section name header

Pronunciation

hye-droe-MOR-fone

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: opioid analgesics

Pharmacologic Classification: opioid agonists

Indications

High Alert


Action

  • Binds to opiate receptors in the CNS.
  • Alters the perception of and response to painful stimuli while producing generalized CNS depression.
  • Suppresses the cough reflex via a direct central action.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Decrease in moderate to severe pain.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed following oral, rectal, SUBQ, and IM administration. Extended-release product results in an initial release of drug, followed by a 2nd sustained phase of absorption.

Distribution: Widely distributed to tissues.

Metabolism/Excretion: Mostly metabolized by the liver.

Half-Life: Oral (immediate release) or injection: 2–4 hr; Oral (extended release): 8–15 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(analgesic effect)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO-IR30 min30–90 min4–5 hr
PO-ERunknownunknownunknown
SUBQ15 min30–90 min4–5 hr
IM15 min30–60 min4–5 hr
IV10–15 min15–30 min2–3 hr
Rect15–30 min30–90 min4–5 hr





Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: hypotension, bradycardia

Derm: flushing, sweating

EENT: blurred vision, diplopia, miosis

Endo: adrenal insufficiency

GI: constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting

GU: urinary retention

Neuro: confusion, sedation, dizziness, dysphoria, euphoria, floating feeling, hallucinations, headache, unusual dreams

Resp: RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION (INCLUDING CENTRAL SLEEP APNEA AND SLEEP-RELATED HYPOXEMIA)

Misc: allodynia, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, physical dependence, psychological dependence, tolerance

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Route/Dosage

Hepatic Impairment

Renal Impairment

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Toxicity and Overdose:

Implementation

IV Administration:

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Dilaudid, Dilaudid-HP, Exalgo

Canadian Brand Names

Hydromorph Contin

Contr. Subst. Schedule

Schedule II (C-II)