Hydromorphone Hydrochloride .25 mg/.5mL Injection, Solution, 10 syringes
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Opioid Agonist class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Hydromorphone injection is used to relieve severe pain. Hydromorphone injection is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Hydromorphone is a strong opioid pain reliever — think of it as a more concentrated relative of morphine. Your doctor prescribed it because your pain is severe enough that other op...
- What exactly is hydromorphone and why did my doctor prescribe it instead of something else?
- This is one of the most important things to understand about hydromorphone: combining it with alcohol, benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium), sleep aids, or any other sedating sub...
- Is it safe to take a sleep aid, anxiety pill, or have a glass of wine while on this?
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
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0.12 mg / 0.5 mL
UNII 33X04XA5AT
Lactic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid derived from milk or plant sources. It lowers and maintains pH in formulations, helps preserve the product, and can enhance ingredient stability and absorption.
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2.70 mg / 0.5 mL
UNII 451W47IQ8X
Sodium chloride is common table salt. It's used in medicines as a buffer to maintain proper pH, as a filler to add bulk, or to adjust the osmotic balance in liquid formulations.
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UNII 55X04QC32I
A strong alkaline chemical used to adjust and maintain the pH balance of liquid medicines. It helps keep the medicine stable and ensures it stays effective during storage.
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4.47 mg / 0.5 mL
UNII TU7HW0W0QT
A salt derived from lactic acid, sodium lactate acts as a buffer and pH stabilizer in medicines. It helps maintain the product's acidity level and can also serve as a humectant to retain moisture.
4 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
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ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per mL | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $1.46 | $7.32 / 5 ml |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly | No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data. | |
| Medicare Part B allowsASP · J1171 | $0.136 / J1171 unit | — |
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🧾 Billing & reimbursement
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydromorphone Hydrochloride .25 mg/.5mLthis 00409-1805-01 | Hospira, | 10 syringes | — | — | FDA listed | — |
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⏳ Availability & generic status
FDA-approved generic versions are listed, and recent pricing/market data suggests they may be available — see Therapeutic equivalents.
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00409-1805-01 You're viewing this | 10 SYRINGE in 1 CELLO PACK (0409-1805-01) / .5 mL in 1 SYRINGE (0409-1805-10) | 2024-01-29 | Active |
🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
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| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | — Not published for this NDC Applies only to products approved under an NDA/ANDA; many listings are out of scope. |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | ✓ Available |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | ✓ Available |
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📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🚨 Boxed Warning ▾
WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . • Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection exposes users to risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess patient's risk before prescribing and reassess regularly for these behaviors and conditions. ( 5.1 ). • Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase.
To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection are essential. ( 5.2 ). • Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.
( 5.3 , 7 ). • Advise pregnant women using opioids for an extended period of time of the risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery. ( 5.4 ).
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase.
To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection are essential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3 ), Drug Interactions (7) ].
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) Advise pregnant women using opioids for an extended period of time of the risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome , which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] .
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection is an opioid agonist indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use : Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration and persist over the course of therapy, reserve opioid analgesics, including Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection, for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.
( 1 , 5.1 ) Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse , overdose, and death , which can occur at any dosage or duration and persist over the course of therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] , reserve opioid analgesics, including Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection , for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. ( 2.1 ) • Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals. Reserve titration to higher doses of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks.
( 2.1 , 5 ) • Many acute pain conditions (e.g., the pain that occurs with a number of surgical procedures or acute musculoskeletal injuries) require no more than a few days of an opioid analgesic. Clinical guidelines on opioid prescribing for some acute pain conditions are available. ( 2.1 ) • Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse.
( 2.1 , 5.1 ) • Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) • Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Use : The usual starting dose is 1 mg to 2 mg every 2 to 3 hours as necessary. ( 2.2 ) • Intravenous Use : The usual starting dose is 0.2 mg to 1 mg every 2 to 3 hours.
The injection should be given slowly , over at least 2 to 3 minutes. ( 2.2 ) • Hepatic Impairment : Initiate treatment with one-fourth to one-half the usual starting dose, depending on degree of hepatic impairment. ( 2.3 ) • Renal Impairment : Initiate treatment with one-fourth to one-half the usual starting dose, depending on degree of renal impairment.
