Hydofon
Hydofon is a strong opioid pain medicine used to treat severe pain in adults and adolescents over 12 years old.
Form
injektio-/infuusioneste, liuos
Strength
50 mg/ml
Active Ingredient
Hydromorphone hydrochloride
Manufacturer
G.L. Pharma GmbH
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor or nurse will decide your exact dose based on your pain, age, and weight.
Method
Hydofon is given as an injection into a vein (i.v.) or under the skin (s.c.), or as an infusion into a vein or under the skin. A doctor or nurse will administer it.
Important
Your doctor will determine the maximum daily dose for you.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Dizziness, drowsiness
- •Constipation
- •Nausea, vomiting
- •Dry mouth
- •Itching, sweating
- •Anxiety, confusion, sleeplessness
- •Headache, stomach pain
- •Skin reactions at the injection site
- •Unusual weakness, decreased appetite
- •Strong urge to urinate
RARE
- •Mood changes (agitation, depression, extreme happiness), hallucinations, nightmares
- •Shaking, muscle twitching, tingling in hands or feet
- •Blurred vision
- •Low blood pressure, facial flushing, hot flashes
- •Skin rash (including hives), irritation or hardening at the injection site
- •Difficulty urinating, decreased sex drive, impotence
- •Withdrawal symptoms, drug dependence, tolerance (medicine working less well over time)
- •Severe breathing problems (like wheezing or very slow breathing), sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep)
- •Diarrhea, changes in taste, other digestive problems
- •Extreme tiredness, general weakness, stupor, coma, unconsciousness (especially with overdose)
- •Fast or slow heartbeat, irregular heartbeat
- •Seizures, involuntary muscle movements
- •Increased pain sensitivity, pinpoint pupils
- •Changes in liver or pancreatic test results
- •Withdrawal symptoms in newborns (if mother used Hydofon during pregnancy)
Important Warnings
- Do not use Hydofon if you are allergic to hydromorphone or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- Do not use Hydofon if you have severe breathing problems or very slow breathing.
- Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take and if you drink alcohol, as these can increase side effects or cause serious breathing problems.
- Do not use Hydofon if you have severe stomach pain or a bowel problem where your small intestine does not work.
- Do not use Hydofon if you are taking or have taken certain depression medicines called MAO inhibitors in the last two weeks.
Show 3 more warnings
- Do not use Hydofon if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if your doctor advises against it. This medicine can make you drowsy and affect your ability to drive or use machines.
- Long-term use of Hydofon can lead to dependence, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
- Inform your doctor if you have a head injury, mental health issues, or a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category C
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Sedative. Reduce the initial dose in moderately severe renal impairment. Increases the risk of confusion and falling. Need for laxative is often necessary. (updated 24.3.2025)