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Dilaudid

hydromorphone hydrochloride · Tablet

Prescription NDA Schedule CII TE AB RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Dilaudid
Generic name
hydromorphone hydrochloride
Dosage form
Tablet
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
CII
Active ingredients
3
NDC product codes
3
Packages
4
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 2 mg/1 902729 View
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 4 mg/1 902729 View
Hydromorphone Hydrochloride 8 mg/1 902729 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Tablet
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
7

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Full Opioid Agonists [MoA] MoA All 74 members
Opioid Agonist [EPC] EPC All 109 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
019892
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
December 7, 1992
Sponsor
RHODES PHARMS
Products on application
3
Submissions recorded
22
Products approved under application 019892.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
019892-001 DILAUDID TABLET HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB RLD RS
019892-002 DILAUDID TABLET HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB RLD
019892-003 DILAUDID TABLET HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB RLD

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 019892.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 44 REMS Approved June 18, 2026 N/A
Supplement 43 Labeling Approved December 22, 2025 Standard
Supplement 42 REMS Approved October 31, 2024 N/A
Supplement 41 Labeling Approved December 15, 2023 Standard
Supplement 37 Labeling Approved March 4, 2021 Standard
Supplement 35 Labeling Approved October 7, 2019 Standard
Supplement 34 Labeling Approved September 18, 2018 Standard
Supplement 33 REMS Approved September 18, 2018 N/A
Supplement 29 Labeling Approved December 16, 2016 Standard
Supplement 25 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 26, 2015 Standard
Supplement 23 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 5, 2013 Standard
Supplement 19 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved January 24, 2013 Standard
Supplement 21 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 18, 2012 Standard
Supplement 15 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved November 9, 2007 N/A
Supplement 9 Labeling Approved June 12, 2006 Standard
Supplement 2 Labeling Approved March 10, 2003 Standard
Supplement 4 Labeling Approved August 22, 2001 Standard
Supplement 7 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 12, 2001 Standard
Supplement 6 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 12, 2001 Standard
Supplement 3 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 24, 2000 Standard
Supplement 1 Labeling Approved March 31, 1995 Standard
Original application 1 Type 3 - New Dosage Form Approved December 7, 1992 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · June 23, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · January 6, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · December 29, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · November 4, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · December 19, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · December 18, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · December 18, 2023
  • 0 · Original application · November 3, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · March 5, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · March 5, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · October 8, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · October 8, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · September 28, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · September 28, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · September 24, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · September 24, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · December 21, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · December 20, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · November 19, 2007
  • 0 · Supplement · November 19, 2007
  • 0 · Supplement · June 12, 2006
  • 0 · Supplement · June 12, 2006
  • 0 · Supplement · June 2, 2004

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260514). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260514

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF DILAUDID Risk of Medication Errors Ensure accuracy when prescribing, dispensing, and administering DILAUDID Oral Solution. Dosing errors due to confusion between mg and mL, and other hydromorphone oral solutions of different concentrations can result in accidental overdose and death [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of DILAUDID Oral Solution and Dilaudid Tablets expose patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of DILAUDID Oral Solution and DILAUDID Tablets, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of DILAUDID Oral Solution and DILAUDID Tablets are essential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Accidental Ingestion Accidental ingestion of even one dose of DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of hydromorphone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death . Reserve concomitant prescribing of DILAUDID Oral Solution and DILAUDID Tablets and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) , Drug Interactions (7) ] . Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) Advise pregnant women using opioids for an extended period of time of the risk of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to complete a REMS-compliant education program and to counsel patients and caregivers on serious risks, safe use, and the importance of reading the Medication Guide with each prescription [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]. WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF DILAUDID See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . Ensure accuracy when prescribing, dispensing, and administering DILAUDID Oral Solution. Dosing errors due to confusion between mg and mL can result in accidental overdose and death. ( 2.1 , 5.1 ) DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets expose users to risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess patient's risk before prescribing and reassess regularly for these behaviors and conditions. ( 5.2 ) Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur, especially upon initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets are essential. ( 5.3 ) Accidental ingestion of DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of hydromorphone. ( 5.3 ) Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. ( 5.4 , 7 ) Advise pregnant women using opioids for an extended period of time of the …

