Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

This medicine is available in 2 forms: vial and prefilled syringe.

Vial: A doctor or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It is given through a needle that is placed in one of your veins or as a shot into one of your muscles. The medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will have to remain in place for at least 2 to 3 minutes.

Prefilled syringe: You may also be taught how to give your medicine at home. It is usually given as a shot under the skin. Make sure you understand all instructions before you give yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

This medicine should come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

Each package of Dilaudid® contains instructions for use. Read this sheet carefully and make sure you understand:

  • How to prepare the medicine.
  • How to inject the medicine.
  • How to dispose of syringes, needles, and injection devices.

Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject the medicine.

Check the liquid in the syringe or vial. Do not use it if it is discolored or has particles in it. Do not use it if it has been damaged.

Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For injection (intramuscular or subcutaneous) dosage forms:
    • For moderate to severe pain:
      • For patients who are not taking opioid medicines (not opioid-tolerant):
        • Adults—At first, 1 to 2 milligrams (mg) injected under the skin or into one of your muscles every 2 to 3 hours as needed. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients who are already taking opioid medicines (opioid-tolerant):
        • Adults—Your dose is based on the narcotic pain medicine you are already receiving. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.