Hydromorphone Hydrochloride

Hydromorphone is a potent (7-10 times more powerful than morphine) semi-synthetic narcotic analgesic used for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It is one of the metabolites of hydrocodone. Oral, intranasal, rectal, subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous administration.

It is excreted in breast milk in very small amounts. ^{(Sauberan 2011, Edwards 2003)}

A 6-day-old infant whose mother was taking hydromorphone had respiratory depression that was reversible with naloxone. ^{(Schultz 2019)}

El uso intravenoso de opioides durante la cirugía se considera seguro para reanudar la lactancia una vez la madre esté despierta y en condiciones. (Reece 2017)

A restricted use of hydromorphone should be made in lactating mothers ^{(Lamvu 2018, Sachs 2013)}. Until more published data is known about this drug in relation to breastfeeding, known safer alternatives are preferable ^{(Lamvu 2018, Rowe 2013)}, especially during the neonatal period and in the event of prematurity.

After intravenous use of opioids during surgery, it is considered safe to resume breastfeeding once the mother is awake and fit. ^{(Reece 2017)}