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Boxed Warning 12/2025 Indications and Usage ( 1 ) 12/2025 Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ) 12/2025 Warning and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 , 5.12 , 5.14 ) 12/2025

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE DILAUDID Oral Solution and DILAUDID Tablets are indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration and persist over the course of therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] , reserve opioid analgesics, including DILAUDID Oral Solution and DILAUDID Tablets, for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain. DILAUDID Oral Solution and DILAUDID Tablets contain hydromorphone, an opioid agonist, and are indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration and persist over the course of therapy, reserve opioid analgesics, including DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets, for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain. ( 1 , 5.2 )

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION DILAUDID Oral Solution and DILAUDID Tablets should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. ( 2.1 ) Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals. Reserve titration to higher doses of DILAUDID for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. ( 2.1 , 5 ) Many acute pain conditions (e.g., the pain that occurs with a number of surgical procedures or acute musculoskeletal injuries) require no more than a few days of an opioid analgesic. Clinical guidelines on opioid prescribing for some acute pain conditions are available. ( 2.1 ) Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient's underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with DILAUDID. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments. ( 2.1 , 5.3 ) Discuss opioid overdose reversal agents and options for acquiring them with the patient and/or caregiver, both when initiating and renewing treatment with DILAUDID, especially if the patient has additional risk factors for overdose, or close contacts at risk for exposure and overdose. ( 2.2 , 5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4 ) Initiate treatment with DILAUDID Oral Solution in a dosing range of 2.5 mL to 10 mL, 2.5 mg to 10 mg, every 3 to 6 hours as needed for pain, and at the lowest dose necessary to achieve adequate analgesia. Titrate the dose based upon the individual patient's response to their initial dose of DILAUDID Oral Solution. ( 2 , 5 ) Initiate treatment with DILAUDID Tablets in a dosing range of 2 mg to 4 mg, orally, every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain, and at the lowest dose necessary to achieve adequate analgesia. Titrate the dose based upon the individual patient's response to their initial dose of DILAUDID Tablets. ( 2 , 5 ) Periodically reassess patients receiving DILAUDID to evaluate the continued need for opioid analgesics to maintain pain control, for the signs or symptoms of adverse reactions, and for the development of addiction, abuse, or misuse. ( 2.6 ) Do not rapidly reduce or abruptly discontinue DILAUDID in a physically-dependent patient because rapid reduction or abrupt discontinuation of opioid analgesics has resulted in serious withdrawal symptoms, uncontrolled pain, and suicide. ( 2.7 , 5.14 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Ensure accuracy when prescribing, dispensing, and administering DILAUDID Oral Solution to avoid dosing errors due to confusion between mg and mL, which could result in accidental overdose and death. Ensure the proper dose is communicated and dispensed. When writing prescriptions, include both the total dose in mg and the total dose in volume. Instruct patients and caregivers on how to accurately measure and take or administer the correct dose of DILAUDID Oral Solution. Strongly advise patients and caregivers to always use a graduated oral syringe or measuring cup, with metric units of measurements (i.e., mL), to correctly measure the prescribed amount of medication. Inform patients and caregivers that oral dosing devices may be obtained from their pharmacy and to never use household teaspoons or tablespoons to measure DILAUDID Oral Solution. DILAUDID Oral Solution and DILAUDID Tablets should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see Warnings and Precautions (5) ] …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS DILAUDID Oral Solution: 5 mg/5 mL (1 mg/mL) of hydromorphone hydrochloride in a clear, colorless to pale yellow, slightly viscous liquid. DILAUDID Tablets: 2 mg tablets (light orange, round, flat-faced tablets, with beveled edges, debossed with a "P" on one side and the number "2" on the opposite side) 4 mg tablets (light yellow, round, flat-faced tablets, with beveled edges, debossed with a "P" on one side and the number "4" on the opposite side) 8 mg tablets (white, triangular shaped tablets, debossed with a "P" and an inverted "P" separated with a bisect on one side of the tablet and debossed with the number "8" on the other side of the tablet) DILAUDID Oral Solution: 5 mg/5 mL (1 mg/mL) DILAUDID Tablets: 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS DILAUDID Oral Solution and DILAUDID Tablets are contraindicated in patients with: Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Hypersensitivity to hydromorphone, hydromorphone salts, any other components of the product, or sulfite-containing medications (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] Significant respiratory depression. ( 4 ) Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment. ( 4 ) Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus. ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to hydromorphone, hydromorphone salts, or sulfite-containing medications ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia: Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia (OIH) occurs when an opioid analgesic paradoxically causes an increase in pain, or an increase in sensitivity to pain. If OIH is suspected, carefully consider appropriately decreasing the dose of the current opioid analgesic or opioid rotation. ( 5.7 ) Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease or in Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients: Regularly evaluate patients, particularly during initiation and titration. ( 5.8 ) Adrenal Insufficiency: If diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement of corticosteroids, and wean patient off of the opioid. ( 5.9 ) Severe Hypotension: Regularly evaluate patients during dosage initiation and titration. Avoid use of DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets in patients with circulatory shock. ( 5.10 ) Risks of Use in Patients with Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors, Head Injury, or Impaired Consciousness: Monitor patients for sedation and respiratory depression. Avoid use of DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets in patients with impaired consciousness or coma. ( 5.11 ) 5.1 Risk of Accidental Overdose and Death due to Medication Errors Dosing errors can result in accidental overdose and death. Avoid dosing errors that may result from confusion between mg and mL and confusion with other hydromorphone oral solutions of different concentrations, when prescribing, dispensing, and administering DILAUDID Oral Solution. Ensure that the dose is communicated clearly and dispensed accurately. Instruct patients and caregivers on how to measure and take or administer the correct dose of DILAUDID Oral Solution and to use extreme caution when measuring the dose. Strongly advise patients and caregivers to obtain and always use a graduated device that can measure and deliver the prescribed dose accurately, and to never use household teaspoons or tablespoons to measure a dose because these are not accurate measuring devices. 