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hydromorphone hydrochloride

Pharmaranks rates Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 2.2/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Hydromorphone Hydrochloride is an opioid agonist used to treat Cough, Postoperative Pain.

Opioid Agonist · by Hospira

Generic of Dilaudid

44/100Limited · 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 22, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass
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Key facts

Drug class
Opioid Agonist
Form
Suppository, Tablet
Strength
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 10MG/ML
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Generic
Manufacturer
Hospira
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
ANDA078591

What is Hydromorphone Hydrochloride?

From the FDA label:Hydromorphone Hydrochloride, a hydrogenated ketone of morphine, is an opioid agonist. Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection, USP [high potency formulation (HPF)] is available as a sterile, aqueous solution in single-dose amber vials, for intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular administration. Each single-dose vial contains 10 mg/mL of hydromorphone hydrochloride with 0.2% sodium citrate and 0.2% citric acid added as a buffer to maintain a pH of between 3.5 and 5.5. The chemical name of hydromorphone hydrochloride is 4,5α- epoxy-3-hydroxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one hydrochloride. The molecular weight is 321.8. 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. Chemical structure

How to use

Hydromorphone Hydrochloride is sold in more than one form (Suppository and Tablet), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application ANDA078591 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.

Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] 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 [high potency formulation (HPF)] 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 , 5.2 ) • Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)]. Consider this risk when selecting an initial…

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 (5.2) ] • Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Interactions With Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] • Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] • Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] • Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] include respiratory depression and apnea and, to a lesser degree, circulatory depression, respiratory arrest, shock, and cardiac…

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 HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION [HIGH POTENCY FORMULATION (HPF)] WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION [HIGH POTENCY FORMULATION (HPF)] See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • Do not confuse Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] with standard parenteral formulations of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection or other opioids, as overdose and death could result. ( 5.1 ) • Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] 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. ( 5.2 ) • Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] are essential. ( 5.3 ) • 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. ( 5.4 , 7 ) • Advise pregnant women using opioids for an extended period of time 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. ( 5.5 ) Risk of Medication Errors Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] is a more concentrated solution of hydromorphone and is for use in opioid-tolerant patients only. Do not confuse Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] with standard parenteral formulations of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection or other opioids, as overdose and death could result [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] 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 (5.2) ] . Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)], especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] are essential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) , Drug Interactions (7) ] . Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) Advise pregnant women using opioids for an extended period of time 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ].

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. ( 5.6 ) • Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Patients With Chronic Pulmonary Disease or in Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients: Monitor closely, particularly during initiation and titration. ( 5.7 ) • Adrenal Insufficiency: If diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement of corticosteroids, and wean patient off of the opioid. ( 5.8 ) • Severe Hypotension: Monitor during dosage initiation and titration. Avoid use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] in patients with circulatory shock. ( 5.9 ) • 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] in patients with impaired consciousness or coma. ( 5.10 ) 5.1 Risk of Medication Errors Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] is a 10 mg/mL concentrated solution of hydromorphone, and is intended for use in opioid-tolerant patients only. Patients considered opioid tolerant are those who are taking at least 60 mg oral morphine/day, 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl/hour, 30 mg oral oxycodone/day, 8 mg oral hydromorphone/day, 25 mg oral oxymorphone/day, or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid for one week or longer. Do not confuse Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] with standard parenteral formulations of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection, or other opioids as overdose and death could result. 5.2 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] contain hydromorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)]. Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused . The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. In postmarketing studies, addiction, abuse, misuse, and fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose were observed in patients with long-term opioid use [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Assess each patient's risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to prescribing Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)], and monitor all patients receiving Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)], but use in such patients necessitates intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)]. 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. 5.3 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 overdose reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) , 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)], 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] are essential [see Dosage and Administration (2) ] . Overestimating the Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] dosage when converting patients from another opioid product can result in a fatal overdose with the first dose. Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] is for use in opioid-tolerant patients only . Administration of this formulation may cause fatal respiratory depression when administered to patients who are not tolerant to the respiratory depressant effects of opioids. 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) ] . 5.4 Risks from Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] with benzodiazepines and/or other CNS depressants, including alcohol (e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids [gabapentin or pregabalin], and 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. 5.5 Neonatal Opioid…

Who should not take Hydromorphone Hydrochloride

Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] is contraindicated in patients with: • Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] • Hypersensitivity to hydromorphone, hydromorphone salts, or any other components of the product (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] is contraindicated in patients who are not opioid tolerant [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . • 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, or any other components of the product. ( 4 ) • Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)]: Patients who are not opioid tolerant. ( 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) ] . Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been reported after opioid overdose and can present hours, days, or weeks after apparent recovery from the initial intoxication. 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. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to hydromorphone overdose, administer an opioid overdose reversal agent such as naloxone or nalmefene. Because the duration of opioid reversal is expected to be less than the duration of hydromorphone in Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)],…

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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)]. Table 1. Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] 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 (5.4) ] . 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 (5.4) ] . Examples: Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] 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 (5.3) ] . 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary. Examples: cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] is used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs. • Serotonergic Drugs: Concomitant use may result in serotonin syndrome. Discontinue Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] because they may reduce analgesic effect of Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride ranks — best-rated opioid agonist for:

Dosage forms

Suppository and Tablet

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

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Frequently asked questions

What does Hydromorphone Hydrochloride treat?
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride (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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride work?
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride rated?
pharmaranks gives Hydromorphone Hydrochloride a composite score of 2.2 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Hydromorphone Hydrochloride. To pay less, Hydromorphone Hydrochloride is already a generic — usually the lowest-cost version — so the main levers are comparing cash prices between pharmacies and using a pharmacy discount-card service. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Hydromorphone Hydrochloride?
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride is marketed by Hospira. You can see Hospira's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Hydromorphone Hydrochloride a brand-name or generic drug?
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride is a generic medication; its active ingredient is Hydromorphone Hydrochloride. Generics contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name original and are usually lower cost.
Is Hydromorphone Hydrochloride available over the counter?
No. Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride come in?
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride is currently marketed as suppository and tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Hydromorphone Hydrochloride?
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride is classified as opioid agonist, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Hydromorphone Hydrochloride FDA-registered?
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number ANDA078591. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Has Hydromorphone Hydrochloride been recalled by the FDA?
Yes. Hydromorphone Hydrochloride has 4 recorded FDA recall events in the openFDA enforcement database. A recall removes specific lots from the market — usually for manufacturing, contamination, potency, or labeling issues — and does not mean the drug is unsafe to take; your specific lot was almost certainly never affected. This recall history is factored into its safety score above. Always check the FDA recall database or your pharmacist for current alerts.
Is Hydromorphone Hydrochloride safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Hydromorphone Hydrochloride a recall-safety score of 44/100, based on its FDA recall history (4 recorded recall events) — 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 Hydromorphone Hydrochloride?
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride'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 (5.2) ] • Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Interactions With Benzodiazepines and Other… 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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hydromorphone hydrochloride

44/100