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dilaudid

Pharmaranks rates Dilaudid 3.4/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Dilaudid (Hydromorphone Hydrochloride) is an opioid agonist used to treat Cough, Postoperative Pain.

Hydromorphone Hydrochloride · by Fresenius Kabi USA

Available as a generic: Hydromorphone Hydrochloride

⚠ FDA reports a current shortage of the injection form — availability differs between suppliers — see drug shortages →
68/100Limited · 1 source

Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 20, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass
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Every strength approved under this FDA application (2)

  • Dilaudid (this page)Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 0.2MG/ML · Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 0.5MG/0.5ML · Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 1MG/ML · Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 2MG/ML · Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 4MG/ML
  • Dilaudid-HpHydromorphone Hydrochloride 10MG/ML · Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 250MG/VIAL

Key facts

Drug class
Opioid Agonist
Form
Injectable, Solution, Tablet
Strength
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 0.2MG/ML · Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 0.5MG/0.5ML · Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 1MG/ML · Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 2MG/ML · Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 4MG/ML
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Fresenius Kabi USA
Half-life
about 2.3 hours (terminal elimination half-life after an intravenous dose); after an oral dose the label reports a mean T½ of about 2.6 hours for the 8 mg tablet and 2.8 hours for the oral liquid (how long it stays in your system)
What the pharmacy pays
~$0.57 per ml — not your price
FDA application
NDA019034

What is Dilaudid?

From the FDA label:DILAUDID (hydromorphone hydrochloride), a hydrogenated ketone of morphine, is an opioid agonist. DILAUDID INJECTION is available as a sterile, aqueous solution in clear and colorless single-dose prefilled syringes for slow intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular administration. Each 1 mL of solution contains 0.2 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg of hydromorphone hydrochloride. The chemical name of DILAUDID is 4,5α-epoxy-3-hydroxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one hydrochloride. The molecular weight is 321.80. Its molecular formula is C 17 H 19 NO 3 ·HCl, and it has the following chemical structure: Hydromorphone hydrochloride is a white or almost white crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water, very slightly soluble in ethanol (96%), and practically insoluble in methylene chloride. The inactive ingredients in DILAUDID (hydromorphone hydrochloride) include: 0.2% sodium citrate and 0.2% citric acid added as a buffer to maintain a pH between 3.5 and 5.5. dilau-struc-01.jpg

How to use

Dilaudid is sold in more than one form (Injectable, Solution and Tablet), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application NDA019034 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.

DILAUDID INJECTION should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. ( 2.1 ) • Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals. Reserve titration to higher doses of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. ( 2.1 , 5 ) • Many acute pain conditions (e.g., the pain that occurs with a number of surgical procedures or acute musculoskeletal injuries) require no more than a few days of an opioid analgesic. Clinical guidelines on opioid prescribing for some acute pain conditions are available. ( 2.1 ) • Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse. ( 2.1 , 5.1 ) • Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) • Initial Dosage: - Intramuscular or Subcutaneous Use: The usual…

Side effects

The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: • Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] • Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] • Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] • Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] • Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of hydromorphone were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Serious adverse reactions associated with DILAUDID INJECTION include respiratory depression and apnea and, to a lesser degree, circulatory depression, respiratory arrest, shock, and cardiac arrest. The most common adverse effects…

FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)

Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label

SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF DILAUDID INJECTION WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF DILAUDID INJECTION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • DILAUDID INJECTION exposes users to risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess patient's risk before prescribing and reassess regularly for these behaviors and conditions. ( 5.1 ) • Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur. Monitor closely, especially upon initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of DILAUDID INJECTION are essential. ( 5.2 ) • Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. ( 5.3 , 7 ). • If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery. ( 5.4 ). Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of DILAUDID INJECTION exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of DILAUDID INJECTION, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of DILAUDID INJECTION are essential [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of DILAUDID INJECTION and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of NOWS, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )].

