Hydromorphone
Also known as: Dilaudid, Dilaudid-HP, Exalgo, Palladone
Hydromorphone is a potent opioid pain medication. - **Supervision**: When given by injection, this medication is typically used in a hospital setting under direct veterinary supervision. - **Oral Use at Home**: If sent home with oral tablets or liquid, keep this medication in a secure location out of reach of children and other pets. It is a strictly controlled substance. - **What to Expect**: Your pet may appear sedated or sleepy. In dogs, panting and whining are common side effects and do not necessarily mean the pet is in pain. Cats may occasionally act restless or have a slightly elevated body temperature. - **Side Effects to Watch For**: Monitor for severe lethargy, extreme difficulty breathing, or severe constipation. Contact your veterinarian if these occur. - **Do Not Share**: Never give this medication to another pet or a human, as it can be fatal if used incorrectly.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- As an analgesic
- For cancer pain
- For moderate to severe pain
- As a premed prior to moderately painful procedures
- As an alternate induction method (especially in critical patients)
- As a pre-op
- As a CRI post-op
- As a pre-op (Rabbits)
- As a CRI post-op (Rabbits)
- As an analgesic
- For cancer pain
- As an analgesic
- As an analgesic
- For perioperative pain
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Dogs: Nausea, vomiting, defecation, panting, vocalization, sedation, CNS depression, respiratory depression, bradycardia, decreased GI motility (constipation with chronic use)
- Cats: Nausea, ataxia, hyperesthesia, hyperthermia, behavioral changes (mania/excitement if given without tranquilization)
- Mild histamine release (infrequent compared to morphine)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to narcotic analgesics
- Diarrhea caused by toxic ingestion (until toxin is eliminated)
- Prior to GI obstructive surgery (due to vomiting risk)
- Patients stung by scorpion species Centruroides sculpturatus Ewing and C. gertschi Stahnke (may potentiate venom)
- > **Black Box Warning / Extreme Caution**: Use with extreme caution in patients with respiratory disease, acute respiratory dysfunction, head injuries, increased intracranial pressure, and acute abdominal conditions (e.g., colic) as it may obscure diagnosis. - **Vomiting Risk**: Contraindicated as a preanesthetic in animals with suspected gastric dilation, volvulus, or intestinal obstruction. - **Systemic Disease**: Use cautiously in hypothyroidism, severe renal insufficiency (acute uremia), adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's), and severe hepatic disease (prolonged duration of action). - **Cardiovascular**: Can cause bradycardia; use cautiously in patients with preexisting bradyarrhythmias. - **Feline Hyperthermia**: Can cause self-limiting hyperthermia in cats. High doses in cats should be combined with a tranquilizer to prevent bizarre behavioral changes. - **Vulnerable Populations**: Geriatric, debilitated, or neonatal patients may be more susceptible and require lower dosages.
Drug interactions
- Butorphanol, Nalbuphine: Potentially could antagonize opiate effects
- CNS Depressants: Additive CNS depression effects possible
- Diuretics: Opiates may decrease diuretic efficacy in CHF patients
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (e.g., amitraz, selegiline): Severe and unpredictable opiate potentiation; not recommended if MAOI used within 14 days
- Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Hydromorphone may enhance muscle relaxant effects
- Phenothiazines: May antagonize analgesic effects and increase risk for hypotension
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (clomipramine, amitriptyline): Hydromorphone may exacerbate the effects of tricyclic antidepressants
- Warfarin: Opiates may potentiate anticoagulant activity
Frequently asked questions
What is Hydromorphone used for in pets?
Hydromorphone is a potent opioid pain medication. - **Supervision**: When given by injection, this medication is typically used in a hospital setting under direct veterinary supervision. - **Oral Use at Home**: If sent home with oral tablets or liquid, keep this medication in a secure location out of reach of children and other pets. It is a strictly controlled substance. - **What to Expect**: Your pet may appear sedated or sleepy. In dogs, panting and whining are common side effects and do not necessarily mean the pet is in pain. Cats may occasionally act restless or have a slightly elevated body temperature. - **Side Effects to Watch For**: Monitor for severe lethargy, extreme difficulty breathing, or severe constipation. Contact your veterinarian if these occur. - **Do Not Share**: Never give this medication to another pet or a human, as it can be fatal if used incorrectly.
Is Hydromorphone safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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