Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Hydromorphone HCl rectal

Hydromorphone HCl rectal Drug Category NARCOTIC ANALGESICS - RECTAL

Hydromorphone HCl rectal Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. NARCOTIC ANALGESICS - RECTAL USES: This medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. HOW TO USE: Use this medication as prescribed. If the suppository is too soft to insert, put it in cold water or refrigerate for 30 minutes before removing the foil wrapper. Unwrap the foil and moisten the suppository with a little water. Lie down on your left side with right knee bent. Push suppository into the rectum with your finger. Remain lying down for a few minutes and avoid having a bowel movement for a hour or longer so the drug will be absorbed. Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it. Use this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. Over time, this drug may not work as well. Consult your doctor if this medication is not relieving the pain sufficiently. SIDE EFFECTS: May cause constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea or flushing. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: irregular heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, seizures. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: liver disease, lung disease (e.g., asthma, emphysema), colitis or other stomach problems, severe diarrhea, any drug dependency problems, any drug allergies. Use caution when engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcohol consumption because it may add to the dizziness/drowsiness effects of this drug. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, other narcotic pain relievers, drugs for depression, phenothiazines, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), cimetidine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include shallow and slow breathing, unconsciousness, drowsiness, or dizziness. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the doses. STORAGE: Store in the refrigerator but not in the freezer unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.