5.2 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse DILAUDID Oral Solution and DILAUDID Tablets contain hydromorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, DILAUDID exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9) ]. Although the risk of addiction in any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets. Addiction can occur at recommended doses and if the drug is misused or abused. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. In postmarketing studies, addiction, abuse, misuse, and fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose were observed in patients with long-term opioid use [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Assess each patient's risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to prescribing DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets, and reassess all patients receiving DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets for the development of these behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with a personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression). The potential for these risks should not, however, prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed opioids such as DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets but use in such patients necessitates intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of DILAUDID Oral Solution and DILAUDID Tablets along with frequent reevaluation for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Opioids are sought for nonmedical use and are subject to diversion from legitimate prescribed use. Consider these risks when presc …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Interactions with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ] Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] Most common adverse reactions are lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, flushing, dysphoria, euphoria, dry mouth, and pruritus. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LLC at 1-888-873-5329 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Serious adverse reactions associated with DILAUDID include respiratory depression and apnea and, to a lesser degree, circulatory depression, respiratory arrest, shock, and cardiac arrest. The most common adverse effects are lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, flushing, dysphoria, euphoria, dry mouth, and pruritus. These effects seem to be more prominent in ambulatory patients and in those not experiencing severe pain. Less Frequently Observed Adverse Reactions Cardiac disorders: tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitations Eye disorders: vision blurred, diplopia, miosis, visual impairment Gastrointestinal disorders: constipation, ileus, diarrhea, abdominal pain General disorders and administration site conditions: weakness, feeling abnormal , chills Hepatobiliary disorders: biliary colic Metabolism and nutrition disorders: decreased appetite Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: muscle rigidity Nervous system disorders: headache, tremor, paraesthesia, nystagmus, increased intracranial pressure, syncope, taste alteration , involuntary muscle contractions, presyncope Psychiatric disorders: agitation, mood altered, nervousness, anxiety , depression, hallucination, disorientation, insomnia, abnormal dreams Renal and urinary disorders : urinary retention, urinary hesitation, antidiuretic effects Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders: bronchospasm, laryngospasm Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: urticaria, rash, hyperhidrosis Vascular disorders: flushing, hypotension, hypertension 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of hydromorphone. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Confusional state, convulsions, drowsiness, dyskinesia, dyspnea, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, hepatic enzymes increased, hyperalgesia, hypersensitivity reaction, lethargy, myoclonus, oropharyngeal swelling, peripheral edema, and somnolence. Serotonin syndrome: Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs. Adrenal insufficiency: Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Anaphylaxis : Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets. Androgen deficiency: Cases of a …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 1 includes clinically significant drug interactions with DILAUDID. Table 1: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with DILAUDID Benzodiazepines and other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Clinical Impact: Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Intervention: Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Inform patients and caregivers of this potential interaction and educate them on the signs and symptoms of respiratory depression (including sedation). If concomitant use is warranted, consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.3 , 5.4) ] . Examples: Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), other opioids, alcohol. Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome. Intervention: If concomitant use is warranted, frequently evaluate the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Examples: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. If urgent use of an opioid is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses to treat pain while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression. Intervention: The use of DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. Examples: Phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and linezolid. Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics Clinical Impact: May reduce the analgesic effect of DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Intervention: Avoid concomitant use. Examples: Butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, and buprenorphine. Muscle Relaxants Clinical Impact: Hydromorphone may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression. Intervention: Because respiratory depression may be greater than otherwise expected, decrease the dosage of DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary. Due to the risk of respiratory depression with concomitant use of skeletal muscle relaxants and opioids, consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Warnings and Precautions (5.3 , 5.4) ]. Examples: cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone Diuretics Clinical Impact: Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone. Intervention: Evaluate patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diure …

