Last reviewed · How we verify
Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
Hydromorphone is a mu-opioid receptor agonist that binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce analgesia and sedation.
Hydromorphone is a mu-opioid receptor agonist that binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce analgesia and sedation. Used for Moderate to severe pain, Severe cancer pain, Postoperative pain.
At a glance
| Generic name | Dilaudid (hydromorphone) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Dilaudid |
| Sponsor | University of Nebraska |
| Drug class | Opioid analgesic |
| Target | Mu-opioid receptor (μ-OR) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Hydromorphone activates mu-opioid receptors throughout the brain and spinal cord, inhibiting pain signal transmission and modulating pain perception. This results in potent analgesia and is approximately 6-8 times more potent than morphine. The drug also produces sedation, euphoria, and respiratory depression through activation of opioid receptors in various CNS regions.
Approved indications
- Moderate to severe pain
- Severe cancer pain
- Postoperative pain
Common side effects
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Respiratory depression
- Pruritus
- Vomiting
Key clinical trials
- Hydromorphone With Electroacupuncture and Ear Acupoint Pressing for Refractory Cancer Pain (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Effectiveness of Percutaneous Neuromodulation vs Pharmacological Treatment in Cancer Patients With Anterior Knee Pain (NA)
- Intrathecal Hydromorphone vs Intrathecal Morphine to Treat Post Cesarean Pain in Patients With Opioid Use Disorder Taking Buprenorphine (PHASE4)
- Thoracic Epidural Analgesia or Four-Quadrant Transversus Abdominus Plane Block in Reducing Pain in Patients Undergoing Liver Surgery (PHASE3)
- Comparing Analgesic Regimen Effectiveness and Safety for Surgery for Kids Trial (PHASE4)
- Methadone Versus Intrathecal Hydromorphone for Postoperative Pain Relief in Gynecologic Cancer Undergoing Surgery (PHASE4)
- Assessing Hydromorphone Sustained-Release Tablets in Elderly Cancer Pain Patients With Renal Insufficiency
- Buprenorphine for Analgesia in Older Adults With Acute Fractures in the Emergency Department: a Randomized Controlled Study (PHASE1, PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Dilaudid (hydromorphone) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Dilaudid (hydromorphone) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Nebraska portfolio CI