Hydromorphone (By mouth)

Introduction:

Hydromorphone (hye-droe-MOR-fone)

Treats moderate to severe chronic pain. This medicine is a narcotic analgesic. Palladone? (extended-release capsule) was withdrawn from the US market on July 15, 2005.

Brand Name(s):

Dilaudid

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help avoid constipation.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Never use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Taking more medicine than your doctor prescribes can cause serious side effects.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Destroy any medicine that you do not need by flushing it down the toilet.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a muscle relaxer such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril®). Tell your doctor if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days.
• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
• There are many medicines that can interact with hydromorphone. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease or kidney disease. Your doctor will need to know if you have asthma, lung disease, or any other breathing problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse or mental illness. Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever had a head injury, brain tumor, or stroke.
• Tell your doctor if you have stomach problems, Addison's disease, thyroid problems, seizures, prostate problems, or trouble urinating. Let your doctor know if you have glaucoma or any condition that causes increased pressure in your eye. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or rhythm problems, low blood pressure, or circulation problems.
• Symptoms of an overdose include: extreme dizziness or weakness, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat or breathing, seizures, and cold, clammy skin. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical care.
• This medicine may contain sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause an allergic reaction. Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to sulfite in the past.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Confusion, hallucinations (seeing things that are not there), or extreme change in behavior.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Tremors.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation.
• Drowsiness or weakness.
• Dry mouth, nausea, or vomiting.
• Nervousness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: