What is Hydromorphone ?
Rectal hydromorphone is an opioid medication that treats moderate to severe pain.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of hydromorphone rectal.
Side effects of Hydromorphone
If you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat. Get medical help immediately.If you take opioid medicine, it can cause your breathing to slow down or stop. Death may result. If you have long pauses in your breathing, blue lips, or are difficult to wake up, someone caring for you needs to seek immediate medical attention.
Hydromorphone can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Sighing, noisy breathing, shallow breathing, or breathing that stops while sleeping
- A low heart rate or a weak pulse
- Severe sleepiness
- Little or no urination
- Feelings of anxiety, confusion, and mood changes
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Low cortisol levels can cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness.
Serotonin syndrome symptoms include: hallucinations and agitation; fever, sweating, or shivering; rapid heartbeat; muscle stiffness or twitching; and loss of coordination.The risk of serious side effects is higher in elderly adults, those with malnutrition, or those who are debilitated.Men or women may be affected by long-term opioid use. The effects of opioids on fertility may not be permanent.
Some of the common side effects associated with hydromorphone include:
- Constipation;
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Sweating;
- Symptoms of muscle weakness or stiffness
- Joint or muscular pain.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Reaching out to the FDA can be done easily at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report potential side effects.
Warnings
Misuse of opioid medication can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Store the medication where others cannot reach it.Opioids used during gestation can lead to withdrawal symptoms that could prove lethal for both mother and baby.You can experience fatal side effects if you combine opioid medication with alcohol or other drugs that make you drowsy or slow down your breathing.
Before you take this drug
If you've ever experienced an allergic reaction to any narcotic medication, or you:
- Severe asthma or breathing problems
- A tumor of the brain,
- A curvature abnormality of the spine affects breathing.
If you've used an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, then you shouldn't use a rectal hydromorphone. Harmful drug interactions may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (rasagiline), selegiline (selegiline injection), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and others.
Inform your doctor of any of the following issues:
- Sleep apnea is a breathing problem.
- A head injury or seizure;
- Liver or kidney disease
- A stomach or intestinal disorder.
- Urination or prostate problems;
- A thyroid disorder,
- Addison’s disease, or other disorders of the adrenal gland.
Your baby could develop withdrawal symptoms post birth if you take opioids while pregnant. Babies born dependent on opioids may need medical treatment for several weeks.Breastfeeding is not recommended while using a rectal hydromorphone.
How to take Hydromorphone?
Read all the instructions on the label of your medication and follow them. Use hydromorphone only in the prescribed amount and for no longer than recommended. If you are feeling the urge to take more hydromorphone, tell your doctor.You should not swallow a rectal suppository of hydromorphone. This product is only for your rectum.Do not share opioid medication with anyone, especially if they have a history of drug abuse. MISTAKEN USE OF OPIOID MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION OR OVERDOSE. Store the medicine in a safe place that others can't reach. It is illegal to sell or give away opioid medication.Before and after inserting a rectal suppository, wash your hands.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Tell your surgeon that you use a rectal hydromorphone if you require surgery.If you abruptly stop taking this medication, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.You should ask your doctor about how to stop this medication safely.
Do not freeze. Store it in the fridge. Keep away from the light. Track your medication. Be aware of anyone who is misusing your medicine or using it without a valid prescription.Keep leftover opioid medications out of the reach of children. One dose of this medication can be fatal for someone who uses it incorrectly or accidentally. You should ask your pharmacist about a drug disposal program. If there isn't a take-back program available, flush any unused medication down the toilet.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss a hydromorphone dose, as it is used to treat pain.If your next scheduled dosage is due soon, any missed ones should be left out. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Hydromorphone overdoses can be deadly, especially for children who accidentally swallow or suck on a suppository.
What should be avoided?
Don't drink alcohol. Side effects and death can occur.You should avoid driving or operating machines until you are sure of how hydromorphone affects you. Falls or other accidents can be caused by dizziness or extreme drowsiness.
Interaction with other drug
Opioids can interact with other medications and cause serious side effects, or even death. Tell your doctor if you use:
- Other narcotic medicines—opioid or cough medications;
- A sedative such as Valium—diazepam (alprazolam), lorazepam (lorazepam), Xanax (Klonopin), Versed, and others.
- Sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, medicines to treat mental disorders, mood disorders, or other drugs that slow down breathing
- Drugs that increase serotonin in the body, such as stimulants, medicines for depressive disorders, Parkinson’s disease, or migraine headaches
This list is incomplete. Hydromorphone can interact with other drugs, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions.
