Dilaudid – Information, Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Drug trade name: Dilaudid

Category: Opioid analgesics

Generic name: hydromorphone

Introduction and Quick Information:

Dilaudid is an opioid pain medication also called narcotic pain reliever. It is considered as similar as morphine. It is used for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It acts by binding to certain receptors in nervous system and brain to reduce the pain.

Is Dilaudid Approved by U.S. FDA?

The U.S. FDA has approved Dilaudid to treat moderate to severe pain in various dosage forms like a suppository, injectable-solution, and tablet.

Usage and Benefits of Dilaudid:

Dilaudid is prescribed to treat pain. It is better known as the narcotic pain reliever. It acts by binding certain receptors in the central nervous system and brain. It may also be used for treating cough but never recommended for use as a cough suppressant.

Dilaudid Side Effects:

Some of the common side effects associated with this drug are:

• Confusion
• Cold
• clammy skin
• Seizure (convulsions)
• Feeling light-headed
• Fainting
• Severe weakness
• Shallow breathing
• Slow heartbeat
• Dry mouth
• Redness on your skin
• Tingling
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Sweating
• Itching

General Recommended Dosage of Dilaudid:

Take dilaudid as prescribed by the doctor to treat pain. Never try to take this medicine in a larger amount or longer than prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly as it could lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Dosage generally depends on numbers of a factor that is associated with patient’s health and medical history such as:

• Use of other drugs
• Patient’s age and weight
• Other health conditions
  
• History of drug abuse/addiction

In Case I Miss a Dose?

In case the dose is missed, take it as soon as you recall. If, it the time for the next dose then skip the missed dose. You may ask your doctor for further assistance.

In case I take Overdose?

Some of the common overdose symptoms may include pinpoint pupils, extreme drowsiness, cold and clammy skin, fainting, shallow breathing, weak pulse, confusion. If you find any of these symptoms, seek medical help.

Drug Interactions with Dilaudid:

• Narcotic pain relievers
• Tranquilizers
• Sedatives
• Muscle relaxants
• Other medicine that causes slow breathing and makes you sleepy.

Lifestyle and Food Habits You Must Follow When on Dilaudid:

Lifestyle and food habits play an important role in the treatment of any kind of health condition. Your doctor may suggest you, follow strict diet and lifestyle routine because there are some foods and day to day activities that can decrease the effect of this medicine. There are some health conditions that you should tell your doctor before starting this medicine such as:

• Underactive thyroid
• Low blood pressure
• Mental illness
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• Liver or kidney disease
• Enlarged prostate, urination problems
• Asthma, COPD, sleep apnea,
• Breathing disorders
• Addison’s disease
• Gallbladder disease
• Adrenal gland disorders
• Curvature of the spine
• A history of head injury or brain tumor
• A history of drug or alcohol addiction

If you have any of the above mentioned medical condition, inform the doctor before following any diet or exercise regimen.

How Safe Is Dilaudid for Pregnant Women or Nursing Mothers?

Pregnancy category: C (Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks)

Lactation: Drug excreted in breast milk; use not recommended

Complications and Conditions Possible Due to Prolonged Use of Dilaudid:

This medicine comes in habit-forming category hence this medicine should not be taken by people with drug abuse/addiction. Do not use Dilaudid longer than recommended as it could become an addiction. Tell your doctor if you have any sorts of allergic reaction to pain reliever drugs.

Availability of Dilaudid:

This drug is available only by prescription.