Hydromorphone Hydrochloride
Pronouncation: (HIGH-droe-moRE-phone HIGH-droe-KLOR-ide)Class: Opioid analgesic
Trade Names:
Dilaudid
- Tablets 1 mg
- Tablets 2 mg
- Tablets 3 mg
- Tablets 4 mg
- Tablets 8 mg
- Injection 1 mg/mL
- Injection 2 mg/mL
- Injection 4 mg/mL
- Suppositories 3 mg
Trade Names:
Dilaudid-HP
- Injection 10 mg/mL
- Powder for Injection, lyophilized 250 mg
Dilaudid Sterile Powder (Canada)
Dilaudid-XP (Canada)
Hydromorph Contin (Canada)
Hydromorphone HP 10 (Canada)
Hydromorphone HP 20 (Canada)
Hydromorphone HP 50 (Canada)
Hydromorphone HP Forte (Canada)
PMS-Hydromorphone (Canada)
Pharmacology
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Relieves pain by stimulating opiate receptors in CNS; also causes respiratory depression, inhibition of cough reflex, peripheral vasodilation, inhibition of intestinal peristalsis, sphincter of Oddi spasm, stimulation of chemoreceptors that cause vomiting, and increased bladder tone.
Pharmacokinetics
Distribution
The mean Vd is 91.5 L. Hydromorphone hydrochloride is rapidly removed from the bloodstream and distributed to skeletal muscles, kidneys, liver, intestinal tract, lungs, spleen, and brain. Hydromorphone also crosses placental membranes.
Metabolism
Hydromorphone is metabolized in the liver as glucuronidated conjugate (major metabolite) and 6-hydroxy (minor metabolite).
Elimination
The mean t 1/ 2 is approximately 2.64 h. Hydromorphone is excreted primarily as the glucuronidated conjugate.
Onset
Onset of hydromorphone is 15 min (parenterally) and 30 min (oral).
Peak
Time to peak effect is 0.5 to 1 h.
Duration
Duration is longer than 5 h.
Indications and Usage
Relief of moderate to severe pain; control of persistent nonproductive cough.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to similar compounds, depressed ventilatory function; acute asthma; diarrhea caused by poisoning or toxins; patients not already receiving large amounts of parenteral narcotics; patients with respiratory depression without access to resuscitative equipment; labor.
Dosage and Administration
AdultsPO/Tablet 2 mg every 4 to 6 h as needed; at least 4 mg every 4 to 6 h for more severe pain. PO/Liquid 2.5 to 10 mg every 4 to 6 h. Subcutaneous/IM 1 to 2 mg every 4 to 6 h as needed; 3 to 4 mg every 4 to 6 h for more severe pain. IV May give slowly over 2 to 5 min. Use high potency (10 mg/mL) only for patients tolerant to other opiates. PR 3 mg every 6 to 8 h.
AntitussivePO 1 mg every 3 to 4 h as needed.
Storage/Stability
Store at room temperature and protect from light.
Drug Interactions
CNS depressants (eg, tranquilizers, sedatives, alcohol)Additive CNS depression.
Barbiturate anestheticsMay have additive effects.
Laboratory Test Interactions
Increased amylase and lipase may occur up to 24 h after dose.
Adverse Reactions
Cardiovascular
Hypotension; orthostatic hypotension; bradycardia; tachycardia.
CNS
Lightheadedness; dizziness; sedation; disorientation; incoordination; lethargy; anxiety.
Dermatologic
Sweating; pruritus; urticaria.
GI
Nausea; vomiting; constipation; abdominal pain.
Genitourinary
Urinary retention or hesitancy.
Respiratory
Respiratory depression; laryngospasm; depression of cough reflex.
Miscellaneous
Tolerance; psychological and physical dependence with chronic use.
Precautions
Pregnancy
Category C .
Lactation
Excreted in breast milk.
Children
Safety and efficacy not established.
Renal Function
May need to reduce dose.
Hepatic Function
May need to reduce dose.
Special Risk Patients
Use with caution in patients with myxedema, acute alcoholism, acute abdominal conditions, ulcerative colitis, decreased respiratory reserve, head injury or increased intracranial pressure, hypoxia, supraventricular tachycardia, depleted blood volume, or circulatory shock.
Drug dependence
Hydromorphone has abuse potential.
Overdosage
Symptoms
Miosis, respiratory and CNS depression, apnea, bradycardia, hypotension, circulatory collapse, seizures, cardiopulmonary arrest, death.
Patient Information
- Instruct patient to take medication before pain becomes severe.
- Advise patient to take medication with food or milk to decrease stomach upset.
- Advise patient that drug may cause drowsiness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.
- Advise patient to eat high-fiber diet and to maintain adequate fluid intake. A stool softener or bulk laxative may be recommended to prevent constipation.
- Instruct patient to avoid intake of alcoholic beverages or other CNS depressants.
- Instruct patient to discontinue drug and notify health care provider if difficulty in breathing or persistent nausea, vomiting or constipation occurs.
- When medication is used for acute pain, caution patient about potential for addiction and explain that medication should be for short-term use only.
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