What is hydromorphone?
hydromorphone vs morphine is an opioid medication used to treat moderate to severe pain.The extended-release form of hydromorphone is for around-the-clock treatment of moderate to severe pain, not for use on an as-needed basis for pain.
Hydromorphone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Hydromorphone side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Opioid medicine can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.
Hydromorphone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
- breathing that stops during sleep;
- slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);
- confusion, feelings of extreme happiness or sadness;
- severe weakness or drowsiness;
- worsening pain, more sensitivity towards pain;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; or
- low cortisol levels–nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, worsening tiredness or weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
How should I use hydromorphone?hydromorphone vs morphine
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use hydromorphone in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.
Never share opioid medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Swallow the capsule or tablet whole to avoid exposure to a potentially fatal overdose. Do not crush, chew, break, open, or dissolve.
Measure liquid medicine with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Do not stop using hydromorphone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant symptoms (such as agitation, confusion, tingling or electric shock feelings). Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.
Never crush a pill to inhale the powder or inject it into your vein. This could result in death.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.