( 2.4 ) • Periodically reassess patients receiving Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection to evaluate the continued need for opioid analgesics to maintain pain control, for the signs or symptoms of adverse reactions, and for the development of addiction, abuse, or misuse. ( 2.5 ) • Do not rapidly reduce or abruptly discontinue Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection in a physically-dependent patient. ( 2.6 , 5.12 )
2.1Important Dosage and Administration Instructions • Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. • Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see Warnings and Precautions (5) ] . Because the risk of overdose increases as opioid doses increase, reserve titration to higher doses of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. • Many acute pain conditions (e.g., the pain that occurs with a number of surgical procedures or acute musculoskeletal injuries) require no more than a few days of an opioid analgesic.
Clinical guidelines on opioid prescribing for some acute pain conditions are available. • There is variability in the opioid analgesic dose and duration needed to adequately manage pain due both to the cause of pain and to individual patient factors. Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . • Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection.
Consider this risk when selecting an initial do…
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection, USP is available as: • Single-dose NexJect™ Syringes 0.25 mg/0.5 mL, 0.5 mg/0.5 mL, 1 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL The drug product is a clear, colorless to nearly colorless aqueous sterile solution. Each 1 mL of sterile solution contains 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg of hydromorphone hydrochloride. Injection: 0.25 mg/0.5 mL, 0.5 mg/0.5 mL, 1 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL is available in NexJect™ Single-dose Prefilled Syringe with Luer Lock for parenteral administration.
( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection is contraindicated in patients with: • Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • 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 (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] • 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.
( 4 )
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia : Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia (OIH) occurs when an opioid analgesic paradoxically causes an increase in pain, or an increase in sensitivity to pain. If OIH is suspected, carefully consider appropriately decreasing the dose of the current opioid analgesic, or opioid rotation. ( 5.5 ) • 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 Injection 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 Injection in patients with impaired consciousness or coma. ( 5.9 )
5.1Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection contains hydromorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection 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 Injection.
Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. In postmarketing studies, addiction, abuse, misuse, and fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose were observed in patients with long-term opioid use [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] .
Assess each patient's risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to prescribing Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection, and monitor all patients receiving Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection 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 Injection but use in such patients necessitates intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection along with intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Opioids are sought for nonmedical use and are subject to diversion from legitimate prescribed use. Consider these risks when prescribing or dispensing Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection.
Strategies to reduce these risks include prescribing the drug in the smallest appropriate quantity. 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.
5.2Life-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 overdose reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) , depending on the patient's clinical status [see Overdosage (10) ] .
Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids. While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depressi…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 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 (5.1) ] • Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Interactions with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [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) ] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of hydromorphone were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports.
Because some of these reactions were 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. The most common adverse effects are light-headedness, 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.
Most common adverse reactions are light-headedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, flushing, dysphoria, euphoria, dry mouth, and pruritus. Serious adverse reactions include respiratory depression and apnea, circulatory depression, respiratory arrest, shock and cardiac arrest. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer, Inc. at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov.medwatch .
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, injection site urticaria 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 : injection site pain, urticaria, rash, hyperhidrosis Vascular disorders : flushing, hypotension, hypertension 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 Injection. Androgen deficiency : Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with use of opioids for an extended period of time.
Hyperalgesia and Allodynia : Cases of hyperalgesia and allodynia have been reported with opioid therapy of any duration. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. Hypoglycemia : Cases of hypoglycemia have been reported in patients taking opioids. Most reports were in patients with at least one predisposing risk factor (e.g., diabetes). Opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED) : Cases of OIED have been reported in pati…
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 1 includes clinically significant drug interactions with Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection. Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] .
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. Monitor patients closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation.
Examples: Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), 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 Injection 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 effect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), 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 (5.2) ]. Intervention: The use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. 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.
