Generic name: hydromorphone (injection) [ HYE-droe-MOR-fone ]
Other brand names of hydromorphone (injection) include: Dilaudid
Drug class: Opioids (narcotic analgesics)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 24, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is hydromorphone injection?

Hydromorphone injection is an opioid medicine used to treat severe pain.

Hydromorphone injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Hydromorphone injection 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.

Dilaudid 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.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults and those who are malnourished or debilitated.

Common side effects of Dilaudid may include:

• constipation, nausea, vomiting;

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• sweating, itching;

• dry mouth; or

• mood changes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

MISUSE OF OPIOID MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Using opioid medicine during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

Fatal side effects may occur if you also drink alcohol or use other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow breathing.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use hydromorphone if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a narcotic medicine, or if you have:

• severe asthma or breathing problems; or

• a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus.

Do not use hydromorphone if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you take hydromorphone.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems, sleep apnea;

• a head injury, brain tumor, or seizures;

• low blood pressure;

• alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness;

• urination problems;

• a sulfite allergy;

• a pancreas disorder;

• Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders; or

• liver or kidney disease.

May harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use hydromorphone for an extended period of time during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Hydromorphone in breast milk can cause life-threatening side effects in a nursing baby.

How is hydromorphone injection given?

Hydromorphone is injected into a muscle, under the skin, or into a vein.

Hydromorphone is usually given by injection only if you are unable to take medicine by mouth.

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.

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal, especially in a child or person using opioid medicine without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, slow breathing, or no breathing.

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid while receiving hydromorphone injection?

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

What other drugs will affect hydromorphone injection?

Many other drugs can be dangerous when used with opioid medicine. Tell your doctor if you also use:

• medicine for allergies, asthma, blood pressure, motion sickness, irritable bowel, or overactive bladder;

• other opioid medicines;

• a benzodiazepine sedative like Valium, Klonopin, or Xanax;

• sleep medicine, muscle relaxers, or other drugs that make you drowsy; or

• drugs that affect serotonin, such as antidepressants, stimulants, or medicine for migraines or Parkinson's disease.

This list is not complete. Many drugs may affect hydromorphone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

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

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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