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hydromorphone

Semisynthetic mu-opioid receptor agonist · Analgesic

Semisynthetic mu-opioid receptor agonistAnalgesic
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
12 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Top interactionssee all 12 →
  • AlprazolamSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • AlvimopanSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • AmobarbitalSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • AripiprazoleSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Hydromorphone is a mu-opioid receptor agonist, similar to morphine, but more lipid soluble and potent.

Indications

analgesiaanalgesia during perioperative period

Dosing

Adult
Oral: 2 mg/3–4 h; Parenteral: 0.5 mg/3–4 h
Pediatric
Oral: 0.03 mg/kg/3–4 h; Parenteral: 0.005 mg/kg/3–4 h

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism
Metabolized in the liver to hydromorphone-3-glucoronide

Side effects

Common
nauseavomitingpruritus

Drug interactions

Alprazolam
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Alvimopan
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Amobarbital
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Aripiprazole
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Asenapine
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Baclofen
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Benzhydrocodone
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Brexpiprazole
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Buprenorphine
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Bupropion
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Buspirone
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Butabarbital
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Related guidelines

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ADA · Endocrinology · 2025
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ESC · Cardiology · 2022

Ask House about hydromorphone

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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team