Key takeaways
Morphine (MS Contin, Kadian) and hydromorphone (Dilaudid) are both opioid medications used to relieve pain when non-opioid medications aren't enough. While they work similarly by attaching to mu-opioid receptors in your brain to change how you react to pain, there are some differences between them. Morphine is available in more forms, including pills, oral liquid, rectal suppositories, and injections, whereas hydromorphone is available as pills, injections, liquids, and rectal suppositories. The starting doses also differ, with morphine typically starting at higher doses compared to hydromorphone. Hydromorphone may cause less itchiness and nausea but has a higher risk of nervous system problems like seizures. Both medications have similar side effects, such as constipation, dizziness, and sleepiness, and both carry risks of addiction and misuse. However, hydromorphone contains sulfites, which can cause allergic reactions in some people.
