High Alert
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. Crosses the placenta; enters breast milk.
Half-Life: Oral (immediate-release), or injection: 24 hr; Oral (extended-release): 815 hr.
(analgesic effect)
ROUTE | ONSET | PEAK | DURATION |
---|---|---|---|
PO-IR | 30 min | 3090 min | 45 hr |
PO-ER | unknown | unknown | unknown |
SUBQ | 15 min | 3090 min | 45 hr |
IM | 15 min | 3060 min | 45 hr |
IV | 1015 min | 1530 min | 23 hr |
Rect | 1530 min | 3090 min | 45 hr |
Contraindicated in:
Use Cautiously in:
CV: hypotension, bradycardia
Derm: flushing, sweating
EENT: blurred vision, diplopia, miosis
Endo: adrenal insufficiency
GI: constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting
Neuro: confusion, sedation, dizziness, dysphoria, euphoria, floating feeling, hallucinations, headache, unusual dreams
Resp: RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION (INCLUDING CENTRAL SLEEP APNEA AND SLEEP-RELATED HYPOXEMIA)
Misc: physical dependence, psychological dependence, tolerance
Drug-drug:
Drug-Natural Products:
Hepatic Impairment
Renal Impairment
Lab Test Considerations:
Toxicity and Overdose:
Accidental overdose of opioid analgesics has resulted in fatalities. Before administering, check infusion pump settings.
Pedi: Medication errors with opioid analgesics are common in pediatric patients; calculate doses carefully. Use appropriate measuring devices.Do not confuse hydromorphone with buprenorphine, hydralazine, hydroxyzine, morphine, or oxymorphone; fatalities have occurred. Do not confuse high-potency (HP) dose forms with regular dose forms.
FDA strongly encourages health care professionals to complete a REMS-compliant education program that includes all the elements of the FDA Education Blueprint for Health Care Providers Involved in the Management or Support of Patients with Pain, available at www.fda.gov/OpioidAnalgesicREMSBlueprint. Information on programs can be found at 1-800-503-0784 or www.opioidanalgesicrems.com
.IV Administration:
Rapid administration may lead to increased respiratory depression, hypotension, and circulatory collapse.
Instruct patient on how and when to ask for pain medication. Do not stop taking without discussing with health care professional; may cause withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly after prolonged use. Do not increase doses without discussing with health care professional, may lead to overdose. Discuss safe use, risks, and proper storage and disposal of opioid analgesics with patients and caregivers with each Rx. The Patient Counseling Guide is available at www.fda.gov/OpioidAnalgesicREMSPCG.
Explain to patient and family how and when to administer hydromorphone, discuss safe storage of medication, and how to care for infusion equipment properly. Teach parents or caregivers how to accurately measure liquid medication and to use only measuring device dispensed with medication
.NDC Code