Hydromorphone Hydrochloride (Oral: Liquid and Tablets)

The liquid or tablet form of hydromorphone hydrochloride is taken every six hours to control moderate to severe pain. It can also be used to help suppress chronic coughing. This medication works by deadening pain impulses in the nervous system in order to stop patients from feeling pain.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication contains a narcotic drug; patients who have a history of narcotic drug abuse should not take it. Patients who have an alcohol problem also should avoid this medication because taking it with alcohol can be fatal. Both alcohol and hydromorphone are central nervous system depressants; taking them together can cause a fatal slowdown of the lungs or heart.

Patients should take this medication with food in order to avoid nausea.