Dilaudid is the brand name for hydromorphone, a strong prescription pain medication. It belongs to a group of drugs called opioids, which are used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

Doctors usually prescribe Dilaudid when other painkillers, like ibuprofen or even weaker opioids, are not strong enough. It’s commonly used in cases such as:

After surgery

For cancer-related pain

Severe injuries

Chronic pain conditions

Dilaudid works by changing the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain. Because it’s very powerful, it’s typically used for short-term pain relief or in patients with long-term pain who have built up a tolerance to other opioids.