Brand Name
PMS-Hydromorphone
Common Name
hydromorphone
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00885444 | PMS-HYDROMORPHONE 1MG TABLET |
| 01916386 | PMS HYDROMORPHONE 1MG/ML SYRUP |
| 00885436 | PMS-HYDROMORPHONE 2MG TABLET |
| 01916394 | PMS HYDROMORPHONE 3MG SUPPOSITORY |
| 00885401 | PMS-HYDROMORPHONE 4MG TABLET |
| 00885428 | PMS-HYDROMORPHONE 8MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Hydromorphone belongs to the family of medications known as opioid analgesics (narcotic pain relievers). It is used to treat moderate to severe pain, including pain after surgery. High concentration injectable forms of this medication are only used to treat severe pain for people who need higher than usual doses of hydromorphone.
Hydromorphone works on the brain to increase the ability to tolerate pain. Hydromorphone begins to work within 30 minutes for oral (by mouth) forms, or within 5 minutes for injectable forms.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The usual adult dose of hydromorphone taken by mouth is 2 mg to 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours as required. The oral liquid may be diluted in fruit juice or other beverage if desired. Rectal suppositories are often used at night, with the usual dose of 1 suppository every 6 to 8 hours.
The usual adult dose of hydromorphone when given by injection is 2 mg given under the skin or into a muscle every 4 to 6 hours if necessary. When given by injection in the hospital, your doctor may inject the medication slowly into a vein.
For high-concentration hydromorphone injection, the dose will depend on the dose of other opioid medications that you are currently using. Your doctor will determine the dose that is appropriate for you.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take or use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take or use a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children. Protect the ampulees and vials from light.
This medication is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Syrup
Each mL of syrup contains hydromorphone HCl 1 mg. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Suppositories
Each suppository contains hydromorphone HCl 3 mg. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Tablets
1 mg
Each pale green, round, biconvex, semi-scored tablet, embossed "1" and "pms" on opposite sides, contains hydromorphone HCl 1 mg. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
2 mg
Each pale orange, round, biconvex, semi-scored tablet, embossed "2" and "pms" on opposite sides, contains hydromorphone HCl 2 mg. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4 mg
Each yellow, round, biconvex, semi-scored tablet, embossed "4" and "pms" on opposite sides, contains hydromorphone HCl 4 mg. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
8 mg
Each white, round, biconvex, semi-scored tablet, embossed "8" and "pms" on opposite sides, contains hydromorphone HCl 8 mg. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Hydromorphone should not be taken or used by anyone who:
- is allergic to hydromorphone, other opioid (narcotic) pain medications (e.g., morphine, codeine, oxycodone), or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- has acute asthma or other obstructive airway disease
- has acute respiratory depression (slowed breathing)
- has increased intracranial pressure (increased pressure inside the head)
- has pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lungs)
- has severe central nervous system (CNS) depression (e.g., slowed nervous system)
