Use of Dilaudid in Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the intestinal tract. In severe cases, opiates like Dilaudid may be prescribed to control symptoms caused by Crohn's disease. The risks and benefits of using Dilaudid to treat Crohn's disease should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor or treatment team.

Who Should Take Dilaudid?

• While opiates like Dilaudid don't treat the underlying cause of Crohn's disease, they may help ease its symptoms. According to healthcentral.com, opiates are sometimes prescribed to treat severe Crohn's symptoms like diarrhea and pain.

  Taking Dilaudid intermittently as needed for flare-ups is generally recommended over continuous daily use due to the drug's high potential for side effects. Because constipation is a common side effect of Dilaudid, those with Crohn's-related constipation should use extreme caution when taking Dilaudid. Due to its potential for abuse and addiction, Dilaudid is generally prescribed only for those with severe pain and diarrhea. People who have tried other treatments and medications without success may be candidates for Dilaudid therapy.

Managing Side Effects

• Like all medications, Dilaudid can cause unwanted side effects. According to drugs.com, constipation is among the most common side effects of Dilaudid, making it potentially harmful in those already suffering from Crohn's-induced constipation. Other common side effects include nausea, dizziness, sedation and itching.

  Taking Dilaudid with food or milk may help prevent nausea. If nausea occurs, lie down and avoid head movement as much as possible. Antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin can help prevent nausea when taken 30-45 minutes before Dilaudid, as can herbs with anti-nausea effects like peppermint or ginger. According to nih.gov, ginger is as effective as Dramamine at treating some forms of nausea, often with fewer side effects.

  If drowsiness is severe, try taking Dilaudid closer to bedtime and using other medications during the day. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in fiber can help prevent the constipation that can occur with opiates like Dilaudid.

Avoiding Withdrawal

• People taking Dilaudid for extended periods may experience withdrawal upon cessation. For individuals with Crohn's disease, opiate withdrawal can be dangerous due to the severe gastrointestinal symptoms it causes.

  To avoid withdrawal, take your medication at the same time each day. Always have your prescription filled on time and avoid increasing or reducing the dose. Never attempt to quit Dilaudid without a doctor's supervision. If instructed to quit taking Dilaudid, do so gradually and report any ill effects to your doctor or treatment team immediately. In the event that you run out of Dilaudid or for some reason can't take it, Imodium (loperamide) may be substituted to prevent withdrawal-induced diarrhea.

Safety Precautions

• Respiratory depression is a possible effect of opiates like Dilaudid. Tell your doctor if you suffer from sleep apnea or other breathing problems before taking Dilaudid. To prevent overdose, avoid taking Dilaudid with other sedating substances like benzodiazepines, sleeping medications or alcohol. Avoid driving or performing other potentially dangerous tasks until you know how Dilaudid affects you.