Hydromorphone vs. Morphine for Pain: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Dilaudid

(hydromorphone)

Morphine

Summary for Hydromorphone

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 Hydromorphone

Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications

Pros and Cons for Hydromorphone

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 Hydromorphone

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

Warnings for Hydromorphone

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 Hydromorphone vs. Morphine

Hydromorphone30 tablets / 2mg

$14.19$24.68

Get free coupons

More Information

Morphine120 tablets / 15mg

$28.55$98.08

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.

Compare
Hydromorphone vs. Morphine

Dilaudid

Morphine

Summary for Hydromorphone

Indications for Hydromorphone

Pros and Cons for Hydromorphone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Hydromorphone

Warnings for Hydromorphone

Summary for Morphine

Indications for Morphine

Pros and Cons for Morphine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Morphine

Warnings for Morphine

Prices with our coupons for Hydromorphone vs. Morphine

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Dilaudid

Morphine

Summary for Hydromorphone

Indications for Hydromorphone

Pros and Cons for Hydromorphone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Hydromorphone

Warnings for Hydromorphone

Summary for Morphine

Indications for Morphine

Pros and Cons for Morphine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Morphine

Warnings for Morphine