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Hydromorphone |
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What is Hydromorphone and why is it prescribed? Hydromorphone is a narcotic analgesic prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe pain such as that due to Biliary colic, Burns, Cancer, Heart attack, Injury (soft tissue and bone), Renal colic, or Surgery. High dose tolerance leading to mental and physical dependence can occur with the use of Hydromorphone when it is taken repeatedly. Physical dependence can occur after only a few days of narcotic use, although it usually takes several weeks. How should you take Hydromorphone? Follow your doctors directions for taking Hydromorphone. Never increase the amount of Hydromorphone you take without your doctor's approval. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose. Tablets and liquid should be stored at room temperature. Protect from light and extreme cold or heat. Suppositories should be stored in the refrigerator. Are there any Hydromorphone side effects? Hydromorphone side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Hydromorphone side effects may include anxiety, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, fear, impairment of mental and physical performance, inability to urinate, mental clouding, mood changes, nausea, restlessness, sedation, sluggishness, troubled and slowed breathing, and vomiting. Less common Hydromorphone side effects may include agitation, blurred vision, chills, cramps, diarrhea, difficulty urinating, disorientation, double vision, dry mouth, exaggerated feelings of depression or well-being, failure of breathing or heartbeat, faintness/fainting, flushing, hallucinations, headache, increased pressure in the head, insomnia, involuntary eye movements, itching, light-headedness, loss of appetite, low or high blood pressure, muscle rigidity or tremor, muscle spasms of the throat or air passages, palpitations, rashes, shock, slow or rapid heartbeat, small pupils, sudden dizziness on standing, sweating, taste changes, tingling and/or numbness, tremor, uncoordinated muscle movements, visual disturbances, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Hydromorphone? If Hydromorphone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Hydromorphone is a central nervous system depressant and intensifies the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Hydromorphone. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Hydromorphone with Antiemetics (drugs that prevent or lessen nausea and vomiting such as Compazine and Phenergan), Antihistamines (such as Benadryl), General anesthetics, Other central nervous system depressants (such as Nembutal, Restoril), Other narcotic analgesics (such as Demerol and Percocet), Phenothiazines (such as Thorazine), Sedative/hypnotics (such as Valium, Halcion), Tranquilizers (such as Xanax), or Tricyclic antidepressants (such as Elavil and Tofranil). Are there any special warnings about Hydromorphone? Hydromorphone may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks. Hydromorphone should be used with caution if you are in a weakened condition or if you have a severe liver or kidney disorder, hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, an enlarged prostate, a urethral stricture, low blood pressure or a head injury. Hydromorphone suppresses the cough reflex; therefore, the doctor will be cautious about prescribing Hydromorphone after an operation or for patients with a lung disease. High doses of Hydromorphone may produce labored or slowed breathing. This drug also affects centers that control breathing rhythm and may produce irregular breathing. People who already have breathing difficulties should be very careful about taking Hydromorphone. Narcotics such as Hydromorphone may mask or hide the symptoms of sudden or severe abdominal conditions, making diagnosis and treatment difficult. Hydromorphone can cause seizures when taken in high doses and, if you have a seizure disorder, can make the seizures worse. |
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