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What happens if I miss a dose (Dilaudid)?

Since hydromorphone is sometimes used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Try to use the medicine at a time when you can lie down afterward and hold the medicine in. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Dilaudid)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of hydromorphone can be fatal.

Symptoms of a hydromorphone overdose may include extreme drowsiness, muscle weakness, confusion, cold and clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while using hydromorphone rectal (Dilaudid)?

Do not drink alcohol while you are using hydromorphone. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with hydromorphone. Check the label of any other medicines you take to be sure they do not contain alcohol.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by hydromorphone, which could result in extreme drowsiness or coma.

Do not use hydromorphone if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you use hydromorphone before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Hydromorphone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What other drugs will affect hydromorphone rectal (Dilaudid)?

Do not use hydromorphone with alcohol, other narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing. Dangerous side effects may result.

Before using hydromorphone, tell your doctor if you are using pentazocine (Talwin), nalbuphine (Nubain), butorphanol (Stadol), or buprenorphine (Buprenex, Subutex). If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use hydromorphone, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect hydromorphone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about hydromorphone rectal written for health professionals that you may read.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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