Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) Medication Information

Hydromorphone is a prescription opioid medication used to manage pain that is severe enough to require an opioid analgesic when alternative treatments are inadequate.

Hydromorphone is also commonly known by the brand name Dilaudid. It is a potent opioid agonist that acts on opioid receptors in the body to reduce the perception of pain.

Because hydromorphone is an opioid, it carries important risks, including addiction, abuse, misuse, respiratory depression, overdose, and death. Current U.S. labeling also warns about serious risks from combining hydromorphone with benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants. citeturn0search0turn0search2

This page provides general educational information about hydromorphone, its uses, precautions, side effects, interactions, and safety considerations.

What Is Hydromorphone?

Hydromorphone is a prescription opioid analgesic used for the treatment of severe pain when an opioid medication is considered appropriate.

It belongs to the opioid agonist class of medicines and works primarily by activating opioid receptors involved in pain perception.

Hydromorphone hydrochloride tablets are available in prescription formulations, and current U.S. labeling classifies them as a Schedule II controlled substance. citeturn0search0

Because of its opioid activity and potency, hydromorphone requires careful prescribing, dispensing, storage, and monitoring.

What Is Dilaudid?

Dilaudid is a brand name associated with hydromorphone.

The active medication is hydromorphone. Depending on the prescription product, hydromorphone may be available in different formulations and strengths.

Patients should always check the medication label and follow the instructions provided by their prescribing healthcare professional and pharmacist.

What Is Hydromorphone Used For?

Hydromorphone hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic when alternative treatments are inadequate. citeturn0search0

Healthcare professionals consider several factors when deciding whether an opioid such as hydromorphone is appropriate, including:

• The severity and cause of pain
• Previous pain treatments
• Response to other medications
• Medical history
• Other medications being taken
• Risk factors for opioid misuse
• Kidney and liver function
• Age and overall health

Because opioid medicines can cause serious harm, current labeling recommends reserving them for situations in which alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or otherwise inadequate. citeturn0search0

How Does Hydromorphone Work?

Hydromorphone works primarily by activating opioid receptors in the central nervous system.

Activation of these receptors changes how the brain and nervous system perceive and respond to pain.

Hydromorphone can also produce effects such as:

• Sleepiness
• Relaxation
• Reduced alertness
• Slower breathing
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Dizziness

These effects are important reasons hydromorphone must be used exactly as prescribed.

Hydromorphone Dosage Information

Hydromorphone dosage is individualized by the prescribing healthcare professional.

The appropriate treatment plan can depend on:

• Severity of pain
• Previous opioid exposure
• Response to treatment
• Age
• Medical conditions
• Kidney function
• Liver function
• Other medications
• Risk of respiratory depression
• Risk of misuse or addiction

Current labeling emphasizes using the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual treatment goals. citeturn0search0

Patients should never change their hydromorphone dose on their own.

Do not take more than prescribed, take it more frequently than prescribed, or use hydromorphone prescribed to another person.

Hydromorphone Side Effects

Possible side effects of hydromorphone include:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Abdominal discomfort
• Lightheadedness
• Reduced alertness

Some side effects may become more noticeable when treatment begins or when the medication dose changes.

Contact your healthcare professional if side effects are persistent, severe, or interfere with daily activities.

Serious Hydromorphone Side Effects

Hydromorphone can cause serious and potentially life-threatening adverse effects.

Seek emergency medical attention for symptoms such as:

• Severe or difficult breathing
• Extreme sleepiness
• Inability to wake
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe confusion
• Seizure
• Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
• Severe allergic reaction
• Signs of overdose

The current prescribing information contains a boxed warning regarding serious risks associated with hydromorphone, including respiratory depression, addiction, abuse, misuse, and accidental ingestion. citeturn0search0

Hydromorphone and Respiratory Depression

One of the most serious risks of hydromorphone is respiratory depression, meaning breathing becomes dangerously slow or ineffective.

Respiratory depression can occur when treatment begins, following dose increases, or after an excessive amount is taken. citeturn0search0

Symptoms can include:

• Slow breathing
• Shallow breathing
• Difficulty breathing
• Unusual snoring or gurgling sounds
• Extreme sleepiness
• Difficulty waking
• Loss of consciousness

If an opioid overdose is suspected, call 911 immediately.

