How Long Can Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) Be Detected In Your System?

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) is one of the strongest opioid painkillers. It is used for long-term or chronic pain management, and only if other opioids are not an option. It can be detected in the body between 2 and 90 days after use.

Hydromorphone, brand name Dilaudid, is a powerful pain medication that also creates feelings of euphoria. Because of this, it has a high rate of substance abuse.

Hydromorphone can be detected in your system for 2 days (blood drug testing) or up to 90 days (hair drug testing).

Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) Detection Times

A drug’s half-life is how long it takes for half of the medication to leave the body.

The half-life of hydromorphone is about 2 to 3 hours, though it depends on which type was used. It comes in tablet, oral liquid, and extended-release tablet form, or it can be injected.

How Long Does Dilaudid Stay in Your Blood?

The detection time for Dilaudid in the blood is shorter and more invasive than other forms of testing, so it is not very common.

Blood drug detection for Dilaudid is viable for 2 days after your last use.

How Long Does Dilaudid Stay in Your Hair?

Hair testing can detect Dilaudid use for up to 90 days.

The hair drug test method is not commonly used, as it is expensive. It is one of the hardest drug tests to tamper with, as the clinician is the one to cut the hair directly from the person’s head.

How Long Does Dilaudid Stay in Your Saliva?

Oral fluid testing has a detection window of 3 to 4 days for Dilaudid. This form of drug test is less common than others.

How Long Does Dilaudid Stay in Your Urine?

A urine drug test can yield a positive result for Dilaudid for 2 to 4 days. This form of testing is simple and provided at a low cost.

Factors That Affect Detection Times For Dilaudid (Hydromorphone)

As with all substances, there are many reasons why hydromorphone may stay in your system for a longer or shorter amount of time.

Such metabolic factors include:

  • gender
  • weight
  • age
  • liver and kidney function
  • concentration of dosage
  • diet and exercise
  • fluid intake

Side Effects Of Dilaudid

Hydromorphone is a central nervous system depressant.

It is usually prescribed to treat long-term or chronic pain, especially for people who have become tolerant to other opioid pain medications.

Common side effects of Dilaudid might include:

  • headache or lightheadedness
  • drowsiness
  • heavy sweating
  • muscle or joint pain
  • anxiety or depression

Serious side effects of hydromorphone can include:

  • rash or hives
  • swelling
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • fainting
  • seizures
  • hallucinations

Hydromorphone withdrawal might entail:

  • restlessness, irritability, or anxiety
  • severe sweating
  • weakness, or muscle and joint pain
  • nausea, loss of appetite
  • fast heartbeat

Tapering off the use of hydromorphone is often suggested to help lessen the withdrawal effects.

Find Substance Abuse Treatment For Dilaudid Addiction

We at Spring Hill Recovery Center understand that substance abuse issues are difficult to handle on your own. If you or a loved one are in need of addiction treatment, call us today.

Medical professionals are standing by to provide hydromorphone addiction treatment, opioid treatment programs, and other forms of addiction care. Call us today to get started.

  1. MedlinePlus — Hydromorphone https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682013.html
  2. Mayo Clinic — Hydromorphone (Oral Route) https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hydromorphone-oral-route/description/drg-20074171
  3. ScienceDirect — Hydromorphone https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/hydromorphone

Written by Spring Hill Recovery Editorial Team

© 2024 Spring Hill Recovery | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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