Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) for Chronic Pain

Overview
Dilaudid is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain severe enough to require an opioid when other treatments are ineffective. Dilaudid may be referred to by its drug name, Hydromorphone. Hydromorphone is also sold under the brand name Exalgo.

Dilaudid is an opioid, or synthetic opiate, that works as a potent analgesic (painkiller). Dilaudid is believed to work by reducing the perception of pain.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, regular use of opioids - even as prescribed by a doctor - can lead to dependence. If misused, opioids can cause overdose and death.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Dilaudid is taken every three to six hours.

Dilaudid comes in tablet and oral liquid forms.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Dilaudid lists common side effects including drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, euphoria, and itching.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Dilaudid include respiratory depression, apnea (temporary cessation of breathing), circulatory depression, cardiac arrest, and shock.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Dilaudid prescribing information – Purdue Pharma
http://app.purduepharma.com/xmlpublishing/pi.as...