Dilaudid Side Effects

Generic name: hydromorphone

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 15, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about hydromorphone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Dilaudid.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to hydromorphone: compounding powder, injectable powder for injection, injectable solution, intravenous solution, oral capsule extended release, oral liquid, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release, rectal suppository.

General

The most common adverse effects are lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, flushing, dysphoria, euphoria, dry mouth, and pruritus.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Constipation (up to 31%), nausea (up to 28%), vomiting (up to 14%),

Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth, dry mouth, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Ileus, cramps, taste alteration, gastritis, diverticulitis

Rare (less than 0.1%): Anal fissure, bezoar, duodenitis, impaired gastric emptying, painful defecation

Frequency not reported: Flatulence, dysphagia, hematochezia, abdominal distension, hemorrhoids, abnormal feces, intestinal obstruction, eructation, diverticulum, gastrointestinal motility disorder, large intestine perforation

Postmarketing reports: Oropharyngeal swelling^[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Somnolence (up to 15%), headache (up to 12%), dizziness (up to 11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Lightheadedness, sedation, memory impairment, hypoesthesia, paresthesia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tremor, nystagmus, increased intracranial pressure, taste alteration, involuntary muscle contractions

Rare (less than 0.1%): Hyperreflexia

Frequency not reported: Balance disorder, encephalopathy

Postmarketing reports: Convulsions, drowsiness, dyskinesia, hyperalgesia, myoclonus, serotonin syndrome (with concomitant serotonergic drugs)^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Dysphoria, euphoria, insomnia, anxiety, depression, nervousness, nightmares, mood swings

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Agitation, altered mood, hallucination, disorientation, abnormal dreams

Frequency not reported: Floating feelings, dreams, apprehension, panic attack, suicide ideation, aggression

Postmarketing reports: Confusional state^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reactions, hypersensitivity reactions^[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bronchospasm, laryngospasm

Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression, apnea, respiratory arrest, rhinorrhea, respiratory distress, hypoxia, sneezing, hyperventilation

Postmarketing reports: Dyspnea^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Flushing, hypotension, peripheral edema, chest pain

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitations, syncope, presyncope, hypertension

Frequency not reported: Circulatory depression, cardiac arrest, shock, extrasystoles

Postmarketing reports: Peripheral edema^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Sweating, pruritus, hyperhidrosis, rash

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria, diaphoresis

Frequency not reported: Erythema

Postmarketing reports: Angioedema^[Ref]

Local

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Injection site urticaria

Postmarketing reports: Injection site reactions^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Urinary retention, urinary hesitancy

Postmarketing reports: Erectile dysfunction^[Ref]

Hepatic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Biliary tract spasm

Rare (less than 0.1%): Biliary colic

Postmarketing reports: Hepatic enzyme increased^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia (up to 11%), pain, pyrexia, fall

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Weakness, abnormal feeling, chills

Rare (less than 0.1%): Feeling drunk

Frequency not reported: Neonatal withdrawal syndrome, addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, drug withdrawal syndrome, vertigo, tinnitus, malaise

Postmarketing reports: Fatigue, lethargy^[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia/decreased appetite, decreased weight, dehydration

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fluid retention, increased appetite, hyperuricemia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, muscle spasms, back pain, extremity pain

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle rigidity

Frequency not reported: Myalgia^[Ref]

Ocular

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blurred vision, diplopia, miosis, visual impairment

Frequency not reported: Dry eye^[Ref]

Renal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Antidiuretic effects^[Ref]

Endocrine

Hydromorphone (the active ingredient contained in Dilaudid)

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Decreased libido, sexual dysfunction

Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypogonadism

Opioids:

Postmarketing reports: Adrenal insufficiency, androgen deficiency^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Which painkiller should you use?
• Oxymorphone vs Hydromorphone - How do they compare?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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