Warnings

Important safety information

Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia: Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia (OIH) occurs when an opioid analgesic paradoxically causes an increase in pain, or an increase in sensitivity to pain. If OIH is suspected, carefully consider appropriately decreasing the dose of the current opioid analgesic, or opioid rotation. ( 5.5 ) • Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease or in Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients: Monitor closely, particularly during initiation and titration. ( 5.6 ) • Adrenal Insufficiency: If diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement of corticosteroids, and wean patient off of the opioid. ( 5.7 ) • Severe Hypotension: Monitor during dosage initiation and titration. Avoid use of DILAUDID INJECTION in patients with circulatory shock. ( 5.8 ) • Risks of Use in Patients with Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors, Head Injury, or Impaired Consciousness: Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Avoid use of DILAUDID INJECTION in patients with impaired consciousness or coma. ( 5.9 ) • DILAUDID INJECTION contains sodium metabisulfite. There is a risk of anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening asthmatic episodes in susceptible people. ( 5.14 ) 5.1 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse DILAUDID INJECTION contains hydromorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, DILAUDID INJECTION exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Drug Abuse and Dependence ( 9 )]. Although the risk of addiction in any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed DILAUDID INJECTION. Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused. Assess each patient's risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to prescribing DILAUDID INJECTION and monitor all patients receiving DILAUDID INJECTION for the development of these behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with a personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression). The potential for these risks should not, however, prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed opioids such as DILAUDID INJECTION but use in such patients necessitates intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of DILAUDID INJECTION along with intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Opioids are sought for nonmedical use and are subject to diversion from legitimate prescribed use. Consider these risks when prescribing or dispensing DILAUDID INJECTION. Strategies to reduce these risks include prescribing the drug in the smallest appropriate quantity. Contact local state professional licensing board or state-controlled substances authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product. 5.2 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended. Respiratory depression, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid antagonists, depending on the patient's clinical status [see Overdosage ( 10 )] . Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids. While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of DILAUDID INJECTION, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of DILAUDID INJECTION is essential [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )]. Overestimating the DILAUDID INJECTION dosage when converting patients from another opioid product can result in a fatal overdose with the first dose. Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnea (CSA) and sleep-related hypoxemia. Opioid use increases the risk of CSA in a dose-dependent fashion. In patients who present with CSA, consider decreasing the opioid dosage using best practices for opioid taper [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 )] . 5.3 Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of DILAUDID INJECTION with benzodiazepines and/or other CNS depressants, including alcohol (e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids). Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioid analgesics alone. Because of similar pharmacological properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with the concomitant use of other CNS depressant drugs with opioid analgesics [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . If the decision is made to prescribe a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant concomitantly with an opioid analgesic, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use. In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid, and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is initiated in a patient already taking a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid analgesic, and titrate based on clinical response. Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. 5.4 Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection for an extended period of time during pregnancy can result in withdrawal in the neonate. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. Observe newborns for signs of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly. Advise pregnant women using opioids for an extended period of time of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]. 5.5 Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia (OIH) occurs when an opioid analgesic paradoxically causes an increase in pain, or an increase in sensitivity to pain. This condition differs from tolerance, which is the need for increasing doses of opioids to maintain a defined effect [see Dependence ( 9.3 )] . Symptoms of OIH include (but may not be limited to) increased levels of pain upon opioid dosage increase, decreased levels of pain upon opioid dosage decrease, or pain from ordinarily non-painful stimuli (allodynia). These symptoms may suggest OIH only if there is no evidence of underlying disease progression, opioid tolerance, opioid withdrawal, or addictive behavior. Cases of OIH have been reported, both with short-term and longer-term use of opioid analgesics. Though the mechanism of OIH is not fully understood, multiple biochemical pathways have been implicated. Medical literature suggests a strong biologic plausibility between opioid analgesics and OIH and allodynia. If a patient is suspected to be experiencing OIH, carefully consider appropriately decreasing the dose of the current opioid analgesic or opioid rotation (safely switching the patient to a different opioid moiety) [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 ), Warnings and…

Who should not take Dilaudid

DILAUDID INJECTION is contraindicated in patients with: • Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] • Hypersensitivity to hydromorphone, hydromorphone salts, any other components of the product, or sulfite containing medications (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.14 )] • Significant respiratory depression. ( 4 ) • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment. ( 4 ) • Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus. ( 4 ) • Known hypersensitivity to hydromorphone, hydromorphone salts, sulfite-containing medications, or any other components of the product. ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

Clinical Presentation Acute overdose with hydromorphone can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, hypoglycemia, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis, rather than miosis, may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]. Treatment of Overdose In case of overdose, priorities are the reestablishment of a patent airway and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support measures. Opioid antagonists, such as naloxone are specific antidotes to respiratory depression resulting from opioid overdose. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to hydromorphone overdose, administer an opioid antagonist. Opioid antagonists should not be administered in the absence of clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to hydromorphone overdose. Because the duration of opioid reversal is expected to be less than the duration of hydromorphone in…

