| ATC Code | N02AA03 |
| CAS number | 466-99-9 |
| PUB number | 5284570 |
| Drugbank ID | DB00327 |
| Empirical formula | C17H19NO3 |
| Molar mass (g·mol−1) | 285,34 |
| Physical state | solid |
| Melting point (°C) | 266–267 |
| PKS value | 8,2 |
Hydromorphone, also known as dihydromorphinone, is an opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. Typically, long-term use is recommended only for pain due to cancer. It can be taken by mouth or by injection into a vein, muscle, or under the skin. The effect generally starts within half an hour and lasts up to five hours.
Hydromorphone is a semisynthetic μ-opioid agonist. As a hydrogenated ketone of morphine, it shares pharmacological properties typical of opioid analgesics. Hydromorphone and related opioids exert their main effects in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Binding to μ-opioid receptors in the brain results in hydromorphone's potent analgesic effects.
Chemical modification of the morphine molecule to hydromorphone results in higher lipid solubility and easier crossing of the blood-brain barrier. This allows the drug to reach the receptors in the brain more quickly, resulting in a faster onset of action. The potency of hydromorphone is approximately 5 times that of morphine.
The typical half-life of intravenous hydromorphone is 2.3 hours. Maximum plasma levels usually occur between 30 and 60 minutes after oral administration. The onset of action of intravenous hydromorphone is less than 5 minutes and within 30 minutes of oral administration (immediate release).
Common side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, itching, and constipation. Severe side effects may include low blood pressure, seizures, respiratory depression, and serotonin syndrome. Rapidly lowering the dose can lead to opioid withdrawal. In general, use during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended.
As with all opioids, there is a risk of abuse and dependence.
LD50 (mouse, i.v.): 104 mg-kg-1
Markus Falkenstätter, BSc
Mag. pharm. Stefanie Lehenauer
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