Hydromorphone
Hydromorphone is a potent prescription opioid pain medication. It is a semi-synthetic derivative of morphine that acts on the central nervous system to relieve moderate to severe pain. Due to its high potency and risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse, it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosages must be highly individualized based on patient severity of pain, response, prior analgesic experience, and risk factors for addiction. For adults, the typical starting oral dose is 2 mg to 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Pediatric use is not routinely recommended and must be managed under strict specialist supervision.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Extreme risk of fatal respiratory depression. Safe pediatric dosing has not been established for this weight range.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Highly restricted (Specialist use only)
- Frequency
- Under strict medical supervision only
- Tracking Notes
- Oral dosing is not routinely established. Use extreme caution.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 0.2 mg to 0.5 mg (if calculated at 0.03-0.08 mg/kg)
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Must be initiated under direct pediatric specialist guidance. High risk of adverse effects.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.3 mg to 0.8 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- For severe pain only when alternative non-opioid treatments are inadequate.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.5 mg to 1 mg
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor closely for respiratory depression and sedation.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | Do not use | Extreme risk of fatal respiratory depression. Safe pediatric dosing has not been established for this weight range. |
| 5-7 kg | Highly restricted (Specialist use only) | Under strict medical supervision only | Oral dosing is not routinely established. Use extreme caution. |
| 8-10 kg | 0.2 mg to 0.5 mg (if calculated at 0.03-0.08 mg/kg) | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Must be initiated under direct pediatric specialist guidance. High risk of adverse effects. |
| 11-15 kg | 0.3 mg to 0.8 mg | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | For severe pain only when alternative non-opioid treatments are inadequate. |
| 16-20 kg | 0.5 mg to 1 mg | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Monitor closely for respiratory depression and sedation. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to manage pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate.
Generic Name
Hydromorphone hydrochlorideBranded Drug Names
Hydromorphone is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.