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm. ( 8.1 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. There are no available data with DILAUDID in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, reduced postnatal survival of pups, and decreased body weight were noted following oral treatment of pregnant rats with hydromorphone during gestation and through lactation at doses 0.8 times the human daily dose of 24 mg/day (HDD), respectively. In published studies, neural tube defects were noted following subcutaneous injection of hydromorphone to pregnant hamsters at doses 6.4 times the HDD and soft tissue and skeletal abnormalities were noted following subcutaneous continuous infusion of 3 times the HDD to pregnant mice. No malformations were noted at 4 or 40.5 times the HDD in pregnant rats or rabbits, respectively [see Data ]. Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the drug by the newborn. Observe newborns for symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Labor or Delivery Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone or nalmefene, must be available for reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression in the neonate. DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets is not recommended for use in pregnant women during or immediately prior to labor, when other analgesic techniques are more appropriate. Opioid analgesics, including DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets, can prolong labor through actions which temporarily reduce the strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions. However, this effect is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilation, which tends to shorten labor. Monitor neonates exposed to opioid analgesics during labor for signs of excess sedation and respiratory depression. Data Animal Data Pregnant rats were treated with hydromorphone hydrochloride from Gestation Day 6 to 17 via oral gavage doses of 1, 5, or 10 mg/kg/day (0.4, 2, or 4 times the HDD of 24 mg based on body surface area, respectively). Maternal toxicity was noted in all treatment groups (reduced food consumption and body weights in the two highest dose groups). There was no evidence of malformations or embryotoxicity reported. Pregnant rabbits were treated with hydromorphone hydrochloride from Gestation Day 7 to 19 via oral gavage doses of 10, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day (8.1, 20.3, or 40.5 times the HDD of 24 mg based on body surface area, respectively). Maternal toxicity was noted in the two highest dose groups (reduced food consumption and body weights). There was no evidence of m …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Hydromorphone is a full opioid agonist and is relatively selective for the mu-opioid receptor, although it can bind to other opioid receptors at higher doses. The principal therapeutic action of hydromorphone is analgesia. Like all full opioid agonists, there is no ceiling effect for analgesia with morphine. Clinically, dosage is titrated to provide adequate analgesia and may be limited by adverse reactions, including respiratory and CNS depression. The precise mechanism of the analgesic action is unknown. However, specific CNS opioid receptors for endogenous compounds with opioid-like activity have been identified throughout the brain and spinal cord and are thought to play a role in the analgesic effects of this drug.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION DILAUDID (hydromorphone hydrochloride), a hydrogenated ketone of morphine, is an opioid agonist. DILAUDID Tablets are supplied in 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg tablets for oral administration. The tablet strengths describe the amount of hydromorphone hydrochloride in each tablet. DILAUDID Oral Solution is supplied as 5 mg/5 mL (1 mg/mL) viscous liquid. The chemical name is 4,5α-epoxy-3-hydroxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one hydrochloride. The molecular weight is 321.80. Its molecular formula is C 17 H 19 NO 3 ∙HCl, and it has the following chemical structure: Hydromorphone hydrochloride is a white or almost white crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water, very slightly soluble in ethanol (96%), and practically insoluble in methylene chloride. The 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: lactose anhydrous and magnesium stearate. DILAUDID Tablets may also contain traces of sodium metabisulfite. The 2 mg tablets also contain D&C red #30 Lake dye and D&C yellow #10 Lake dye. The 4 mg tablets also contain D&C yellow #10 Lake dye. Each 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of DILAUDID Oral Solution contains 5 mg of hydromorphone hydrochloride. The inactive ingredients are purified water, methylparaben, propylparaben, sucrose, and glycerin. DILAUDID Oral Solution may contain traces of sodium metabisulfite. Chemical Structure

