hydromorphone (rectal)

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Pronunciation: hye dro MOR fone

Brand: Dilaudid

What is the most important information I should know about rectal hydromorphone?

Rectal hydromorphone can slow or stop your breathing, and may be habit-forming. Use only your prescribed dose, and swallow the pill whole to avoid a potentially fatal dose. Never share rectal hydromorphone with another person.

MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICATION CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.

You should not use rectal hydromorphone if you have a brain tumor or head injury, severe asthma, or breathing problems caused by curvature of the spine, emphysema, COPD, or other lung problems.

Rectal hydromorphone may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother has taken this medicine during pregnancy.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

What is rectal hydromorphone?

Hydromorphone is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.

Hydromorphone rectal is used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Hydromorphone rectal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using rectal hydromorphone?

You should not use rectal hydromorphone if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a narcotic medicine, or if you have:

  • severe asthma or breathing problems;
  • a brain tumor or head injury; or
  • abnormal curvature of the spine that affects breathing.

You should not use rectal hydromorphone if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Some medicines can interact with hydromorphone and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Be sure your doctor knows if you also take medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor before making any changes in how or when you take your medications.

To make sure rectal hydromorphone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • any type of breathing problem or lung disease;
  • a history of seizures;
  • a history of drug abuse, alcohol addiction, or mental illness;
  • urination problems;
  • a stomach or intestinal disorder;
  • liver or kidney disease;
  • sulfite allergy;
  • Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;
  • a thyroid disorder; or
  • if you use a sedative like Valium (diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Tranxene, Versed, Xanax, and others).

Hydromorphone is more likely to cause breathing problems in older adults and people who are severely ill, malnourished, or otherwise debilitated.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. If you use hydromorphone while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether rectal hydromorphone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I use rectal hydromorphone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Hydromorphone can slow or stop your breathing. Never use rectal hydromorphone in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Hydromorphone may be habit-forming, even at regular doses. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICATION CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Selling or giving away hydromorphone is against the law.

Do not take a hydromorphone rectal suppository by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

Wash your hands before and after inserting the rectal suppository.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the hydromorphone suppository.

Remove the wrapper before inserting the suppository. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.

Lie on your back with your knees up toward your chest. Gently insert the suppository into your rectum about 1 inch, pointed tip first.

For best results, stay lying down for a few minutes. The suppository will melt quickly and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in. Avoid using the bathroom for at least an hour after using the suppository.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using rectal hydromorphone. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

Store in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Keep track of the number of suppositories used from each new supply. Hydromorphone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since hydromorphone is used for pain, you are not likely to miss a dose. Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A hydromorphone overdose can be fatal, especially in a child who accidentally sucks on or swallows a hydromorphone suppository, or in any other person using the medicine without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include slow breathing and heart rate, severe drowsiness, muscle weakness, cold and clammy skin, and fainting.

What should I avoid while using rectal hydromorphone?

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when you drink alcohol while using rectal hydromorphone.

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how hydromorphone will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.

What are the possible side effects of rectal hydromorphone?

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

Like other narcotic medicines, hydromorphone can slow your breathing. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • slow heart rate, weak or shallow breathing;
  • severe drowsiness;
  • little or no urinating;
  • confusion, mood changes, severe anxiety, feeling of fear;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • infertility, missed menstrual periods;
  • impotence, sexual problems, loss of interest in sex; or
  • low cortisol levels -- nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, worsening tiredness or weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Common side effects may include:

  • constipation;
  • dizziness, drowsiness;
  • sweating;
  • weakness, muscle stiffness; or
  • joint or muscle pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect rectal hydromorphone?

Narcotic (opioid) medication can interact with many other drugs and cause dangerous side effects or death. Be sure your doctor knows if you also use:

  • other narcotic medications --opioid pain medicine or prescription cough medicine;
  • drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing --a sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, sedative, tranquilizer, or antipsychotic medicine; or
  • drugs that affect serotonin levels in your body --medicine for depression, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with rectal hydromorphone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about rectal hydromorphone.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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