Hydromorphone (Hydromorphone)
Overview of Hydromorphone
Hydromorphone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. Hydromorphone Hcl is a phenantherne derivative with agonist activity on opiate receptors. Hydromorphone Hcl is a, semisynthetic analog of morphine, but more potent than morphine. Due to its potency, Hydromorphone Hcl is often used to relieve severe pain in cancer patients, although its short duration of action can limit its utility. Although all opiates can potentially suppress the cough reflex, hydromorphone is rarely used for this purpose. The drug is available for oral use as well as for parenteral administration. Hydromorphone is a schedule C-II controlled substance and was approved by the FDA in 1984.
Indication of Hydromorphone
Hydromorphone is primarily indicated in conditions like Biliary colic, Bone trauma, Burns, Cough, Cough suppressant, Non productive cough, Pain, Pain management in cancer patient, Post operative analgesia, Renal colic.
Contraindication of Hydromorphone
Hydromorphone is contraindicated in conditions like Hypovolaemia,Hypotension,Respiratory insufficiency,Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Hydromorphone
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Hydromorphone, which give rise to further complications include Insomnia, Seizures, Respiratory depression, Constipation.,Hydromorphone produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Respiratory depression, Respiratory arrest, Cardiac Arrest, Cardiac arrest, Shock, Circulatory depression. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Hydromorphone therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Hydromorphone include Drowsiness, Drowsiness, Confusion, Fainting, Pinpoint pupils, Shallow breathing, Death due to respiratory depression.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Hydromorphone are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Vertigo, Headache, Drowsiness, Nausea, Vomiting, Restlessness, Constipation, Sweating, Dry mouth, Blurred vision, Confusion, Sedation, Agitation, Paresthesias, Uretheral spasm, Dry mouth, Confusion, dizziness.
Precautions of Hydromorphone
It should be used with caution or in a reduced doses to patients with hypothyroidism, adrenocortical insufficiency, asthma, impaired kidney or liver function, prostatic hyperplasia, hypotension, shock, inflammatory or obstructive bowel disorders or mysthania gravis. Discontinuation of therapy with opioid analgesic should be carried out gradually to avoiding precipitating withdrawal symptoms in patients who may have developed physical dependence. Donot use alcohol. Avoid taking other drugs which make you sleepy. Donot drive as Hydromorphone may cause drowziness. Take this drug with food to avoid upset stomach.