Dilaudid, a prescription medication, contains the active ingredient hydromorphone, an opiate. This medication is indicated to alleviate sensations of moderate to severe pain or coughing in affected patients. Dilaudid may be administered orally as a tablet or liquid, or rectally as a suppository. Patients should discuss the side effects of Dilaudid with a medical professional before taking this type of pain reliever.
Upset Stomach or Dry Mouth
Treatment with Dilaudid may cause upset stomach side effects in patients. The most common gastrointestinal complications include nausea or vomiting, which may also be accompanied by constipation or difficult bowel movements, PDRhealth reports. Additionally, certain patients may experience dry mouth and develop increased thirst or sore throat symptoms.
Fatigue or Dizziness
Increased fatigue or episodes of dizziness may arise during treatment with Dilaudid. Patients may feel sluggish shortly after receiving a dose of this medication and may fall sleep or take naps due to drowsiness. Sensations of dizziness or lightheadedness can cause patients to appear groggy, confused or disoriented. Patients who experience severe dizziness or drowsiness or who lose consciousness should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately, Drugs.com advises.
Flushing or Sweating
Patients may begin to sweat profusely while receiving treatment with Dilaudid. Increased sweating may also cause unusual flushing of the skin. These side effects may exacerbate symptoms of dizziness or stomach upset in certain patients.
Mental or Mood Changes
Treatment with Dilaudid may cause abnormal mental or mood changes in certain patients. Affected patients may become unusually fearful or anxious. Certain patients may also begin to hear, feel or see things that others do not, a side effect called hallucinations. Anyone who experiences these side effects should seek care from a doctor as soon as possible.
Breathing or Heart Rate Irregularities
Breathing and heart rate irregularities can occur in patients taking Dilaudid. This pain medication may cause unusual muscle spasms along the respiratory tract, called bronchospasm, which can lead to side effects of cough, chest pain or shortness of breath. Certain patients may also develop an increased heart rate and can experience changes in their blood pressure levels. These side effects require prompt medical attention to ensure patients do not develop more severe health complications.
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