DilaudidIf you have moderate to severe pain, you may be prescribed Dilaudid. You may also be familiar with its genericname, Hydromorphone. Dilaudid is a high alert medication, which means if you do not take it exactly as prescribed itmay cause illness or injury.To understand how Dilaudid works, let’s look at how pain affects your body.Thousands of tiny nerve cells in your body sense many feelings, like cold, heat, pressure and pain. When your body isinjured, the tiny nerve cells send a message to your brain that says: ‘I’m in pain here!’Dilaudid works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.Dilaudid comes in either a tablet or liquid. Your healthcare provider will decide how much you need to take and howbest to take it, but tablets come in 2, 4 or 8 milligram dosages.Dilaudid is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do not take Dilaudid if you are allergic to theingredients in it.Do not take Dilaudid if you have asthma or other breathing problems.If you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Dilaudid. It mayharm your baby. Do not breastfeed while taking Dilaudid.Before taking Dilaudid, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of: head injury and stroke; liver, kidney orthyroid problems; stomach problems; and pancreas or gallbladder problems.Dilaudid can be highly addictive. If you have a history of abuse of street drugs, prescription medications or alcohol,tell your healthcare provider. There may be a different medication available for you.Some side effects of Dilaudid include: constipation, nausea, stomach pain, headache, sleepiness, dry mouth,sweating, and itching.If you do notice any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider about how to manage them.Be aware that you are at an increased risk of falling while taking Dilaudid. Get up from a sitting or lying positionslowly.Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, including your car, until you know how Dilaudid affects you.Page 1 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1005596 EN Dilaudid.pdf© The Wellness NetworkDilaudidDo not drink alcohol while taking Dilaudid. Drinking alcohol while taking this medication can cause serious sideeffects leading to death.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling in your face or throat, call 911.If you have: a slow heart rate, weak or shallow breathing, chest pain, confusion, muscle weakness, extremetiredness, or feel like you may pass out, call your healthcare provider right away.This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible side effects with your healthcareprovider.Take Dilaudid exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or take it for longer than prescribed.Always swallow the pill whole with plenty of water. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to help avoid constipation.If you have been prescribed liquid Dilaudid, use a measuring spoon or medicine cup to make sure you get thecorrect amount. Do not use a regular kitchen spoon.If you take Dilaudid regularly and skip a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double dose to make up for amissed dose. Return to your normal medication schedule as soon as possible.If you think you have taken too much Dilaudid, call 911. An overdose of Dilaudid can cause serious breathingproblems that can lead to death.Store Dilaudid away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicine cabinet is not the best placebecause of moisture. Do not leave your medication where it can get too hot or too cold.Always store your medication, out of sight and out of reach of children to prevent accidents.Because Dilaudid is a narcotic that can cause dependency, it can be a very desirable drug to addicts. Lock thismedication up to prevent stealing and abuse.When you are done taking Dilaudid, crush all of your remaining tablets and mix them with undesirable trash likekitty litter or coffee grounds. Dispose of liquid Dilaudid by flushing it down a drain or toilet.Do not sell or give your Dilaudid to anyone else. It is against the law and can seriously harm anyone else taking it.Page 2 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1005596 EN Dilaudid.pdf© The Wellness NetworkDilaudidContact your local police station for more information on proper disposal directions.Dilaudid can help relieve your pain. But it is a powerful medication that should only be taken exactly as prescribed. Ifyou have any questions about Dilaudid, ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist for more information.Page 3 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCMD1005596 EN Dilaudid.pdf© The Wellness Network
