Hydromorphone

🧮 Dose calculator

Severe pain requiring an opioid · Regimen source: FDA Hydromorphone tab · 2.3

• • Lowest effective dose for the shortest time. “Every 4–6 h as needed”; the calculator shows 6-hourly. Hepatic or renal impairment: start at one-quarter to one-half the dose. FDA Hydromorphone tab · 2.1FDA Hydromorphone tab · 2.4FDA Hydromorphone tab · 2.5

Enter age (weight is optional for this regimen).

👥 Special populations

• 🤰 PregnancyDangerous / avoid

  Label: can cause fetal harm. Dangerous in pregnancy. FDA Hydromorphone tab · Boxed Warning

  “Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) Advise pregnant women using opioids for an extended period of time of the risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated.”

• 🤱 BreastfeedingUse with caution

  Label: use with caution while breastfeeding; see the label text. FDA Hydromorphone tab · 8.2

  “Risk Summary Low levels of opioid analgesics have been detected in human milk.”

• 👶 ChildrenSafety not established

  Label: not established in children. Accidental ingestion of even one dose by a child can be fatal. FDA Hydromorphone tab · 8.4

  “The safety and effectiveness of hydromorphone hydrochloride tablets in pediatric patients have not been established.”

• 👴 Older adultsUse with caution

  Label: use with caution in older adults, usually starting at the low end of the dose range. FDA Hydromorphone tab · 8.5

  “In general, use caution when selecting a dosage for an elderly patient, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.”

• ⚥ Females & males of reproductive potentialUse with caution

  Label has advice on pregnancy testing, contraception or fertility for females and males. FDA Hydromorphone tab · 8.3

  “Infertility Use of opioids for an extended period of time may cause reduced fertility in females and males of reproductive potential.”