Dilaudid is an opiate analgesic drug, which is used for treating moderate and severe pain. Currently, it is given when pain is chronic or abrupt, and an opioid medication is necessary for controlling it, and other drugs aren’t sufficient to manage these cases. Dilaudid 8 mg is available with imprint p d 8 in a white three-sided shape.
It contains generic hydromorphone or hydromorphone hydrochloride, an opioid with effective analgesic effects to manage acute or chronic pain. Notably, it is two to eight times stronger than morphine substance. The precious mechanism of Dilaudid is based on binding with various opioid receptors. However, its analgesic properties mainly act on the mu receptors. Furthermore, hydromorphone also influences its effects at the medulla level which results in respiratory depression and cough suppression.
It is a Schedule II controlled substance drug, which indicates its high potential for drug abuse, and misuse, and can lead the patient to physical and psychological dependence. Dilaudid is also available in other brand names like Exalgo, Hydrostat IR, etc.
Uses of Dilaudid 8 mg:
Being a potent opioid drug, Dilaudid is mainly used and approved to relieve severe pain. These pain conditions can be caused by surgery, injury, cancer, etc.
The primary use of Dilaudid
Pain management: Dilaudid is an effective medication for pain management, especially when other medicines can’t control the pain in patients or are not well tolerable. It works by binding opioid receptors to change the perception of feeling pain.
Other uses of Dilaudid
- Chronic pain management
- Palliative or specialized medical care
- Anesthesia (due to hydromorphone)
Dosage and Dosing:
Dilaudid is available in oral solution and tablet forms with varying dosage strengths. These dosages help patients to increase or decrease their dose according to their response to the drug. Dilaudid 8 mg is available in the form of a tablet. The form of strengths are as follows-
- Oral Solution: 5 mg/5ml (1 mg/ml)
- Tablets: Including 8 mg it is available as Dilaudid 2 mg and Dilaudid 4 mg.
These adjustable dosages help patients to increase or decrease their dose according to their needs and response to the drug.
Dosing of Dilaudid:
The exact right dosage will be stated and advised by the doctor depending on certain factors such as the age and nature of the pain that the patient is having, intensity of the effects of the drug, etc.
Healthcare expert recommends that a person can start using this medication from a low dosage. The initial dose for managing pain in adults is Dilaudid 2 mg to 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours. For oral solution, it is 2.5mL to 10mL, 2.5 mg to 10 mg every 3 to 6 hours.
Dilaudid typically starts working within 30 minutes to one hour, after consumption. Its analgesic effects can help to relieve pain for at least 4 to 5 hours.
Side Effects of 8 mg Dilaudid:
Similar to other drugs, pain medication Dilaudid also causes mild to moderate adverse effects. Most of these side effects are temporary, while some rare cases may require immediate medical help.
A few of these effects are listed below, including:
- Biliary colic
- Seizures
- Decreased appetite
- Hypertension
- Constipation
- Laryngospasm
- Headache
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Blurry vision
- Involuntary muscle contractions
- Fatigue
- Somnolence
- Dryness in mouth
- Flushing
- Tremor
- Dribbling
- Mental depression
- Drowsiness
- Impotence
Precautions:
- Take the dosages exactly as prescribed by a doctor, because dosing errors can result in accidental overdose and death.
- Regular medicinal monitoring is necessary for patients with respiratory depression, chronic pulmonary disease, cachectic, etc.
- Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Dilaudid drugs, it can cause complications like severe dizziness and drowsiness.
- Dilaudid is not intended to be used during pregnancy, it may can cause fatal harm to women and the unborn baby.