Fentanyl Vs Dilaudid: Which Is More Dangerous? Symptoms & Treatment Options Explained

For the treatment of pain, opioids are widely prescribed due to their quick action and strong pain-relieving formula. Fentanyl and Dilaudid are two mostly prescribed opioids for managing moderate to severe pain. Both are potent medications used for a stronger pain-relieving effect when other opioids are not effective. If you are a person with difficulties in pain management, either for temporary issues or for a chronic disease, you can choose either Fentanyl or Dilaudid according to your condition. Having the same drug class, these two pills have some similar properties. For which people think that they can be used as an alternative to each other, which is not safe. Therefore lets dive into Fentanyl Vs Dilaudid properties to know their uses individually. 

Comparing Two Opioids: Fentanyl Vs Dilaudid, Which One Is Best?

Having abusive and addictive potential of both drugs, they are classified as Schedule II substances. So, they are not available without a prescription. If you are interested in using one of them, then you have to consult a doctor. Because each individual reacts differently to the medicines. Analysing the difference as well as the effectiveness is required before using any of the pills if you want to achieve a successful treatment. 

What Is Fentanyl, and How Does It Work?

Fentanyl is useful for serious pain management that is not alleviated by weaker opioids. It is available in the form of injection, patches, sublingual sprays, tablets, and buccal forms. Due to it’s analgesic nature it is used as intraoperative and postoperative cases. In some specific cases doctor uses it as an anaesthesia for its sedative effect. Fentanyl works by attaching to the opioid receptors that reduces the transmission of pain signals in the brain and body. Gradually relaxes mind and contributes to heal the body.

What Is Dilaudid, and How Does It Work?

Dilaudid is also known as hydromorphone, which is used for moderate to severe pain resistant. It is available as oral liquid, injectable solution, and in tablet form, while generic hydromorphone has other varieties. Working time can vary, but the mechanism of action of all forms is the same. It is basically works by affecting the opioid receptors as like Fentanyl. Blocks the pain signal and triggers dopamine to relieve from pain. 

As you know in the above paragraph both have similar working mechanisms they will serve similarly. But they are designed for different purposes. Let’s explore those differences to know which is best. 

Fentanyl Versus Dilaudid Key Contrasts in Strength, Use, and Risk

Fentanyl and Dilaudid are effective opioid solutions mainly intended for pain management. They are often prescribed for their potency and medical importance. Both are highly effective, so it is critical to choose one of them. Declaring the best one from them should be based on the usefulness of the pill to the individual. So, while choosing the pill, analysis of the contrasts is an important factor to be held on first. 

• One of the major differences between Dilaudid and Fentanyl is that Fentanyl is approximately 10 to 20 times more potent than Dilaudid. But this timing varies according to the route of administration. 
• Both fentanyl and hydromorphone has fastest onset of action. But Dilaudid will acts sowly, when taken orally. 
• Fentanyl is prescribed when you need immediate pain relief and frequent dosing is okay for you. Because Dilaudid starts its working late, but gives a long-term effect.  
• Both the pills have corresponding risks, but fentanyl carries a higher overdose risk than Dilaudid.

From the above criteria, it can be said that each individual needs to take the above properties into consideration to decide which one would be the best choice.  

Dilaudid vs Fentanyl Strength Equivalence

Having the same composition and same working mechanism dilaudid and fentanyl differ in strength from each other. Strength difference will helpful for the doctor as well as patient for taking it in an appropriate manner. As both pills are opioids, higher strength consumption can cause addiction to opioids. To avoid this, let’s analyse the corresponding equivalent dose in below:

How Much Stronger is Fentanyl than Dilaudid?

For an approximation, the Fentanyl dose is 50-100 times stronger than morphine. And Dilaudid is approximately 4 to 7 times stronger than morphine. So, in a combination calculation, we can say that fentanyl has 10 to 20 times stronger than Dilaudid. But always the ratio is depends upon the route of administration. Here, Morphine is taken as standard reference opioid, because doctors mostly compare the opioids’ strength relative to Morphine. 

As a measurement standard, Fentanyl is represented by micrograms (mcg), while Dilaudid is shown in milligrams (mg). Here the corresponding  comparison table is:

• 1 mg Dilaudid ≈ 20 mcg fentanyl dose
• 10 mg morphine ≈ 1.5 mg hydromorphone
• 10 mg morphine ≈ 100 mcg fentanyl

Conclusion

In the above paragraph, you can see the opioids Fentanyl and Dilaudid varies from each other based on clinical properties. Both are effective, but when we search for the ideal pill, then it is important to consider the user’s health requirements to choose. Although both are potent to use, they have an addiction risk. Long-term use can cause Dilaudid or Fentanyl Addiction even if it is prescribed by the doctor. Because both carry high addiction, respiratory depression, and risk of dependence, their use must be carefully supervised by an experienced doctor.