How does it work?

Hydromorphone hydrochloride belongs to a group of medicines called opioids. Opioids mimic the effects of naturally occurring pain reducing chemicals (endorphins) that are found in the brain and spinal cord. They combine with the opioid receptors in the brain and block the transmission of pain signals. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt. Hydromorphone is used to treat severe pain in cancer.

What is it used for?

Severe pain

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Use with caution in

Children under 12 years of age

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Decreased kidney function

Elderly people

Enlarged prostate gland

Hypothyroidism

Insufficient production of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands (adrenal insufficiency)

Reduced blood flow to vital internal organs (shock)

Not to be used in

Alcoholism

Decreased liver function

Epilepsy

Failure of function of part of the gut causing an obstruction (paralytic ileus)

Head injury

Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

People who have taken monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs) in the last 14 days

Pregnancy

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. The manufacturer therefore advises that it should be avoided during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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