Compare Dilaudid vs. Morphine
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and morphine (MS Contin) are prescription opioids. They’re FDA approved to treat pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications. They’re typically not first-choice options for pain since they have significant risks. While common side effects — such as drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation — can often be managed at home, serious risks such as misuse and overdose can be life-threatening. If you or someone in your household takes hydromorphone or oxycodone, you should carry naloxone (Narcan) with you. Naloxone can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose if needed.
- Dilaudid (hydromorphone)Morphine
- Dilaudid (hydromorphone)Morphine
Summary of Dilaudid vs. Morphine
Summary for OpioidPrescription onlyDilaudid (hydromorphone) is an opioid medication that's used to help with pain when non-opioid medications don't provide enough pain relief. Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is available as pills, liquids, and rectal suppositories. The dosage depends on what form of Dilaudid (hydromorphone) you're using. In addition, some forms are immediate-release that help control sudden pain quickly, but others are extended-release for more long-lasting (chronic) pain. The most common side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea, among others. Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is available as a brand and generic medication.
Summary for OpioidPrescription onlyMorphine is an opioid medication used to relieve pain when non-opioid medications don't provide enough relief. This medication comes as a pill, an oral liquid, as well as a rectal suppository. Depending on the form, it can be used to control sudden (acute) pain quickly or more long-lasting (chronic) pain. Common side effects of morphine include feeling sleepy, feeling dizzy, and having constipation.
Indications of Dilaudid vs. Morphine
Indications for•Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medicationsIndications for•Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medicationsPros and Cons of Dilaudid vs. Morphine
Pros and Const for OpioidPros•Relieves pain that isn't controlled with non-opioid pain medications•Can help with quick, sudden pain or chronic pain (depending on the form of the medication)•Available in liquid form and rectal suppositories for people who have trouble swallowing pills•Available as a lower-cost generic versionCons•Can commonly cause constipation•Risk of dependence and tolerance with long-term use•Must slowly lower the dose before stopping if you've been taking for a long time to prevent bothersome side effects and uncontrolled pain•A controlled substance, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled (highly regulated by the federal government because of risk of misuse)Pros and Const for OpioidPros•Relieves pain that isn't controlled with non-opioid pain medications•Can relieve both quick, sudden pain and long-term (chronic) pain•Available in liquid form and suppositories for people who have trouble swallowing pillsCons•Risk of misuse and dependency•Can cause constipation•Must slowly lower the dose if you want to stop the medication after taking for a long time to prevent withdrawal•A controlled substance, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filledCommon Side Effects of Dilaudid vs. Morphine
Common Side Effects for•Lightheadedness•Dizziness•Nausea•Vomiting•Sweating•Flushing•Intense happiness (euphoria)•Distress•Dry mouth•Itchy skinCommon Side Effects for•Constipation•Nausea•Vomiting•Sleepiness•Lightheadedness•Dizziness•SweatingWarnings of Dilaudid vs. Morphine
Common Side Effects for•Risk of accidental overdose•Potential for addiction and misuse•Potentially life-threatening slowed breathing (respiratory depression)•Harm to newborn babies when taken during pregnancy•Low hormone levels•Low blood pressure•Higher risk of seizures in people with seizure conditions•Physical dependence and withdrawal•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness•Contains sulfitesCommon Side Effects for•Potential for addiction and misuse•Potentially life-threatening slowed breathing (respiratory depression)•Risk of accidental overdose•Harm to newborn babies when taken during pregnancy•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness•Low hormone levels•Low blood pressure•Higher risk of seizures in people with seizure conditions•Physical dependence and withdrawalPrices with our coupons for Dilaudid vs. Morphine
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