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Hydromorphone ER

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Hydromorphone ER is a Opioid analgesic Small molecule drug developed by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. It is currently FDA-approved for Chronic pain requiring continuous opioid therapy, Moderate to severe pain in opioid-tolerant patients. Also known as: Exalgo(hydromorphone HCl), CII (77605306), Dilaudid.

Hydromorphone ER is an opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce analgesia and pain relief.

Hydromorphone ER is a small molecule medication used to treat acute severe pain. It is administered orally in extended-release form.

At a glance

Generic nameHydromorphone ER
Also known asExalgo(hydromorphone HCl), CII (77605306), Dilaudid
SponsorShirley Ryan AbilityLab
Drug classOpioid analgesic
TargetMu-opioid receptor (μ-OR)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaPain Management
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Hydromorphone is a semi-synthetic opioid that activates mu-opioid receptors throughout the brain and spinal cord, inhibiting pain signal transmission and modulating pain perception. The extended-release formulation provides sustained drug delivery over 24 hours, allowing for once or twice-daily dosing in chronic pain management. It is approximately 6-8 times more potent than morphine.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Hydromorphone ER

What is Hydromorphone ER?

Hydromorphone ER is a Opioid analgesic drug developed by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, indicated for Chronic pain requiring continuous opioid therapy, Moderate to severe pain in opioid-tolerant patients.

How does Hydromorphone ER work?

Hydromorphone ER is an opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce analgesia and pain relief.

What is Hydromorphone ER used for?

Hydromorphone ER is indicated for Chronic pain requiring continuous opioid therapy, Moderate to severe pain in opioid-tolerant patients.

Who makes Hydromorphone ER?

Hydromorphone ER is developed and marketed by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (see full Shirley Ryan AbilityLab pipeline at /company/shirley-ryan-abilitylab).

Is Hydromorphone ER also known as anything else?

Hydromorphone ER is also known as Exalgo(hydromorphone HCl), CII (77605306), Dilaudid.

What drug class is Hydromorphone ER in?

Hydromorphone ER belongs to the Opioid analgesic class. See all Opioid analgesic drugs at /class/opioid-analgesic.

What development phase is Hydromorphone ER in?

Hydromorphone ER is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Hydromorphone ER?

Common side effects of Hydromorphone ER include Constipation, Nausea, Dizziness, Somnolence, Vomiting, Headache.

What does Hydromorphone ER target?

Hydromorphone ER targets Mu-opioid receptor (μ-OR) and is a Opioid analgesic.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing