Hydromorphone conversion reference
Check OpioidCalc's OME factors by route, then open the formulation-specific pharmacology, cautions and supporting sources.
Educational reference for qualified healthcare professionals. Conversion factors estimate oral morphine equivalent daily dose. They are not a recommended switching dose. Confirm the result with a current source and local guidance.
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Current OpioidCalc factors
Multiply the dose or delivery rate in the stated units by the factor to estimate mg oral morphine equivalent per day. These are the factors currently used by OpioidCalc. Methadone uses 4.7 when converting methadone to OME.
| Route | Input units | OME factor |
|---|---|---|
| Oral | mg/day | 5 |
| Parenteral | mg/day | 15 |
Compare a complete regimen in the app
Formulations and cautions
Choose a formulation to read its pharmacology, population, limitations and source references.
OralDefault in appImmediate-release tablet
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources
Immediate-release tablet
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources- Peak concentration or effect
- Generally 0.5 to 1 hour
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination half-life
- 2.6 hours for tablet; 2.8 hours for oral solution
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Bioavailability
- Approximately 24% for the tablet; equivalent 8 mg tablet and solution are bioequivalent.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Receptor activity
- Full mu-opioid receptor agonist.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information12.1 Mechanism of Action. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Metabolism
- More than 95% undergoes hepatic glucuronidation to hydromorphone-3-glucuronide.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Active metabolites
- Hydromorphone-3-glucuronide is the major metabolite; no analgesically active metabolite is identified by the label.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination
- Most of the dose is excreted in urine as hydromorphone-3-glucuronide.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Renal impairment
- Moderate and severe renal impairment increased exposure about two- and three-fold.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information8.7 Renal Impairment. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Hepatic impairment
- Moderate hepatic impairment increased exposure about four-fold.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information8.6 Hepatic Impairment. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
OralImmediate-release oral solution
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources
Immediate-release oral solution
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources- Peak concentration or effect
- Generally 0.5 to 1 hour
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination half-life
- 2.6 hours for tablet; 2.8 hours for oral solution
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Bioavailability
- Approximately 24% for the tablet; equivalent 8 mg tablet and solution are bioequivalent.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Receptor activity
- Full mu-opioid receptor agonist.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information12.1 Mechanism of Action. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Metabolism
- More than 95% undergoes hepatic glucuronidation to hydromorphone-3-glucuronide.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Active metabolites
- Hydromorphone-3-glucuronide is the major metabolite; no analgesically active metabolite is identified by the label.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination
- Most of the dose is excreted in urine as hydromorphone-3-glucuronide.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Renal impairment
- Moderate and severe renal impairment increased exposure about two- and three-fold.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information8.7 Renal Impairment. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Hepatic impairment
- Moderate hepatic impairment increased exposure about four-fold.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DILAUDID oral solution and tablets prescribing information8.6 Hepatic Impairment. United States. Source revised 14 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
OralModified-release tablet
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources
Modified-release tablet
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources- Peak concentration or effect
- Median 12 to 16 hours
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablet prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 22 December 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Duration
- Concentrations are sustained for approximately 18 to 24 hours
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Plasma concentration persistence is not identical to clinical effect duration.
- Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablet prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 22 December 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination half-life
- Mean approximately 11 hours; usually 8 to 15 hours
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablet prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 22 December 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Steady state
- 3 to 4 days
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablet prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 22 December 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Formulation behaviour
- Once-daily prolonged-release tablet; steady-state concentrations are about twice those after the first dose.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablet prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 22 December 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Receptor activity
- Full mu-opioid receptor agonist.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablet prescribing information12.1 Mechanism of Action. United States. Source revised 22 December 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Metabolism
- More than 95% undergoes hepatic glucuronidation to hydromorphone-3-glucuronide.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablet prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 22 December 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Active metabolites
- Hydromorphone-3-glucuronide is the major metabolite; no analgesically active metabolite is identified by the label.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablet prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 22 December 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination
- Most of the dose is excreted in urine as hydromorphone-3-glucuronide.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablet prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 22 December 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Renal impairment
- Moderate and severe renal impairment increased exposure about two- and three-fold.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablet prescribing information8.7 Renal Impairment. United States. Source revised 22 December 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Hepatic impairment
- Moderate hepatic impairment increased exposure about four-fold.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydromorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablet prescribing information8.6 Hepatic Impairment. United States. Source revised 22 December 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
ParenteralDefault in appIntravenous injection
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources
Intravenous injection
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources- Onset
- Within 5 minutes
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United Kingdom
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Palladone 10 mg/mL injection SmPC5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties. United Kingdom. Source revised 8 January 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Duration
- 3 to 4 hours
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United Kingdom
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Palladone 10 mg/mL injection SmPC5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties. United Kingdom. Source revised 8 January 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination half-life
- Mean 2.64 hours; observed range 1.68 to 3.87 hours
Population: Six healthy adult men after intravenous administration
Applicability: United Kingdom
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Palladone 10 mg/mL injection SmPC5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties. United Kingdom. Source revised 8 January 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Receptor activity
- Full mu-opioid receptor agonist.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United Kingdom
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Palladone 10 mg/mL injection SmPC5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties. United Kingdom. Source revised 8 January 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Metabolism
- Direct conjugation and reduction predominate; no clinically relevant CYP450 pathway is identified.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United Kingdom
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Palladone 10 mg/mL injection SmPC5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties. United Kingdom. Source revised 8 January 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Active metabolites
- Hydromorphone-3-glucuronide is a major metabolite and is not analgesically active.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United Kingdom
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Palladone 10 mg/mL injection SmPC5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties. United Kingdom. Source revised 8 January 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination
- Metabolites are eliminated mainly in urine.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United Kingdom
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Palladone 10 mg/mL injection SmPC5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties. United Kingdom. Source revised 8 January 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
ParenteralSubcutaneous injection
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources
Subcutaneous injection
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources- Onset
- 5 to 10 minutes
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United Kingdom
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Palladone 10 mg/mL injection SmPC5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties. United Kingdom. Source revised 8 January 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Duration
- 3 to 4 hours
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United Kingdom
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Palladone 10 mg/mL injection SmPC5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties. United Kingdom. Source revised 8 January 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Receptor activity
- Full mu-opioid receptor agonist.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United Kingdom
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Palladone 10 mg/mL injection SmPC5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties. United Kingdom. Source revised 8 January 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Metabolism
- Direct conjugation and reduction predominate; no clinically relevant CYP450 pathway is identified.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United Kingdom
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Palladone 10 mg/mL injection SmPC5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties. United Kingdom. Source revised 8 January 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Active metabolites
- Hydromorphone-3-glucuronide is a major metabolite and is not analgesically active.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United Kingdom
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Palladone 10 mg/mL injection SmPC5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties. United Kingdom. Source revised 8 January 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination
- Metabolites are eliminated mainly in urine.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United Kingdom
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Palladone 10 mg/mL injection SmPC5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties. United Kingdom. Source revised 8 January 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
ParenteralContinuous parenteral infusion
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources
Continuous parenteral infusion
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sourcesSources used on this page
Other medicine references
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