While similar in many ways, these two medications are different substances.
Morphine is a naturally occurring opioid processed from poppy plants.
Dilaudid is a semisynthetic medication, a derivative of morphine, made in a lab.
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Whats More Powerful, Morphine or Dilaudid?
Other factors affecting bioavailability include:
Your healthcare team willassess your painbefore, during, and after treatment.
In the past, morphine was a commonly used pain medication.
However, one study demonstrates that Dilaudid is used more often now for medical and surgical pain.
Typically, opioids are used for short-term treatments of acute pain.
Side Effects
The side effects of Dilaudid and morphine are very similar.
Opioids activate receptors in thecentral nervous system(brain and spinal cord) and throughout the body.
Both medications also have immediate-release and extended-release formulas available.
Extended-release formulas of these medications are usually for people with chronic (long-term) pain.
Your healthcare provider will determine which drug, dose, route, and key in for you to use.
Potential for Abuse
Dilaudid and morphine are controlled substances with a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Due to the euphoria that opioids create, there is a high potential for medication misuse.
Some people take these medications in higher doses or more frequently than prescribed.
Other people buy or sell these medications without a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Narcan (naloxone) can be a lifesaving treatment for a known or suspected opioid overdose.
When an opioid overdose is suspected, naloxone hydrochloride should be administered as soon as possible.
Naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is currently available both over-the-counter and by prescription, under different brand names.
Narcan (4 mg/spray) and ReVive (3 mg/spray) are brand names available OTC.
Summary
Dilaudid and morphine are opioid medications for short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain.
They are similar but different medications.
Dilaudid is four times stronger at the same dose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Opioid medications are very effective pain relievers.
Dilaudid is considered to have a higher analgesic potency than morphine.
Dilaudid provides more pain relief with a small dosage.
However, the exact mechanism of strength or potency of any medication for one person is not fully understood.
Your healthcare team will work with you to develop a pain management plan.
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