Dilaudid
Generic Name:
Hydromorphone
Brand Names:
Dilaudid, Dilaudid HP
Dilaudid Description:
Dilaudid is the brand name for the narcotic analgesic that is used in relieving pain. The medication is marketed by Abbott Laboratories and is commonly used as an alternative for morphine.
The active ingredient of Dilaudid is hydromorphone hydrochloride, which is used to decrease pain or decrease severe coughing.
Dilaudid Uses:
Dilaudid is used for pain management. Dilaudid works by combining an opioid with certain receptors of the central nervous system. Dilaudid also depresses the cough reflex by affecting the respiratory centers in the brain, making them less responsive.
Dilaudid Interactions:
It is important to speak with a doctor about the use of Dilaudid in combination with any medications, vitamins, supplements or herbal products.
There are many drugs that interfere with the proper functioning of Dilaudid. The following drugs should not be taken in combination with Dilaudid:
- Acecainide
- Ajmaline
- Amiodarone
- Amisulpride
- Amitriptyline
- Amoxapine
- Aprindine
- Astemizole
- Azimilide
- Bepridil
- Bretylium
- Brofaromine
- Chloral Hydrate
- Chloroquine
- Chlorpromazine
- Cisapride
- Citalopram
- Clarithromycin
- Clorgyline
- Desipramine
- Dibenzepin
- Disopyramide
- Dofetilide
- Dolasetron
- Doxepin
- Dronedarone
- Droperidol
- Ebastine
- Encainide
- Erythromycin
- Flecainide
- Fluconazole
- Flucytosine
- Fluoxetine
- Fluvoxamine
- Foscarnet
- Furazolidone
- Halofantrine
- Haloperidol
- Hydroquinidine
- Ibutilide
- Imipramine
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Isradipine
- Itraconazole
- Lazabemide
- Lidoflazine
- Linezolid
- Lorcainide
- Mefloquine
- Mesoridazine
- Methdilazine
- Mexiletine
- Mibefradil
- Moclobemide
- Naltrexone
- Nialamide
- Nicardipine
- Nortriptyline
- Octreotide
- Olanzapine
- Pargyline
- Pentamidine
- Phenelzine
- Pimozide
- Pirmenol
- Prajmaline
- Primaquine
- Probucol
- Procainamide
- Procarbazine
- Propafenone
- Protriptyline
- Quinidine
- Rasagiline
- Risperidone
- Selegiline
- Sematilide
- Sertindole
- Sertraline
- Sotalol
- Spiramycin
- Sulfamethoxazole
- Sultopride
- Tedisamil
- Telavancin
- Terfenadine
- Thioridazine
- Tiapride
- Toloxatone
- Tranylcypromine
- Trimeprazine
- Trimethoprim
- Trimipramine
- Vasopressin
- Zimeldine
- Ziprasidone
- Zolmitriptan
- Zotepine
Dilaudid Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Dilaudid is available as a tablet, liquid, solution (Dilaudid HP) and powder (Dilaudid HP). Dosage recommendations will vary from patient to patient. Both the dose and duration of the treatment will depend upon the patient’s tolerance to the opioid hydromorphone.
Adults may take Dilaudid oral liquid at a typical dose of 2.5 mL to 10 mL (1/2 to 2 teaspoonfuls) every three to six hours. Higher doses may be required in some patients.
Adults may take Dilaudid tablets by mouth at a starting dose of 2 to 4 mg every four to six hours. A gradual increase may be recommended if pain relief is inadequate. Patients with liver impairment should usually begin taking Dilaudid at a lower dose.
Adults who take Dilaudid solution or powder (Dilaudid HP) should only take it if they are already receiving large doses of opioids. If the patient is switching from Diluadid to Dilaudid HP, similar doses should be used. Patients with kidney or liver impairment should be started at lower doses. A gradual increase in dose may be necessary for pain relief.
Dilaudid solution comes in 500 mg/5 mL vials. The rubber stopper should not be penetrated with a syringe. Remove both the seal and the stopped and then withdraw. Discard any remaining portion appropriately.
Dilaudid powder comes in 250 mg to be added to 25 mL of solution for injection.
Missing a Dose
Dilaudid is typically taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take the medication regularly and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. Skip the dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdosing
It is important to remember that almost all narcotic analgesics are addictive in nature. If you think you have overdosed on Dilaudid, contact emergency services immediately.
Symptoms of serious overdose of Diluadid include:
- Respiratory depression
- Drowsiness that can progress to coma
- Skeletal muscle limpness
- Cold and clammy skin
- Constricted pupils
- Irregular heart beat
- Low blood pressure
Apnea, circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest and death may occur, particularly with intravenous injection of Dilaudid.
Dilaudid FDA Approval:
The Dilaudid injection was approved on January 11, 1984. The Dilaudid tablet and oral solution were approved on December 7, 1992.
Dilaudid Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Dilaudid comes with a warning against its high potential for abuse. Abuse can lead to respiratory depression. Alcohol, other opioids, and central nervous system depressants can increase the risk of respiratory depression from hydromorphone, which can result in death.
Only take Dilaudid as prescribed. Do not crush, chew, inhale, or inject a crushed tablet of Dilaudid as this may lead to overdose or even death.
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September 9, 2010, 3:38 pm
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September 8, 2010, 3:39 pm
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September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
