FDA

Hydromorphone Hydrochloride

Approved 27 Oct 2017OralSolution

The FDA lists this product in 58 strengths and forms.

Indications

Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution are indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] , reserve Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products]: Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated, Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution contain hydromorphone, an opioid agonist, and are indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate.

(1) Limitations of Use (1) Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products]: Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated, Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia

Contraindications

Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution are contraindicated in patients with: Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] Hypersensitivity to hydromorphone, hydromorphone salts, any other components of the product, or sulfite-containing medications (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15;) Adverse Reactions (6.1)] Significant respiratory depression.

(4) Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment. (4) Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus. (4) Known hypersensitivity to hydromorphone, hydromorphone salts, or sulfite- containing medications (4)

Indications

Contraindications

Warnings and precautions

Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease or in Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients: Monitor closely, particularly during initiation and titration. (5.6) Adrenal Insufficiency: If diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement of corticosteroids, and wean patient off of the opioid. (5.7) Severe Hypotension: Monitor during dosage initiation and titration. Avoid use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution in patients with circulatory shock.

(5.8) Risks of Use in Patients with Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors , Head Injury, or Impaired Consciousness: Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Avoid use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution in patients with impaired consciousness or coma. (5.9)

5.1 Risk of Accidental Overdose and Death due to Medication Errors Dosing errors can result in accidental overdose and death. Ensure that the dose is communicated clearly and dispensed accurately. A household teaspoon or tablespoon is not an adequate measuring device. Given the inexactitude of the household spoon measure and the possibility of using a tablespoon instead of a teaspoon, which could lead to overdosage, the enclosed measuring device should be used or a calibrated measuring device obtained from the pharmacist.

Health care providers should recommend a calibrated device that can measure and deliver the prescribed dose accurately, and instruct caregivers to use extreme caution in measuring the dosage .

5.2Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral

Solution contain hydromorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, Hydromorphone Hydrochloride exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9)]. Although the risk of addiction in any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution. Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused.

Assess each patient’s risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to prescribing Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution, and monitor all patients receiving Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution for the development of these behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with a personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression).

The potential for these risks should not, however, prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed opioids such as Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution, but use in such patients necessitates intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution along with intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse.

Opioids are sought by drug abusers and people with addiction disorders and are subject to criminal diversion. Consider these risks when prescribing or dispensing Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution. Strategies to reduce these risks include prescribing the drug in the smallest appropriate quantity and advising the patient on the proper disposal of unused drug [see Patient Counseling Information (17)] . Contact local state professional licensing board or state controlled substances authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product.

5.3Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended. Respiratory depression, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid antagonists, depending on the patient’s clinical status [see Overdosage (10)] .

Carbon dioxide (CO2) retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids. While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dosage increase. Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24-72 hours of initiating therapy with and following dosage increases of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution.

To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution are essential [see Dosage and Administration (2)] . Overestimating the Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution dosage when converting patients from another opioid product can result in a fatal overdose with the first dose. Accidental ingestion of even one dose of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution, especially by children, can result in respiratory depression and death due to an overdose of hydromorphone.

5.4Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Prolonged use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution during pregnancy can result in withdrawal in the neonate. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. Observe newborns for signs of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly.

Advise pregnant women using opioids for a prolonged period of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1), Patient Counseling Information (17)] .

5.5Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants

Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, alcohol). Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioid analgesics alone. Because of similar pharmacological properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with the concomitant use of other CNS depressant drugs with opioid analgesics [see Drug Interactions (7)] . If the decision is made to prescribe a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant concomitantly with an opioid analgesic, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use.

In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid, and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is initiated in a patient already taking a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid analgesic, and titrate based on clinical response. Follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution are used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (including alcohol and illicit drugs). Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant have been determined. Screen patients for risk of substance use disorders, including opioid abuse and misuse, and warn them of the risk for overdose and death associated with the use of additional CNS depressants including alcoh

Our copy of this section ends here. The full text is in the official label at the FDA. Open Drugs@FDA

Interactions

Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Benzodiazepines and other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Clinical Impact: Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Intervention: Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.X)] . Examples: Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, alcohol. Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome Intervention: If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment.

Discontinue Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Examples: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue).

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. If urgent use of an opioid is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses to treat pain while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression. Intervention: The use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment.

Examples: phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics Clinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use. Examples: butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine, Muscle Relaxants Clinical Impact: Hydromorphone may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression.

Intervention: Monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression that may be greater than otherwise expected and decrease the dosage of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary. Diuretics Clinical Impact: Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone. Intervention: Monitor patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed.

Anticholinergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus. Intervention: Monitor patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility when Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution is used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs. Serotonergic Drugs: Concomitant use may result in serotonin syndrome.

Discontinue Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution if serotonin syndrome is suspected. (7) Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Can potentiate the effects of hydromorphone. Avoid concomitant use in patients receiving MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping treatment with an MAOI. ( 7 ) Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics: Avoid use with Hydromorphone Hydrochloride because they may reduce analgesic effect of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

(7)

Adverse reactions

The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Interactions with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)] Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12] Most common adverse reactions are lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, flushing, dysphoria, euphoria, dry mouth, and pruritus.

(6) To report Suspected Adverse Reactions, contact Ascent Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-855-221-1622 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1Clinical Trial Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Serious adverse reactions associated with Hydromorphone Hydrochloride include respiratory depression and apnea and, to a lesser degree, circulatory depression, respiratory arrest, shock, and cardiac arrest.

The most common adverse effects are lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, flushing, dysphoria, euphoria, dry mouth, and pruritus. These effects seem to be more prominent in ambulatory patients and in those not experiencing severe pain. Less Frequently Observed Adverse Reactions Cardiac disorders: tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitations Eye disorders: vision blurred, diplopia, miosis, visual impairment Gastrointestinal disorders: constipation, ileus, diarrhea, abdominal pain General disorders and administration site conditions: weakness, feeling abnormal , chills Hepatobiliary disorders: biliary colic Metabolism and nutrition disorders: decreased appetite Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: muscle rigidity Nervous system disorders: headache, tremor, paraesthesia, nystagmus, increased intracranial pressure, syncope, taste alteration , involuntary muscle contractions, presyncope Psychiatric disorders: agitation, mood altered, nervousness, anxiety , depression, hallucination, disorientation, insomnia, abnormal dreams Renal and urinary disorders: urinary retention, urinary hesitation, antidiuretic effects Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders: bronchospasm, laryngospasm Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: urticaria, rash, hyperhidrosis Vascular disorders: flushing, hypotension, hypertension

6.2Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of hydromorphone. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Confusional state, convulsions, drowsiness, dyskinesia, dyspnea, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, hepatic enzymes increased, hyperalgesia, hypersensitivity reaction, lethargy, myoclonus, oropharyngeal swelling, peripheral edema, and somnolence.

Serotonin syndrome: Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs. Adrenal insufficiency: Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Anaphylaxis : Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral Solution Androgen deficiency: Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with chronic use of opioids [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) .

Hydromorphone Hydrochloride

Indications

Contraindications

Two medicines in one question?

Hydromorphone Hydrochloride

Indications

Contraindications

Two medicines in one question?

Warnings and precautions

5.2Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Oral

5.3Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

5.4Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

5.5Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants

Interactions

Adverse reactions

6.1Clinical Trial Experience

6.2Postmarketing Experience

Composition

Strengths and forms

Official product information

At a glance