Examples: phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics Clinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection 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 Injection and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary. Examples: cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone 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 Injection is used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs. • Serotonergic Drugs : Concomitant use may result in serotonin syndrome. Discontin…
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Pregnancy : May cause fetal harm. ( 8.1 ) • Geriatric Patients : Use caution during dose selection, starting at the low end of the dosing range while carefully monitoring for side effects. ( 8.5 )
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . There are no available data with Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage or adverse maternal outcomes. There are adverse outcomes reported with fetal exposure to opioid analgesics [see Clinical Considerations ] . In published animal reproduction studies, neural tube defects were noted following subcutaneous injection of hydromorphone to pregnant hamsters at doses 6.4 times the HDD and soft tissue and skeletal abnormalities were noted following subcutaneous continuous infusion of 3 times the HDD to pregnant mice.
No malformations were noted at 4 or 40.5 times the HDD in pregnant rats or rabbits, respectively [see Data ] . Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth.
Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the drug by the newborn. Observe newborns for symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] .
Labor or Delivery Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone or nalmefene, must be available for reversal of opioid‑induced respiratory depression in the neonate. Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection is not recommended for use in pregnant women during or immediately prior to labor, when other analgesic techniques are more appropriate.
Opioid analgesics, including Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection, can prolong labor through actions which temporarily reduce the strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions. However, this effect is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilation, which tends to shorten labor. Monitor neonates exposed to opioid analgesics during labor for signs of excess sedation and respiratory depression.
Data Animal Data No effects on teratogenicity or embryotoxicity were observed in pregnant rats given oral doses up to 7 mg/kg/day which is 3-fold higher than the human dose of 24 mg Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (4 mg every 4 hours), on a body surface area basis. In a published study, neural tube defects (exencephaly and cranioschisis) were noted following subcutaneous administration of hydromorphone hydrochloride (19 to 258 mg/kg) on Gestation Day 8 to pregnant hamsters (6.4 to 87.2 times the HDD of 24 mg/day based on body surface area).
The findings cannot be clearly attributed to maternal toxicity. No neural tube defects were noted at 14 mg/kg (4.7 times the human daily dose of 24 mg/day). In a pu…
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . There are no available data with Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage or adverse maternal outcomes. There are adverse outcomes reported with fetal exposure to opioid analgesics [see Clinical Considerations ] . In published animal reproduction studies, neural tube defects were noted following subcutaneous injection of hydromorphone to pregnant hamsters at doses 6.4 times the HDD and soft tissue and skeletal abnormalities were noted following subcutaneous continuous infusion of 3 times the HDD to pregnant mice.
No malformations were noted at 4 or 40.5 times the HDD in pregnant rats or rabbits, respectively [see Data ] . Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth.
Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the drug by the newborn. Observe newborns for symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] .
Labor or Delivery Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone or nalmefene, must be available for reversal of opioid‑induced respiratory depression in the neonate. Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection is not recommended for use in pregnant women during or immediately prior to labor, when other analgesic techniques are more appropriate.
Opioid analgesics, including Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection, can prolong labor through actions which temporarily reduce the strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions. However, this effect is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilation, which tends to shorten labor. Monitor neonates exposed to opioid analgesics during labor for signs of excess sedation and respiratory depression.
Data Animal Data No effects on teratogenicity or embryotoxicity were observed in pregnant rats given oral doses up to 7 mg/kg/day which is 3-fold higher than the human dose of 24 mg Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (4 mg every 4 hours), on a body surface area basis. In a published study, neural tube defects (exencephaly and cranioschisis) were noted following subcutaneous administration of hydromorphone hydrochloride (19 to 258 mg/kg) on Gestation Day 8 to pregnant hamsters (6.4 to 87.2 times the HDD of 24 mg/day based on body surface area).
The findings cannot be clearly attributed to maternal toxicity. No neural tube defects were noted at 14 mg/kg (4.7 times the human daily dose of 24 mg/day). In a published study, CF-1 mice were treated subcutaneously with continuous infusion of 7.5, 15, or 30 mg/kg/day hydromorphone hydrochloride (1.5, 3, or 6.1 times the human daily dose of 24 mg based on body surface area) via implanted osmo…
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection in pediatric patients has not been established.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use Elderly patients (aged 65 years or older) may have increased sensitivity to hydromorphone. In general, use caution when selecting a dosage for an elderly patient, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Respiratory depression is the chief risk for elderly patients treated with opioids and has occurred after large initial doses were administered to patients who were not opioid-tolerant or when opioids were co-administered with other agents that depress respiration.
