ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/hydromorphone
Dilaudid
Semi-synthetic opioid agonist at mu-opioid receptors, producing potent analgesia, sedation, and euphoria. Approximately 5-7x more potent than morphine.
Respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypothermia. May cause panting and hyperthermia in cats. Vomiting common after initial dose in dogs. Schedule II controlled substance. Naloxone is the reversal agent.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Controlled substance
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 0.05–0.2 mg/kg | q2-6h | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed; KuKanich & Wiese 2015, JAVMA; FDA openFDA Adverse Event Database |
| Dog (Domestic) | IM | 0.05–0.2 mg/kg | q2-6h | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed; FDA openFDA Adverse Event Database |
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