to 3 hours as needed. Give 0.2 to 1 mg intravenously over 2 to 3 minutes every 2 to 3 hours as needed.
Oral solution: Give 2.5 to 10 mg every 3 to 6 hours as needed.
Rectal suppository: Insert one 3 mg suppository rectally every 6 to 8 hours OR3 to 6 mg rectally every 3 to 4 hours, when appropriate.
