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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 both opioid medications used to relieve pain when non-opioid medications aren't enough. They work by attaching to mu-opioid receptors in the brain to change how you react to pain. Both medications are available in immediate-release and extended-release forms, and they can be taken orally (tables or liquid solution) or as rectal suppositories. Both are also available as injectable forms, for administration by a healthcare professional. However, there are some differences between them. They come in different dosages—the typical starting dose for immediate-release hydromorphone is 2 mg to 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. The usual starting dose for morphine is 15 mg to 30 mg every 4 hours as needed. Both medications can cause side effects like constipation, drowsiness, and slowed breathing. Both medications are controlled substances and have a risk of dependence and misuse, and they require careful monitoring and adherence to prescribed doses to avoid overdose.

  • Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
    Morphine
  • Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
    Morphine

  • Summary of Dilaudid vs. Morphine

    Summary for Opioid
    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.

    Summary for Opioid
    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 of Dilaudid vs. Morphine

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

  • Pros and Cons of Dilaudid vs. Morphine

    Pros and Const for Opioid
    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)
    Pros and Const for Opioid
    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 of Dilaudid vs. Morphine

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

  • Warnings 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 sulfites
    Common 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 withdrawal

  • Prices with our coupons for Dilaudid vs. Morphine

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    Learn more about Morphine

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