Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is how many times more potent than morphine?

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is how many times more potent than morphine?

• A. 2 times
• B. 3-4 times
• C. 5-10 times
• D. 20 times

Answer: (C)

Potency differences among opioids determine how much drug is needed for the same pain relief. Hydromorphone provides stronger analgesia per milligram than morphine, so a smaller amount achieves the same effect. Clinically, hydromorphone is roughly five to seven times more potent than morphine, with some sources citing up to tenfold. That means the required hydromorphone dose is about one-fifth to one-tenth of the morphine dose for equivalent analgesia. Because of that, the five- to tenfold potency range best fits the actual difference. Smaller multipliers would underestimate the potency, while a twentyfold difference would overstate it.

Potency differences among opioids determine how much drug is needed for the same pain relief. Hydromorphone provides stronger analgesia per milligram than morphine, so a smaller amount achieves the same effect. Clinically, hydromorphone is roughly five to seven times more potent than morphine, with some sources citing up to tenfold. That means the required hydromorphone dose is about one-fifth to one-tenth of the morphine dose for equivalent analgesia. Because of that, the five- to tenfold potency range best fits the actual difference. Smaller multipliers would underestimate the potency, while a twentyfold difference would overstate it.