Titrate the dosage of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection slowly in geriatric patients and monitor closely for signs of central nervous system and respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] . Hydromorphone is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
10 OVERDOSAGE Clinical Presentation Acute overdose with hydromorphone can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, hypoglycemia, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been reported after opioid overdose and can present hours, days, or weeks after apparent recovery from the initial intoxication.
Treatment of Overdose In case of overdose, priorities are the reestablishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support measures.
For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to hydromorphone overdose, administer an opioid overdose reversal agent such as naloxone or nalmefene. Because the duration of opioid reversal is expected to be less than the duration of action of hydromorphone in Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection, carefully monitor the patient until spontaneous respiration is reliably reestablished. If the response to an opioid overdose reversal agent is suboptimal or only brief in nature, administer additional reversal agent as directed by the product's prescribing information.
In an individual physically-dependent on opioids, administration of the recommended usual dosage of the opioid overdose reversal agent will precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms experienced will depend on the degree of physical dependence and the dose of the reversal agent administered. If a decision is made to treat serious respiratory depression in the physically-dependent patient, administration of the reversal agent should be initiated with care and by titration with smaller than usual doses of the reversal agent.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action Hydromorphone is a full opioid agonist and is relatively selective for the mµ-opioid receptor, although it can bind to other opioid receptors at higher doses. The principal therapeutic action of hydromorphone is analgesia. Like all full opioid agonists, there is no ceiling effect for analgesia with morphine.
Clinically, dosage is titrated to provide adequate analgesia and may be limited by adverse reactions, including respiratory and CNS depression. The precise mechanism of the analgesic action is unknown. However, specific CNS opioid receptors for endogenous compounds with opioid-like activity have been identified throughout the brain and spinal cord and are thought to play a role in the analgesic effects of this drug.
12.2Pharmacodynamics Effects on the Central Nervous System Hydromorphone produces respiratory depression by direct action on brain stem respiratory centers. The respiratory depression involves a reduction in the responsiveness of the brain stem respiratory centers to both increases in carbon dioxide tension and electrical stimulation. Hydromorphone causes miosis, even in total darkness.
Pinpoint pupils are a sign of opioid overdose but are not pathognomonic (e.g., pontine lesions of hemorrhagic or ischemic origins may produce similar findings). Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen due to hypoxia in overdose situations. Effects on the Gastrointestinal Tract and Other Smooth Muscle Hydromorphone causes a reduction in motility associated with an increase in smooth muscle tone in the antrum of the stomach and duodenum.
Digestion of food in the small intestine is delayed and propulsive contractions are decreased. Propulsive peristaltic waves in the colon are decreased, while tone may be increased to the point of spasm resulting in constipation. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions, spasm of sphincter of Oddi, transient elevations in serum amylase, and opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED).
Effects on the Cardiovascular System Hydromorphone produces peripheral vasodilation which may result in orthostatic hypotension or syncope. Manifestations of histamine release and/or peripheral vasodilation may include pruritus, flushing, red eyes and sweating and/or orthostatic hypotension. Effects on the Endocrine System Opioids inhibit the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and luteinizing hormone (LH) in humans [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] .
They also stimulate prolactin, growth hormone (GH) secretion, and pancreatic secretion of insulin and glucagon [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Use of opioids for an extended period of time may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to androgen deficiency that may manifest as low libido, impotence, erectile dysfunction, amenorrhea, or infertility. The causal role of opioids in the clinical syndrome of hypogonadism is unknown because the various medical, physical, lifestyle, and psychological stressors that may influence gonadal hormone levels have not been adequately controlled for in studies conducted to date [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] .
Effects on the Immune System Opioids have been shown to have a variety of effects on components of the immune system in in vitro and animal models. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Overall, the effects of opioids appear to be modestly immunosuppressive.
Concentration–Efficacy Relationships The minimum effective analgesic concentration will vary widely among patients, especially among patients who have been previously treated with opioid agonists. The minimum effective analgesic concentration of hydromorphone for any individual patient may increase over time due to an increase in pain, the development of a new pain syndrome and/or the development of analgesic tolerance [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.5) ] . Concentration–Adverse Reaction Relationships There is a…
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action Hydromorphone is a full opioid agonist and is relatively selective for the mµ-opioid receptor, although it can bind to other opioid receptors at higher doses. The principal therapeutic action of hydromorphone is analgesia. Like all full opioid agonists, there is no ceiling effect for analgesia with morphine.
