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Dilaudid

Introduction to pain management

Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain. An example of pain that is typically less complex would be nerve root irritation from a herniated disc with pain radiating down the leg. This condition can often be alleviated with an epidural steroid injection and physical therapy. Sometimes, however, the pain does not go away. This can require a wide variety of skills and techniques to treat the pain. These skills and techniques include:

  • Interventional procedures
  • Medication management
  • Physical therapy or chiropractic therapy
  • Psychological counseling and support
  • Acupuncture and other alternative therapies; and
  • Referral to other medical specialists

All of these skills and services are necessary because pain can involve many aspects of a person's daily life.

How is pain tre...

Dilaudid

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Dilaudid Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Dilaudid, Dilaudid-5

Generic Name: hydromorphone (oral) (Pronunciation: HYE droe MOR fone)

What is hydromorphone (Dilaudid)?

Hydromorphone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers, also called opioids. It is similar to morphine.

Hydromorphone is used to treat moderate to severe pain. The extended-release form of this medication is for around-the-clock treatment of pain.

Hydromorphone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Dilaudid 2 mg ABB

round, orange, imprinted with 2, a

Dilaudid 2 mg

round, orange, imprinted with K, 2

Dilaudid 4 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with 4, a

Dilaudid 8 mg

triangular, white, imprinted with 8, double Abbott Logo (aa)

Hydromorphone 2 mg-ETH

round, blue, imprinted with 2, E

Hydromorphone 2 mg-MAL

round, white, imprinted with M, 2

Hydromorphone 2 mg-ROX

round, white, imprinted with 54 743, 2

Hydromorphone 4 mg-ETH

round, beige, imprinted with 4, E

Hydromorphone 4 mg-MAL

round, white, imprinted with M, 4

Hydromorphone 4 mg-ROX

round, white, imprinted with 4, 54 609

Hydromorphone 8 mg-ETH

round, white, imprinted with E, 8

Hydromorphone 8 mg-ROX

round, white, imprinted with 54 403

What are the possible side effects of hydromorphone (Dilaudid)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
  • seizure (convulsions);
  • cold, clammy skin;
  • confusion;
  • severe weakness or dizziness; or
  • feeling light-headed, fainting.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

  • nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite;
  • warmth, tingling, or redness under your skin;
  • dizziness, headache;
  • dry mouth;
  • sweating; or
  • itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about hydromorphone (Dilaudid)?

Hydromorphone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Hydromorphone should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking hydromorphone. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with a narcotic pain medicine. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol.

Never take more than your prescribed dose of hydromorphone. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Hydromorphone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Do not stop using hydromorphone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

Related Drug Centers

Dilaudid - User Reviews

Dilaudid User Reviews

Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.

Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Dilaudid sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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