Hydromorphone (oral): How Should I Take Hydromorphone
Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.
How should I take hydromorphone?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Too much hydromorphone could be very harmful. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
 | Take the pill form of this medicine with a full glass of water. |
 | Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. |
Measure the liquid form of hydromorphone with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Avoid getting hydromorphone liquid on your skin. It can be absorbed through your skin, and you may get too large a dose.
| | Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily to help prevent constipation while you are using hydromorphone. Ask your doctor about ways to increase the fiber in your diet. Do not use a stool softener (laxative) without first asking your doctor. |
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using hydromorphone. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
 | You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using this medication after using it over a long period of time. Withdrawal symptoms include feeling nervous or irritable, blurred vision, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and fast heart rate. Do not stop using hydromorphone suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. |
 | Store this medication at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light. |
After you have stopped using this medication, flush any unused pills down the toilet.
Throw away any unused liquid hydromorphone that is older than 90 days.
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| Last updated: | September 08, 2006 |
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