Hydromorphone

Excerpt

Hydromorphone belongs to the opioid class of medications and is utilized to effectively manage and treat moderate-to-severe acute pain and severe chronic pain in patients. The drug exerts its analgesic effects by interacting with the mu-opioid receptors. Moreover, hydromorphone also exerts its effects centrally at the medulla level, leading to respiratory depression and cough suppression. This activity reviews hydromorphone's indications, actions, and contraindications as a crucial pain management agent. This activity also highlights the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, interactions, adverse event profile, potential toxicity, and monitoring recommendations of hydromorphone, which are crucial for healthcare providers to enhance their competence when caring for patients with moderate-to-severe acute pain and severe chronic pain.