Dilaudid is an analgesic narcotic with an addiction ability similar to that of morphine. Its effects are apparent within 15 minutes and remain in effect for more than 5 hours. Dilaudid is approximately 8 times more potent on a milligram basis than morphine. Dilaudid is often called "drug store heroin" on the streets. Dilaudid inhibits ascending pain pathways in the central nervous system. Dilaudid also increases the pain threshold by altering their pain perception.

Elimination half-life: 2-3 hours

Semi-synthetic μ-opioid agonist

DRUG INFO CHART

Hydromorphone is a drug used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Hydromorphone is known by the trade name "Dilaudid®", though an extended-release version called Palladone® SR was available for a short time before being pulled from the market in July 2005 due to a high overdose potential when taken with alcohol (still available in the UK as of April 2006). It belongs to a category of drugs known as opioid agonists. It is commonly given to patients who have recently undergone surgery or who have suffered serious injury, and it is given intravenously, intramuscularly, rectally, or orally. Hydromorphone is often sought after by opiate drug abusers as it is one of the most potent of all prescription narcotics.