Clinically, dosage is titrated to provide adequate analgesia and may be limited by adverse reactions, including respiratory and CNS depression. The precise mechanism of the analgesic action is unknown. However, specific CNS opioid receptors for endogenous compounds with opioid-like activity have been identified throughout the brain and spinal cord and are thought to play a role in the analgesic effects of this drug.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Safety and Handling Instructions Access to drugs with a potential for abuse such as Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection presents an occupational hazard for addiction in the health care industry. Routine procedures for handling controlled substances developed to protect the public may not be adequate to protect health care workers. Implementation of more effective accounting procedures and measures to restrict access to drugs of this class (appropriate to the practice setting) may minimize the risk of self-administration by health care providers.
How Supplied Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection is supplied as a sterile solution in single‑dose NexJect TM prefilled syringes for intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administration, and available as follows: Unit of Sale Concentration (per total volume) NDC 0409-1805-01 Clamshell of 10 0.5 mL fill in 1.5 mL NexJect™ Single-dose Prefilled Syringe with Luer Lock 0.25 mg/0.5 mL NDC 0409-4264-01 Clamshell of 10 0.5 mL fill in 1.5 mL NexJect™ Single-dose Prefilled Syringe with Luer Lock 0.5 mg/0.5 mL NDC 0409-1283-37 Clamshell of 10 1 mL fill in 1.5 mL NexJect™ Single-dose Prefilled Syringe with Luer Lock 1 mg/mL NDC 0409-1312-36 Clamshell of 10 1 mL fill in 1.5 mL NexJect™ Single-dose Prefilled Syringe with Luer Lock 2 mg/mL Note that a needle is not included.
PROTECT FROM LIGHT Keep covered in carton until time of use. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
Safety and Handling Instructions Access to drugs with a potential for abuse such as Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection presents an occupational hazard for addiction in the health care industry. Routine procedures for handling controlled substances developed to protect the public may not be adequate to protect health care workers. Implementation of more effective accounting procedures and measures to restrict access to drugs of this class (appropriate to the practice setting) may minimize the risk of self-administration by health care providers.
Note that a needle is not included. PROTECT FROM LIGHT Keep covered in carton until time of use. Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection is available as an aqueous sterile solution, for use in intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration, and contains hydromorphone as active pharmaceutical ingredient in the form hydrochloride salt. Hydromorphone hydrochloride is an opioid agonist. The chemical name of hydromorphone hydrochloride is 4,5α- epoxy-3-hydroxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one hydrochloride.
The molecular weight is 321.8 and it has the following chemical structure. Hydromorphone hydrochloride is a white or almost white crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water, very slightly soluble in ethanol (96%), and practically insoluble in methylene chloride. Each mL of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection sterile solution contains 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride USP, equivalent to 0.44 mg, 0.89 mg or 1.77 mg of hydromorphone free base, respectively, 0.24 mg of Lactic Acid USP, 5.40 mg of Sodium Chloride as isotonicity agent, 8.93 mg of Sodium Lactate USP as buffering agent, and Lactic Acid USP and Sodium Hydroxide NF as pH adjusters, in Water for Injection.
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection pH range is 3.5 to 5.5. Chemical Structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Inform patients that the use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection, even when taken as recommended, can result in addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Instruct patients not to share Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection with others and to take steps to protect Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection from theft or misuse. Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Inform patients of the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression, including information that the risk is greatest when starting Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection or when the dosage is increased, and that it can occur even at recommended dosages [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .
Hyperalgesia and Allodynia Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms of hyperalgesia, including worsening pain, increased sensitivity to pain, or new pain [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) , Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Serotonin Syndrome Inform patients that opioids could cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome resulting from concomitant administration of serotonergic drugs. Warn patients of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome and to seek medical attention right away if symptoms develop after discharge from the hospital.
Instruct patients to inform their physicians if they are taking, or plan to take serotonergic medications [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Constipation Advise patients of the potential for severe constipation, including management instructions and when to seek medical attention [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] .