Drugs & Vitamins

Palladone Active Ingredients: Hydromorphone Tablets Representative Names: Dilaudid, Palladone Available Product Images: What are hydromorphone tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with hydromorphone? What side effects may I notice from taking hydromorphone? What should I watch for while taking hydromorphone? Where can I keep my medicine? What are hydromorphone tablets? (Back to top) HYDROMORPHONE (Dilaudid®) relieves moderate to severe pain. Hydromorphone may be used to control pain following surgery, child birth, and other procedures. Hydromorphone may also be used to treat pain associated with cancer, heart attacks, sickle cell disease and other medical conditions. Federal law prohibits the transfer of hydromorphone to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic hydromorphone tablets are available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •diarrhea •head injury •heart disease •intestinal disease •liver disease •lung disease, asthma or breathing problems •prostate trouble •seizures •an allergic or unusual reaction to hydromorphone, codeine, morphine, other medicines, sulfites, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take hydromorphone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If hydromorphone upsets your stomach, you can take it with food or milk. Do not share this medicine with any one. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with hydromorphone? (Back to top) •medicines for high blood pressure •medicines for seizures Because hydromorphone causes drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of hydromorphone. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are: •alcohol and alcohol containing medicines •barbiturates such as phenobarbital •certain antidepressants and tranquilizers •muscle relaxants •certain antihistamines used in cold medicines Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking hydromorphone? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon: •cold, clammy skin •difficulty breathing, wheezing •irregular heartbeat, palpitations •seizures •severe rash •unusual weakness More common: •confusion •lightheadedness or fainting spells •nervousness or restlessness •difficulty passing urine Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •blurred vision •constipation •drowsiness, dizziness •flushing •dry mouth •headache •nausea, vomiting, •pinpoint pupils What should I watch for while taking hydromorphone? (Back to top) Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse or it you have a new or different type of pain. Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional. If you are taking hydromorphone on a regular basis, do not suddenly stop taking it. Your body becomes used to the hydromorphone and when you suddenly stop taking it, you may develop a severe reaction. This DOES NOT mean you are "addicted" to hydromorphone. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine such as hydromorphone to control your pain. You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking hydromorphone or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how hydromorphone affects you. Stand or sit up slowly, this reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient. The drowsiness should decrease after taking hydromorphone for a couple of days. If you have not slept because of your pain, you may sleep more the first few days your pain is controlled to catch-up on missed sleep. Be careful taking other medicines which may also make you tired. This effect may be worse when taking these medicines with hydromorphone. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing. Avoid alcohol while taking hydromorphone. Hydromorphone will cause constipation. Make sure to take a laxative and/or a stool softener while taking hydromorphone. Try to have a bowel movement every 2—3 days, at least. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days or more call your prescriber or health care professional. They may recommend using an enema or suppository to help you move your bowels. Your mouth may get dry. Drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy may help to relieve dry mouth symptoms. Have regular dental checks. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking hydromorphone. Rarely, hydromorphone may cause you to have hallucinations (to see things that are not really there) or cause your legs or arms to "jerk" or have spasms. If you experience these effects, call your prescriber or health care professional. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Do not share or give this medicine to anyone else. Avoid accidental swallowing of hydromorphone by someone (especially children) other than the person for whom it was prescribed as this may result in severe effects and possibly death. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:04/29/1999 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above 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 the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.