Hydromorphone Oral

Hydromorphone Oral Uses

This medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain from a variety of causes. Hydromorphone is a narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type). It acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief.

This medication should not be used to relieve pain during labor or delivery.

How To Use Hydromorphone Oral

Take this medication by mouth, usually every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by your doctor. You may take this drug with or without food. If you have nausea, you may take this drug with food, although this may cause your body to absorb less of the drug and get less benefit from it. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible).

If you are using this medication as needed, it will work best if you use it as soon as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well. If you are using this medication on a regular schedule, use it regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and any use of other narcotic pain relievers.

You may also take long-acting narcotic medications or use narcotic patches for ongoing pain if so directed by your doctor. In that case, this medication might be used for sudden (breakthrough) pain only as needed. Also follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions for safely using non-narcotic pain relievers (e.g., naproxen, ibuprofen). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal reactions (e.g., restlessness, anxiety, irritability, watering eyes, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, muscle cramps/pain/spasms, trouble sleeping, hot/cold flashes) may occur if you suddenly stop this drug. To prevent withdrawal when stopping extended/regular treatment with this drug, gradually reduce the dosage as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Rarely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Tell your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.