Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

Morphine

 

Get free coupons

Summary for Dilaudid

Prescription only

Dilaudid (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.

Indications for Dilaudid

  • Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications

Pros and Cons for Dilaudid

Pros

  • 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 version

Cons

  • 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)

Common Side Effects for Dilaudid

  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Sweating
  • Flushing
  • Intense happiness (euphoria)
  • Distress
  • Dry mouth
  • Itchy skin

Warnings for Dilaudid

  • 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 sulfites

Summary for Morphine

Prescription only

Morphine 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 for Morphine

  • Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications

Pros and Cons for Morphine

Pros

  • 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 pills

Cons

  • 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 filled

Common Side Effects for Morphine

  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sleepiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating

Warnings for Morphine

  • 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 withdrawal

Prices with our coupons for Dilaudid vs. Morphine

Price Card Drug Icon
Hydromorphone120 tablets / 4mg
$28.49$106.95
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Morphine90 tablets / 15mg
$25.18$71.60
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.