Generic: HYDROmorphone(SC) Brand Name: Dilaudid

Classification: Therapeutic: Allergy, Cold and Cough remedies (antitussives), opioid analgesics.
Pharmacologic: opioid agonists.
Therapeutic: Decrease in moderate to severe pain and suppression of cough.
Action: Binds to opioid receptors in the CNS. Alter perception of and response
to painful stimuli, CNS depression.

Safe dosage: 1.5 mg every 3-4 hour as needed initially

Onset: 15 minutes Peak: 30-90 minutes Duration: 4-5 hour

Patient teaching: advise the patient of the possible side effects. Instruct the patient on how and when to ask for pain
medication and instruct patient on administration on medications.

Adverse reactions: confusion, sedation, hypotension, constipation

Precautions: Head trauma, renal disease, hepatic impairment, prolonged use of opioid during pregnancy can result in neonatal
opioid withdrawal syndrome.

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, respiratory depression, acute/ severe pain bronchial pain

Interactions: Drug-Drug (MAO inhibitors), alcohol, antihistamines,

Nursing Implications: Assess BP, pulse, oxygen saturation and respirations before and periodically during administration. If
antidepressants.
respiratory rate is less than 10/min, assess level of sedation. Dose may need to be decreased by 25– 50%. Initial drowsiness
will diminish with continued use.
Assess risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to administration. Abuse or misuse of extended-release preparations by
crushing, chewing, snorting, or injecting dissolved product will result in uncontrolled delivery of hydromorphone and can result
in overdose and death. Exalgo is an abuse deterrent formulation that is difficult to crush and, if crushed, results in a gel.

Vallerand, April Hazard.

Why this patient Davis's
takes this Drug Guide
medication: for Nurses
To relieve pain(p. 659).
and/ F.A. Davis Company.
or suppression of cough.Kindle Edition.

Reference: Vallerand, A.H., Sanoski, C.A., & Deglin, J.H, (2019). Davis’s drug guide for nurses, e-book. (16 th ed.). Philadelphia.
PA: F.A. Davis Company. Page: 658-659.

May 14, 2019