What is Dilaudid: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Take Dilaudid only as instructed.

Take only the dose prescribed. Do not increase the dose or take doses more frequently than prescribed.

The dose may need to be changed several times to find the dose that best controls pain.

The doctor may prescribe a supplemental dose that can be taken between doses. Make sure you understand the proper dose for the supplemental dose and when you can take it.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for a copy.

Dilaudid tablets or oral solution can be taken with or without food. To avoid digestive system irritation, take oral doses with food or milk.

How to take Dilaudid tablets:

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

• Store Dilaudid tablets at room temperature, securely out of reach of children and others.

How to take Dilaudid oral solution:

• Use a calibrated oral syringe to measure each dose carefully. 

• The oral solution can be diluted in fruit juice and taken that way.

• Store Dilaudid oral solution at room temperature securely out of reach of children and other people.

Healthcare providers administer Dilaudid injections.

You can drop off any unused Dilaudid tablets or oral solution at a drug take-back location or flush the remaining medicine down the toilet. Do not throw unused Dilaudid in the trash.

If a dose is missed or forgotten, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled.

Do not take extra medicine or a double dose to compensate for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to hydromorphone or sulfites.

Dilaudid is also contraindicated in people with:

• Significantly slow or shallow breathing

• Active asthma attack

• Severe asthma

• Stomach or bowel blockage or a paralyzed colon

Tell any doctor or healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

The doctor who prescribes Dilaudid will regularly visit with you to monitor its effectiveness and for side effects. Keep all appointments.

Do not stop using this medicine until you have talked to the doctor. The dose may need to be slowly decreased before it is stopped.

Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

Dilaudid is a powerful narcotic that can cause serious adverse effects, including:

• Slowed breathing (respiratory depression) or stopped breathing (respiratory arrest)

• Breathing problems while sleeping

• Serotonin syndrome

• Adrenal gland dysfunction

• Low blood pressure

• Increased pressure inside the head

• Thoughts of suicide

• Drug abuse

• Dependence

• Overdose

• Death

Before taking Dilaudid tablets or oral solution, tell your doctor if you have:

• Breathing or lung problems such as COPD, asthma, or sleep apnea

• Kidney disease

• Problems urinating

• Liver impairment

• Thyroid problems

• Slow heart rate

• Low blood pressure

• Stomach or bowel problems

• Pancreas or gallbladder problems

• A history of seizures, head injury, or brain tumor

• Mental health issues such as depression

• A history of alcohol or drug abuse

Tell the doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before using this medicine.

This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or engage in any other risky activity until you know how this medicine affects you. 

This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call the doctor if the medicine is not working.

Dilaudid can injure or kill children or other people if they inadvertently get access to it. Keep this medicine locked up in a secure location out of the reach of children or visitors.

Dilaudid is a federally controlled substance. Giving or selling this drug to anyone else is dangerous and against the law.

Some medicines can affect how Dilaudid works. Tell your doctor if you are taking: 

• Medicines that treat depression, anxiety, psychosis, or other mental health conditions

• Migraine drugs called triptans

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

• Anticholinergic drugs

Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy, such as: 

• Other opioids

• Benzodiazepines

• Sleeping pills

• Barbiturates

• Muscle relaxants

• Allergy medications that cause sedation

• CBD

• Alcohol 

Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.