Alternative names 
Hydromorphone overdose

Definition
Poisoning from an overdose of the narcotic Dilaudid.

Poisonous Ingredient

 
• hydromorphone

Where Found

 
• Dilaudid

Symptoms

 
• body as a whole       o muscle spasticity  
• respiratory       o breathing slow and labored       o breathing shallow       o no breathing  
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat       o pinpoint pupils  
• skin       o bluish colored fingernails and lips  
• gastrointestinal       o spasms of the stomach and/or intestinal tract  
• heart and blood vessels       o weak pulse       o low blood pressure  
• nervous system       o drowsiness       o dizziness       o lightheadedness       o confusion       o coma

Home Treatment
Call Poison Control Center for appropriate treatment.

Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:

 
• the patient’s age, weight, and condition  
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)  
• the time it was swallowed  
• the amount swallowed  
• if the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

 
• Use gastric lavage.  
• Administer activated charcoal.  
• Give a counteracting drug (narcotic antagonist)-multiple doses if needed.  
• Administer intravenous fluids as needed.  
• Monitor the patient’s breathing.  
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)
If an antidote can be given, recovery from an acute overdose occurs within 1 to 4 hours.

Medical Encyclopedia

All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.