Hydromorphone - What Is It Made Of?

What Is It Made Of?

Hydromorphone is called a "semi-synthetic" drug, meaning that it is a chemically altered version of the naturally occurring opiate morphine. By weight it is five to eight times more powerful than morphine. In its most basic form it is a fine, white (or nearly white) powder. Because the substance is so closely related to morphine, urine tests for the presence of opiates will detect it.

In prescription pill form, Dilaudid appears as a pale yellow pill, and Palladone as a capsule containing pellets of various colors. Dilaudid is also available in suppositories and in a liquid formula, which is occasionally prescribed for persistent coughs. Dilaudid is dispensed in five strengths: 1 milligram, 2 milligrams, 3 milligrams, 4 milligrams, and 8 milligrams per dose. Palladone extended relief capsules come in 12 milligram, 16 milligram, 24 milligram, and 32 milligram doses.