Compare Dilaudid vs. oxycodone
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats moderate to severe pain.
Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is a powerful pain reliever that has significant risks for abuse and overdose.
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4.1/ 5 average rating with 51 reviewsforDilaudid
Treats moderate to severe pain.
Oxycontin (oxycodone) treats moderate to severe pain, but can be habit-forming, especially if used long-term.
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 1241 reviewsforoxycodone
Upsides
- Dilaudid (hydromorphone) works better and faster at relieving pain than morphine.
- Available in a cheap generic version.
- Oxycontin (oxycodone) is available in a tamper-resistant form to lessen the risk of abuse.
- Liquid form is available if you have trouble swallowing.
- Available in a generic version.
- The extended-release pill provides around-the-clock pain relief with convenient once or twice daily dosing.
Downsides
- Constipation is a common side effect of Dilaudid (hydromorphone) and may require the use of laxatives or stool softeners.
- Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is fatal when combined with alcohol, muscle relaxants, and other medications that slow breathing.
- Long-term use of opioids will cause physical dependence.
- Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea commonly occur.
- Long-term use can cause dependence and tolerance.
- Not effective in treating all kinds of pain.
- It’s not safe to start taking extended-release pills if you've never taken an opioid medicine before.
Used for
- Pain management
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
- Suppository
- Pill
- Extended-release pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$85.24
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$92.39
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Reviews
51 reviews so far
78%
saidit'sworth it
65%
saiditworked well
10%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Dilaudid (hydromorphone)?
Leave a review1241 reviews so far
66%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Oxycontin (oxycodone)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Dilaudid (hydromorphone) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
10possible side effects
- Constipation23%
- Nausea23%
- Sleepiness23%
- Dizziness13%
- Itchiness13%
- Vomiting12%
- Headache7%
- Dry mouth6%
- Weakness6%
- Sweating5%
Risks and risk factors
- Slowed breathing
- Current use of medicine that affects liver enzyme CYP 3A4
- Age 65 or greater
- Higher doses
- Drinking alcohol
- Use with benzodiazepines
- Death from overdose
- Children age 18 and younger
- Death of newborn babies from opioid withdrawal
- Long-term use during pregnancy
- Tolerance, dependence, and addiction
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Long-term use
- History of drug abuse
- Driving impairment
- Taking Dilaudid (hydromorphone) with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Age 65 or greater
- Slowed breathing
- Age 65 or greater
- High dosages
- After dose change
- History of lung problems
- Taking other painkillers or sedatives
- Harm to newborn babies
- Long-term use during pregnancy
- Tolerance, dependence, and addiction
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Long-term use
- History of drug abuse
- Younger age
- Interactions with other medicines
- Taking medicines that also cause sleepiness or slowed breathing
- Confusion and drowsiness
- Age 65 or greater
- High dosages
- Taking other painkillers or sedatives
- Death from overdose
- Taking alcohol, other opioids, or benzodiazepines
- Children age 18 and younger