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

Table 1 includes clinically significant drug interactions with DILAUDID INJECTION. Table 1. Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with DILAUDID INJECTION Benzodiazepines and other Central Nervous System Depressants (CNS) Clinical Impact: Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines and other CNS depressants, including alcohol, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Intervention: Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Monitor patients closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Examples: Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, alcohol. Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome. Intervention: If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue DILAUDID INJECTION if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Examples: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that effect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. If urgent use of an opioid is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses to treat pain while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression. Intervention: The use of DILAUDID INJECTION is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. If urgent use of an opioid is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression. Examples: phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics Clinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of DILAUDID INJECTION and/or precipitate withdrawal syndrome. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use. Examples: butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine Muscle Relaxants Clinical Impact: Hydromorphone may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression. Intervention: Monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression that may be greater than otherwise expected and decrease the dosage of DILAUDID INJECTION and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary. Diuretics Clinical Impact: Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone. Intervention: Monitor patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed. Anticholinergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus. Intervention: Monitor patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility when DILAUDID INJECTION is used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs. • Serotonergic Drugs : Concomitant use may result in serotonin syndrome. Discontinue DILAUDID INJECTION if serotonin syndrome is suspected. ( 7 ) • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) : Can potentiate the effects of hydromorphone. Avoid concomitant use in patients receiving MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping treatment with an MAOI. ( 7 ) • Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics : Avoid use with DILAUDID INJECTION because they may reduce analgesic effect of DILAUDID INJECTION or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. ( 7 )

How long does Hydromorphone Hydrochloride stay in your body?

The elimination half-life of hydromorphone hydrochloride is about 2.3 hours (terminal elimination half-life after an intravenous dose); after an oral dose the label reports a mean T½ of about 2.6 hours for the 8 mg tablet and 2.8 hours for the oral liquid — the time it takes the body to clear about half of it. As a rule of thumb, a medicine is mostly gone after roughly 4 to 5 half-lives, though this varies from person to person with age and kidney or liver function. These are the terminal (elimination) values the label gives, not a distribution phase. No longer-lasting active metabolite: the label states plainly that "the analgesic activity of hydromorphone hydrochloride is due to the parent drug, hydromorphone." Over 95% of a dose is converted to hydromorphone-3-glucuronide (plus minor 6-hydroxy reduction metabolites), which the label does not describe as analgesically active. Hydromorphone is not a prodrug. Kidney impairment: the drug is cleared more slowly — in the label's renal study, severe impairment (CLcr under 30 mL/min) gave a terminal half-life of about 40 hours versus about 15 hours in people with normal kidneys, and exposure rose 2-fold in moderate and 3-fold in severe impairment. Note the label's own inconsistency: that study's "normal kidney" comparator (about 15 hours) is much longer than the roughly 2.3-2.8 hours reported elsewhere in the same label, likely because of longer blood sampling; the label prints both without reconciling them, so treat the ~40 vs ~15 hour figures as a relative comparison within that one study rather than as the everyday number. Liver impairment: moderate impairment (Child-Pugh B) raised exposure about 4-fold; the label does not report a half-life for it, and severe impairment was never studied. Older adults: the label says age has no effect on hydromorphone pharmacokinetics. This is elimination from blood, not a drug-test detection window (metabolites stay detectable much longer), and it is not dosing guidance.

This is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t tell you when a drug test would read negative (tests detect substances for different, often longer, windows) or when it’s safe to take another dose — ask your pharmacist or prescriber. Source: HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE tablet - FDA label, Section 12.3 Pharmacokinetics (DailyMed).

Drug class

How this class works, per Mu Receptors - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

See how Dilaudid ranks — best-rated opioid agonist for:

Dosage forms

Injectable, Solution and Tablet

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

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Frequently asked questions

What does Dilaudid treat?
Dilaudid (Hydromorphone Hydrochloride) may be used to treat cough, postoperative pain, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
How does Dilaudid work?
Dilaudid is a opioid agonist. Opioid agonists bind opioid receptors (mainly mu receptors) on nerves in the brain and spinal cord, dampening the release of pain-signaling chemicals so fewer pain messages reach the brain, which relieves moderate to severe pain.
How is Dilaudid rated?
pharmaranks gives Dilaudid a composite score of 3.4 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
How much does Dilaudid cost?
Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $0.57 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Imodium A-D — about $0.05 on the same basis.
Is there a coupon or discount for Dilaudid?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Dilaudid. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Dilaudid?
Dilaudid is marketed by Fresenius Kabi USA. You can see Fresenius Kabi USA's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Dilaudid a brand-name or generic drug?
Dilaudid is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Hydromorphone Hydrochloride. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Hydromorphone Hydrochloride are available — ask your pharmacist.
Is Dilaudid available over the counter?
No. Dilaudid is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Dilaudid come in?
Dilaudid is currently marketed as injectable, solution and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Dilaudid?
Dilaudid is classified as opioid agonist, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Dilaudid FDA-registered?
Dilaudid is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA019034. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Has Dilaudid been recalled by the FDA?
Dilaudid has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
Is Dilaudid safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Dilaudid a recall-safety score of 68/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Dilaudid?
Dilaudid's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: • Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Oth… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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dilaudid

68/100