Hydromorphone and Benzodiazepines

Combining hydromorphone with benzodiazepines can substantially increase the risk of severe sedation and respiratory depression.

Examples of benzodiazepines include:

• Alprazolam
• Clonazepam
• Diazepam
• Lorazepam

Current hydromorphone labeling warns that combining opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system depressants can result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. citeturn0search0

Tell your healthcare professional about all prescription and nonprescription medications you take.

Hydromorphone and Alcohol

Alcohol can increase the sedating and respiratory-depressant effects of hydromorphone.

Combining alcohol with hydromorphone can increase the risk of:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Poor coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Respiratory depression
• Overdose
• Death

Avoid combining hydromorphone with alcohol unless your healthcare professional specifically advises you otherwise.

Hydromorphone Drug Interactions

Hydromorphone can interact with other medicines and substances.

Important interactions may involve:

• Benzodiazepines
• Other opioids
• Alcohol
• Sedatives
• Sleeping medicines
• Other CNS depressants
• Certain antidepressants
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
• Partial opioid agonists or mixed opioid agonist/antagonists

Current prescribing information contains specific warnings about several of these interactions. citeturn0search2

Always provide your doctor and pharmacist with a complete list of prescription medications, over-the-counter products, supplements, and other substances you use.

Hydromorphone and Dependence

Repeated opioid use can cause physical dependence.

Physical dependence means the body adapts to continued exposure to the medication.

Dependence is not the same as addiction, although hydromorphone also carries a risk of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse. citeturn0search0

Patients should use hydromorphone only according to their prescription and should never share it with another person.

Hydromorphone Withdrawal

Stopping hydromorphone suddenly after regular use can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Possible withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Muscle aches
• Insomnia
• Runny nose
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Chills
• Irritability

Current prescribing information includes guidance for gradual reduction or discontinuation when appropriate. citeturn0search0

Patients who have been taking hydromorphone regularly should speak with their healthcare professional before stopping treatment.

Hydromorphone Overdose

Taking too much hydromorphone can cause a potentially fatal opioid overdose.

Possible overdose symptoms include:

• Extreme sleepiness
• Slow or difficult breathing
• Very small pupils
• Severe weakness
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma
• Death

If you believe someone has taken too much hydromorphone, call 911 immediately.

Naloxone is an opioid overdose reversal medication that may be used in an emergency. Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist whether having naloxone available is appropriate.

Hydromorphone and Naloxone

People who receive opioid medications may benefit from having access to an opioid overdose reversal medication such as naloxone.

Ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist about naloxone, particularly if you or someone in your household has risk factors for opioid overdose.

Naloxone does not replace emergency medical treatment.

Hydromorphone and Driving

Hydromorphone can cause drowsiness, dizziness, impaired concentration, and reduced reaction time.

Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Avoid driving if you feel:

• Sleepy
• Dizzy
• Confused
• Weak
• Lightheaded
• Impaired

Combining hydromorphone with other sedating substances can make impairment worse.

Hydromorphone and Older Adults

Older adults may be more sensitive to opioid effects.

Healthcare professionals may consider:

• Age
• Kidney function
• Liver function
• Other medications
• Fall risk
• Breathing problems
• Overall health

Older patients should report unusual sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, or breathing difficulties to their healthcare professional.

Hydromorphone and Kidney Problems

Kidney function can affect how medications are handled by the body.

Patients with kidney impairment should tell their healthcare professional before starting hydromorphone.

The prescribing information contains specific considerations for patients with renal impairment. citeturn0search0

Do not adjust your medication yourself based on kidney function.

Hydromorphone and Liver Problems

Liver function can also affect medication handling and treatment decisions.

Tell your healthcare professional if you have:

• Liver disease
• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Abnormal liver tests
• A history of significant liver problems

Your healthcare professional can determine whether hydromorphone is appropriate and whether additional monitoring is needed.

Hydromorphone During Pregnancy

Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant while taking hydromorphone.

Extended opioid exposure during pregnancy can cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) in a newborn. Current hydromorphone labeling specifically warns about this risk. citeturn0search0

Do not suddenly stop long-term opioid treatment during pregnancy without medical guidance.

Hydromorphone and Breastfeeding

Hydromorphone can pass into breast milk.

Discuss hydromorphone treatment with your healthcare professional if you are breastfeeding.

The potential effects on the infant should be considered when deciding whether hydromorphone treatment is appropriate.

Hydromorphone in Children

Hydromorphone is a potent opioid and must be kept away from children.

Accidental ingestion can cause a potentially fatal overdose. Current labeling specifically warns that accidental ingestion, especially by children, can result in fatal overdose. citeturn0search0

Never give hydromorphone prescribed for an adult to a child unless it has been specifically prescribed for that child by a qualified healthcare professional.

Safe Storage of Hydromorphone

Hydromorphone should be stored securely.

Important precautions include:

• Keep it out of sight and reach of children.
• Keep it away from visitors and other unauthorized people.
• Do not share it.
• Keep the medication in its original container when appropriate.
• Follow pharmacy and medication-disposal instructions.

Current labeling specifically recommends secure storage because accidental ingestion, misuse, and abuse can cause serious harm or death. citeturn0search0

Who Should Tell Their Doctor Before Taking Hydromorphone?

Tell your healthcare professional if you have:

• Breathing problems
• Asthma
• Sleep apnea
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• A history of seizures
• Head injury
• Substance use disorder
• Mental health conditions
• Previous medication reactions
• Current or previous opioid use

Also tell your healthcare professional about all medicines and substances you use.

Hydromorphone Prescription Information

Hydromorphone hydrochloride tablets are prescription opioid medications.

In the United States, hydromorphone hydrochloride tablets are classified as Schedule II controlled substances. citeturn0search0

Because hydromorphone is a controlled opioid, prescription, dispensing, storage, and use are subject to applicable federal and state requirements.

Patients should follow the prescription and pharmacy requirements applicable to their location.

Hydromorphone at Maxson Pharmacy

Maxson Pharmacy provides medication-information resources designed to help readers understand prescription medications, including their uses, precautions, side effects, interactions, and safety considerations.

If you have questions about hydromorphone, Dilaudid, your prescription, or possible medication interactions, speak with a qualified healthcare professional or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hydromorphone

What is hydromorphone?

Hydromorphone is a prescription opioid medication used to manage severe pain when an opioid analgesic is considered appropriate and alternative treatments are inadequate.

Is Dilaudid the same as hydromorphone?

Dilaudid is a brand name associated with hydromorphone. The active opioid medication is hydromorphone.

Is hydromorphone an opioid?

Yes. Hydromorphone is an opioid analgesic.

Is hydromorphone a controlled substance?

Yes. Hydromorphone hydrochloride tablets are classified as Schedule II controlled substances in the United States. citeturn0search0

Can hydromorphone cause addiction?

Yes. Hydromorphone carries risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death. citeturn0search0

Can hydromorphone cause respiratory depression?

Yes. Serious and potentially fatal respiratory depression is one of the major risks associated with hydromorphone. citeturn0search0

Can hydromorphone be taken with alcohol?

Alcohol can increase the sedating and respiratory-depressant effects of hydromorphone. Combining them can increase the risk of serious harm.

Can hydromorphone be taken with benzodiazepines?

Combining hydromorphone with benzodiazepines can increase the risk of profound sedation and respiratory depression. Tell your healthcare professional about all medications you take.

Can hydromorphone cause withdrawal?

Yes. Regular opioid use can result in physical dependence, and sudden discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Can hydromorphone cause an overdose?

Yes. An overdose can cause severe respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, coma, and death.

Should naloxone be available when taking hydromorphone?

Ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist whether naloxone is appropriate for you or your household.

Can children take hydromorphone?

Hydromorphone should only be given to a child when specifically prescribed and directed by a qualified healthcare professional. Accidental ingestion can cause fatal overdose, so it must be stored securely. citeturn0search0

Can hydromorphone be used during pregnancy?

Pregnancy requires an individualized medical assessment. Extended opioid exposure during pregnancy can cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome in a newborn. citeturn0search0

What should I do if I think someone overdosed on hydromorphone?

Call 911 immediately. An opioid overdose can be life-threatening. Naloxone may be used as an emergency opioid reversal medication when available, but emergency medical care is still required.

Authoritative External References

DailyMed — Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Tablets
DailyMed Hydro

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