10 OVERDOSAGE Clinical Presentation Acute overdose with hydromorphone can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, hypoglycemia, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been reported after opioid overdose and can present hours, days, or weeks after apparent recovery from the initial intoxication. Treatment of Overdose In case of overdose, priorities are the reestablishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support measures. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to opioid overdose, administer an opioid overdose reversal agent such as naloxone or nalmefene. Because the duration of opioid reversal is expected to be less than the duration of action of hydromorphone in DILAUDID Oral Solution or DILAUDID Tablets, carefully monitor the patient until spontaneous respiration is reliably reestablished. If the response to an opioid overdose reversal agent is suboptimal or only brief in nature, administer additional reversal agent as directed by the product's prescribing information. In an individual physically dependent on opioids, administration of the recommended usual dosage of the opioid overdose reversal agent will precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms experienced will depend on the degree of physical dependence and the dose of the reversal agent administered. If a decision is made to treat serious respiratory depression in the physically dependent patient, administration of the reversal agent should be initiated with care and by titration with smaller than usual doses of the reversal agent.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING DILAUDID is available as follows: Oral Solution 5 mg/5 mL : a clear, colorless to pale yellow, slightly viscous liquid. NDC 42858-416-16: Bottles of 1 pint (473 mL) 2 mg Tablets: light orange, round, flat-faced tablets, with beveled edges, debossed with a "P" on one side and the number "2" on the opposite side. NDC 42858-122-01: Bottles of 100 4 mg Tablets : light yellow, round, flat-faced tablets, with beveled edges, debossed with a "P" on one side and the number "4" on the opposite side. NDC 42858-234-01: Bottles of 100 NDC 42858-234-50: Bottles of 500 8 mg Tablets : white, triangular shaped tablets debossed with a "P" and an inverted "P" separated with a bisect on one side of the tablet and debossed with the number "8" on the other side of the tablet. NDC 42858-338-01: Bottles of 100 Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. Store DILAUDID Oral Solution and DILAUDID Tablets securely and dispose of properly.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
91,452
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
42858-122-01 42858-122 Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LLC 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (42858-122-01) May 15, 2017
42858-234-01 42858-234 Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LLC 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (42858-234-01) May 15, 2017
42858-234-50 42858-234 Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LLC 500 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (42858-234-50) May 15, 2017
42858-338-01 42858-338 Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LLC 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (42858-338-01) May 15, 2017
42858-122 42858-122 Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LLC — May 15, 2017
42858-234 42858-234 Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LLC — May 15, 2017
42858-338 42858-338 Rhodes Pharmaceuticals LLC — May 15, 2017

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.