Hydromorphone: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate.
- Data source
- FDA labeling via NIH DailyMed (label e034eb96…)
- Label version
- current
- Last reviewed
- 2026
Reported adverse reactions
Reactions listed in current FDA labeling, with the highest frequency reported across summarized placebo-controlled trials.
No structured frequency data available in current labeling. Consult the official label.
Labeled uses (from FDA prescribing information)
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection [high potency formulation (HPF)] is indicated for use in opioid-tolerant patients who require higher doses of opioids for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternate treatments are inadequate. Patients considered opioid tolerant are those who are taking for one week or longer, around-the-clock medicine consisting of at least 60 mg oral morphine per day, or at least 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl per hour, or at least 30 mg oral oxycodone per day, or at least 8 g oral hydromorphone per day, or at least 25 mg oral oxymorphone per day, or at least 60 mg oral hydrocodone per day, or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid for one week or longer. Patients must remain on around-the-clock opioids while administering Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Injection (HPF). Limitations of Use: Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, which can occur at any dosage or duration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 )] , reserve …
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hydromorphone used for?
FDA labeling lists the approved uses shown above under "Labeled uses." This summary is informational; only a qualified prescriber can determine whether a medication is appropriate for you.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of Hydromorphone?
Current labeling for this ingredient does not include a structured frequency table that we can reproduce. Review the official label linked below.
Does Hydromorphone require lab monitoring?
Monitoring needs vary. Ask your healthcare provider whether any lab tests apply while taking Hydromorphone.
Where does this information come from?
All clinical facts on this page were extracted from the current FDA-registered product labeling for this ingredient, published by manufacturers through NIH DailyMed. See the source link below.
Medical disclaimer: Educational content extracted from public FDA labeling. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.