Access
Available by prescription only. Hydromorphone is a narcotic — original prescriptions required, no refills permitted, transfer rules apply. The pharmacist will review every fill.
Medication information
PrescriptionControlled / monitored requirements may apply
Hydromorphone
Strong opioid for moderate-to-severe pain
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Hydromorph Contin) is a strong opioid used for moderate-to-severe pain. Immediate-release tablets are dosed every 4 hours; controlled-release (CR) capsules are taken every 12 hours.
How the pharmacy helps
Hydromorphone is a narcotic. Each prescription must be the original (no copies, no faxes for new courses). Quantities and refills follow federal narcotic rules. The pharmacist will review dose, breakthrough plan, and interactions on every fill.
Access framing
Available by prescription only. Hydromorphone is a narcotic — original prescriptions required, no refills permitted, transfer rules apply. The pharmacist will review every fill.
Storage
Store in the original container, out of reach of children. Many patients use a small lock box.
Disposal
Bring unused opioids to the pharmacy for safe disposal — there is no charge.
Forms and strengths
Medication entries grouped here
Strengths, dosage forms, brands, or package entries may vary. Your prescription label and pharmacist counselling are the instructions to follow.
| Brand / Generic | Strength | Form | DIN | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dilaudid Hydromorphone HCl | 2mg | Tablet | Active | |
Hydromorph Contin Hydromorphone CR | 6mg | CR Capsule | Active |
Immediate-release (IR) acts within 15–30 minutes and lasts 4 hours. Controlled-release (CR) is slow-release for 12 hours. They are not interchangeable.
For chronic-pain patients, a labelled daily blister can help track each dose and limit the amount available at one time.
Naloxone (Narcan) reverses opioid overdose. Free naloxone kits are available at the pharmacy; ask the pharmacist.
Have questions about this medication?
Call the pharmacy or bring the medication to the counter. We can help compare labels, dosing schedules, storage needs, and questions to ask your prescriber.
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