Hydromorphone is described as a derivative of morphine with what relative potency?

Hydromorphone is described as a derivative of morphine with what relative potency?

• A. Approximately 7x more potent than morphine.
• B. Approximately equal in potency to morphine.
• C. Approximately 0.5x as potent as morphine.
• D. Approximately 2x more potent than morphine.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how potent hydromorphone is compared with morphine. Hydromorphone is a more potent μ-opioid receptor agonist, meaning a smaller dose produces the same pain relief as morphine. In clinical practice, the potency ratio is about sevenfold for IV administration, so 1 mg of hydromorphone IV is roughly equivalent to 7 mg of morphine IV. This is why the correct statement describes hydromorphone as approximately seven times more potent than morphine. (Potency can vary with route and individual factors, but the ~7x IV potency is the common reference.)

The main idea is how potent hydromorphone is compared with morphine. Hydromorphone is a more potent μ-opioid receptor agonist, meaning a smaller dose produces the same pain relief as morphine. In clinical practice, the potency ratio is about sevenfold for IV administration, so 1 mg of hydromorphone IV is roughly equivalent to 7 mg of morphine IV. This is why the correct statement describes hydromorphone as approximately seven times more potent than morphine. (Potency can vary with route and individual factors, but the ~7x IV potency is the common reference.)