Hydromorphone Hydrochloride
Where is Hydromorphone Hydrochloride used?
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride is recommended for use to relieve severe ongoing pain because of cancer. This medicine has hydromorphone in a long-acting form. This is in the group of medications known as opioid (narcotic) analgesics. It is also a hydrogenated ketone of morphine. It helps on how to change your body’s feels and response to pain. This is available as tablets for oral administration. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medication.
How does Hydromorphone Hydrochloride work?
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride is an opioid agonist that can bind to different types of opioid receptors. Its analgesic effect is suggested to be related to the effect on the mu-opioid receptors. It has been reported to also have a minor affinity for the delta and kappa receptors. On the other hand, it is known to act at the level of the medulla which allows it to depress the respiratory drive and suppress cough.
The onset of action of the immediate-release form of hydromorphone is achieved in 15 to 20 minutes. It also has a lasting effect for 3 to 4 hours while the extended-release form onset of action is of 6 hours lasting for about 13 hours.
How is Hydromorphone Hydrochloride taken?
The dosage for this treatment will depend on your condition and response. This is usually taken once a day. You may take it with or without food. If you have nausea, it may help to take it with food. The medicine is to be taken by mouth and swallow as a whole with a full glass of water.
Take your prescribed dosage every 24 hours, at the same time every day. Do not take more than your prescribed dose in 24 hours. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at your usual time the next day. Call your healthcare provider if the dose you are taking does not control your pain. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your healthcare provider.
What are the possible side effects of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride?
- Itching
- Flushing (warmth., redness, or tingling of the skin)
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Double or blurred vision
- Insomnia (sleep problems)
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Strange dreams
What are the precautions in taking Hydromorphone Hydrochloride?
- Before taking this medication, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. This medicine should only be used when needed.
- Let your doctor know if you are allergic to it or if you have any allergies. Call for medical assistance right away if you have any signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the tongue, face, or throat.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages while having this treatment. Avoid also driving or using any machinery. This drug may make you feel dizzy or drowsy.
- Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use this drug in larger amounts or for longer than prescribed. Inform your doctor if you sense an increased need to take more of this medication.
- Stop taking all other around-the-clock narcotic pain medicines when you start taking this drug.
