Opioids Switched to a long-acting Hydromorphone

[Archeun1981]

I've been placed on a long-acting Hydromorphone. It is dosed for every 24 hours. I have a few questions, if anyone could answer that would be helpful.

1. Hydromorphone from what I have read has a very low bio-availability. Does this make it worthless for pain?

2. Should I take the medication in the morning or the evening? Does it matter? Is the medication actually capable of providing 24 hour relief?


Thank you for your time and responses.

 

[PharmSauce]

1. Yes it does have low oral BA. It is not worthless for pain. When the drug formulation was developed, this is taken into account, and low bioavailability is compensated for by having a higher dosage in comparison to another ROA with a higher BA. The manufactured formulations should provide adequate pain relief when used at the right dose.

2. It probably won't make too much of a difference, given that it is extended release over 24 hours. All extended release formulations of hydromorphone are designed to be taken once daily, so yes it is capable of providing 24 hour pain relief. If you feel more pain relief in the first few hours of dosing it, cater your administration to when you experience the most pain. Morning or evening, whichever you prefer.