About hydromorphone hydrochloride
Opioid pain medicine
Used for
- Relief of severe pain when other pain medicines are inadequate.
- Pain control during surgery or in hospital.
Usual adult dose
Individualized; commonly 0.2–1 mg by injection every 2–3 hours as needed. Infusion doses are adjusted by clinicians.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-prescribed, weight-based dosing; varies by age, route, and clinical setting.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.
- Constipation or itching.
- Slow or shallow breathing.
- Low blood pressure or confusion.
Important warnings
- Can cause life-threatening breathing suppression, especially with alcohol or sedatives.
- Risk of dependence, misuse, and overdose.
- Use extra caution with breathing problems, head injury, or severe liver or kidney disease.
- Injection or infusion requires trained healthcare supervision.
Pregnancy
May cause newborn breathing problems or withdrawal if used near delivery or for prolonged periods.
Breastfeeding
Can cause infant sleepiness or breathing problems; use requires careful clinical assessment.
Interactions
- Alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleeping medicines, and other opioids increase sedation and breathing risks.
- Some medicines affecting CYP3A4 can alter hydromorphone effects.
- MAO inhibitors may increase serious opioid effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.