Next in our series of opioid drugs and fighting opioid abuse is the discussion on Dilaudid vs Fentanyl. You may be aware of these two drugs. However, it is no secret that you must have complete knowledge for best use.
Fentanyl and Dilaudid are both opioids that work best for managing chronic pain. The drugs are commonly seen in prescriptions for people with chronic pain or post-surgery medication. These are two of the most popular uses of both these drugs.
In the following article, we will investigate the different aspects of these drugs and focus on their purpose, treatment, dosage, and ways to avoid their abuse. We will also discuss which one is stronger and the precautionary measures while consuming them.
| Questions Answered in this Article 1. Dilaudid vs Fentanyl – How Do They Compare? – What is Dilaudid? – What is Fentanyl? – Why is Dilaudid Preferred? 2. Considerations for Use |
Dilaudid vs Fentanyl – How Do They Compare?
It is seen that people with chronic pain or other conditions that induce chronic pain can benefit from medicine groups called “opioids.” These are a class of medicines that get their name from the opium poppy plant and can mimic its pain-relieving properties.
In addition, opioids contain the natural substances present in the plant. But how do Dilaudid vs Fentanyl compare when they are from the same drug class? Well, just as there can be a difference in the color of bell peppers, the differences in drug composition have the same effect.
Let’s have a look at the things that compare between the two:
What is Dilaudid?
Dilaudid or hydromorphone is a potent medication that helps manage severe pain. It best fits cases such as moderate to severe pain and recovery after surgery. The drug is available in different forms that have distinct efficacy (effectiveness.)
The different forms in which it is available include:
- Tablet
- Liquid
- Injectables
The drug commonly finds itself in hospitals, particularly for pain when other medications do not work. The effectiveness of the drug does not hide the fact that it can have negative effects on the consumer when they do it wrong.
With prolonged use of the drug, you may experience opioid use disorder – but that occurs in cases of extreme misuse. Drug dependency at this level occurs when the prescription is ignored – such as taking more than the doctor’s dosage.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl, on the other hand, has different risks associated with high dosage. For instance, it can cause respiratory issues in the consumer. Doctors use it for managing severe pain, especially in cancer patients. It also finds use during surgeries.
It is administered as a patch and works best for patients requiring long-term pain management. The drug binds opioid receptors in the brain, which is mostly how other opioids work.
Other forms in which the drug is available include:
- Dissolving tablet
- Injection
- Lozenge
- Sublingual spray
- Sublingual tablet
- Nasal spray
Which Is Strong, Fentanyl Or Dilaudid?
Fun fact! Fentanyl is 50 times more potent in comparison to heroin and 100 times more than morphine. So, it’s not difficult to understand which one of the two could be more harmful.
The reason why the Dilaudid vs fentanyl debate is relevant right now is the illegal manufacturing of Fentanyl. Due to its potency and 10 times the potency of Dilaudid, Fentanyl has a high potential for addiction.
Does it tell you about the prescription pattern and preference? Let’s dive more into it.
Why is Dilaudid Preferred? What Makes Fentanyl the Feind?
The evidence is damning – Dilaudid is the preferred choice for short-term treatment due to its less-addictive potential. Also, because its potency is only one-tenth that of Fentanyl, Dilaudid easily takes the first place in this race off being the better option to avoid abuse.
On the other hand, for people who have prior exposure to opioids, Fentanyl is the choice. In addition, for those who are overcoming opioid addiction and are experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Food for thought:
If you feel opioids may be too much for you, there are alternatives that you can ask your healthcare provider to suggest something else. Opioids are an option for severe pain when other opioids fail.
If you are about to be prescribed a pain killer for the first time – consult your healthcare professional to explore your options.
With both drugs, there are high chances of observing an opioid use disorder. However, it is more profound in the case of Fentanyl. And both of these pose significant threats. However, Fentanyl takes the baton for being the more harmful one out of the two.
Moreover, both the drugs can cause issues such as:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
In terms of their respective presence in one’s system – Fentanyl stays around 7 days in a consumer’s system. Moreover, its exposure to heat can lead to higher levels in the body. So, it’s best to use the drug for exceptional cases – under medical supervision.
Why is Fentanyl Preferred?
Fentanyl is preferred as per the doctor’s observation of the patient’s condition – the drug is best for severe pain in opioid-tolerant patients. In addition, the drug is best suited for cancer patients above 16 years whose pain does not alleviate with other opioid medication.
Considerations for Use
The use of Dilaudid vs Fentanyl should be strictly under medical supervision for the best results. Both drugs can have severe side effects such as slow breathing, dizziness, sedation, nausea, euphoria, and slow heart rate, among others.
In addition, when your professional is recommending either of the two drugs, they are aware of the other medications. This is important as these drugs can dangerously interact with medications. Some effects include:
- Medications that inhibit the liver enzymes responsible for fentanyl breakdown increase its levels in the body. This can lead to death.
- Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors with Dilaudid can increase its levels in the body. This is particularly dangerous as it can cause coma or breathing suppression.
It is always best to stop the drug’s consumption if you feel any of the abovementioned adverse effects. Immediate consultation with your health professional can help resolve the issues. They may even suggest any of the alternatives, such as:
- Acupuncture for chronic back pain and headache
- Pain reprocessing therapy can help the mind and body frame pain as a false alarm from the brain instead of an actual injury.
These are some of the innovations in pain treatment that can have great results for the patient, especially if they have adverse reactions to the use of opioids.
Wrapping It Up!
That was all about the debate between Dilaudid vs Fentanyl and concluding which one of the two is stronger and more potent for abuse. Well, as a recap – both are potentially capable of being misused.
Moreover, with the illegal production of both these drugs – especially Fentanyl, it is even more important to look into their safe use. The prescription must come from a certified doctor who takes the patient’s history into account and provides the best advice.
Follow the prescription, and you can easily control the pain without any adverse effects!
