hydromorphone in palliative care

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • an alternative if morphine is not tolerated because of adverse effects. Normal and modified release capsules may be opened and sprinkled onto food

  • an oral dose of 1.3mg is approximate equivalence to 10mg oral morphine on repeated dosing

  • a s.c./i.m. dose of 0.6 mg is approximate equivalence to 10mg oral morphine on repeated dosing

  • has a duration of action of 3-4 hours

Consult the Summary of Product Characteristics before prescribing this drug.

Reference:

  • (1) West Midlands Palliative Care Physicians (2012). Palliative care - guidelines for the use of drugs in symptom control.