Hydromorphone: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring

Labeled uses

Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] is indicated for use in opioid-tolerant patients who require higher doses of opioids for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternate treatments are inadequate. Patients considered opioid tolerant are those who are taking for one week or longer, around-the-clock medicine consisting of at least 60 mg oral morphine per day, or at least 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl per hour, or at least 30 mg oral oxycodone per day, or at least 8 g oral hydromorphone per day, or at least 25 mg oral oxymorphone per day, or at least 60 mg oral hydrocodone per day, or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid for one week or longer. Patients must remain on around-the-clock opioids while administering Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (HPF). Limitations of Use: Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, which can occur at any dosage or duration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 )] , reserve …