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Dilaudid Drug Center

Dilaudid (hydromorphone hydrochloride) and Dilaudid Injection (also termed Dilaudid HP) are the tablet, liquid and IV forms of an opioid analgesic used for control of moderate to severe pain. It is available as a generic named hydromorphone hydrochloride. Common side effects that may occur with both tablet and IV forms of Dilaudid are redness or tingling of skin, itching, sweating, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, headache, and mouth dryness. Note that these drug preparations have serious side effects listed below and are often abused by drug-seeking patients.

Dilaudid is available in tablets in 8 mg strength, in liquid form in 5 mg strength per 5 ml of liquid, and Dilaudid Injection is available as sterile solution containing 1, 2, or 4 mg hydromorphone hydrochloride with 0.2% sodium citrate and 0.2% citric acid solution. Dosage of tablets usually begins at 2-4 mg every 4-6 hours; liquid begins at 2.5 mg (2.5 ml) every 3-6 hours and may be modified according to patient response and doctor's prescription. Dilaudid injection starting dose is 1-2 mg subcutaneously or intramuscularly every 4 to 6 hours as necessary for pain; it can also be given IV slowly over 2-3 min but respiration needs to be monitored. However, the drug preparations are designated schedule 2 opioid antagonists and have the highest potential for abuse and risk of respiratory depression. Use of Dilaudid with alcohol, sedative or hypnotic drugs or other opioid drugs may depress breathing enough to cause death. Serious side effects of Dilaudid are shallow or very slow breathing, bradycardia, confusion, syncope, seizures, cold clammy skin, and death. In addition, after a few weeks of use, patients may develop both tolerance and physical dependence on Dilaudid and may need to be slowly weaned off the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Dilaudid should be used in pregnant women only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus or breastfeeding infant; the drug should not be used for labor or delivery; pregnant women taking the medication will usually cause the fetus/infant to be dependent on opioids and likely will have other effects on the infant. There are no Dilaudid studies on pediatric patients.

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