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Last Updated: January 1, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR DILAUDID


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505(b)(2) Clinical Trials for Dilaudid

This table shows clinical trials for potential 505(b)(2) applications. See the next table for all clinical trials
Trial Type Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
OTC NCT00245375 ↗ A Trial Comparing Combination Therapy of Acetaminophen Plus Ibuprofen Versus Tylenol #3 for the Treatment of Pain After Outpatient Surgery Completed McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, a Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. N/A 2005-01-01 Increasingly in general surgery, the investigators are conducting outpatient day surgery. Ambulatory surgery currently comprises 60 to 70% of surgeries performed in North America. These patients all require some form of analgesia which can be taken at home in the first few days after the surgery. The current standard at the investigators' centre and many others in the maritime provinces is to provide a prescription for oral acetaminophen plus codeine or oxycodone (Tylenol #3®, Percocet ®). Some patients may receive more potent opioids such as oral hydromorphone (Dilaudid®). Unfortunately, the most commonly prescribed medication (Tylenol #3®) is often poorly tolerated by patients, has several undesirable side effects, and may not provide effective pain relief. In the investigators' experience, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are uncommonly a routine addition to the home analgesic regimen. Tylenol #3®, in the investigators' experience and opinion, is a poor post surgical pain medication. They hope to show that a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is better for pain relief after these procedures. The combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen would be a safe, cheap, and readily available regimen. Unfortunately, as the prescribing practices of surgeons are old habits, it will require a very convincing argument to get them to change their practices. A randomized controlled trial comparing these two regimens, the investigators hope, would be a powerful enough argument. The hypothesis of this study, therefore, is that the pain control provided by a combination of acetaminophen plus ibuprofen (650 mg/400 mg four times per day) will be superior to Tylenol #3® (600 mg acetaminophen/60 mg codeine/15 mg caffeine four times per day). This study will attempt to enroll 150 patients in total. Eligible patients will be identified by their attending surgeon and contacted by study personnel. Patients who enroll in the study will undergo their surgery in the usual manner. After the surgery, in the recovery room, once they are ready to go home, they will be randomized to receive combination A or B and be given a week's worth of pain medication. They will then go home and take this medication as directed. They will record their pain intensity and pain relief once per day using a diary provided in the study package. One week after their surgery, they will return to the hospital clinic and be seen by the study nurse. They will hand over the diary and any unused medication. They will also be asked several questions regarding their overall satisfaction, incidence of side effects, and how long until they were pain free. The risks of participating in this study are minimal from the risks inherent to the procedures and medications the patients would receive within the standard of care. Ibuprofen is a commonly used NSAID which is widely available over the counter and has an established safety profile. The most common adverse effects of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration. Other less common adverse effects include nephrotoxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, hepatic dysfunction (longterm use), and cognitive dysfunction. The investigators' patients will be selected to exclude those most at risk for these complications (see exclusion criteria). Acetaminophen has few side effects, with no adverse effects on platelet function and no evidence of gastric irritation.
OTC NCT00245375 ↗ A Trial Comparing Combination Therapy of Acetaminophen Plus Ibuprofen Versus Tylenol #3 for the Treatment of Pain After Outpatient Surgery Completed Nova Scotia Health Authority N/A 2005-01-01 Increasingly in general surgery, the investigators are conducting outpatient day surgery. Ambulatory surgery currently comprises 60 to 70% of surgeries performed in North America. These patients all require some form of analgesia which can be taken at home in the first few days after the surgery. The current standard at the investigators' centre and many others in the maritime provinces is to provide a prescription for oral acetaminophen plus codeine or oxycodone (Tylenol #3®, Percocet ®). Some patients may receive more potent opioids such as oral hydromorphone (Dilaudid®). Unfortunately, the most commonly prescribed medication (Tylenol #3®) is often poorly tolerated by patients, has several undesirable side effects, and may not provide effective pain relief. In the investigators' experience, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are uncommonly a routine addition to the home analgesic regimen. Tylenol #3®, in the investigators' experience and opinion, is a poor post surgical pain medication. They hope to show that a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is better for pain relief after these procedures. The combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen would be a safe, cheap, and readily available regimen. Unfortunately, as the prescribing practices of surgeons are old habits, it will require a very convincing argument to get them to change their practices. A randomized controlled trial comparing these two regimens, the investigators hope, would be a powerful enough argument. The hypothesis of this study, therefore, is that the pain control provided by a combination of acetaminophen plus ibuprofen (650 mg/400 mg four times per day) will be superior to Tylenol #3® (600 mg acetaminophen/60 mg codeine/15 mg caffeine four times per day). This study will attempt to enroll 150 patients in total. Eligible patients will be identified by their attending surgeon and contacted by study personnel. Patients who enroll in the study will undergo their surgery in the usual manner. After the surgery, in the recovery room, once they are ready to go home, they will be randomized to receive combination A or B and be given a week's worth of pain medication. They will then go home and take this medication as directed. They will record their pain intensity and pain relief once per day using a diary provided in the study package. One week after their surgery, they will return to the hospital clinic and be seen by the study nurse. They will hand over the diary and any unused medication. They will also be asked several questions regarding their overall satisfaction, incidence of side effects, and how long until they were pain free. The risks of participating in this study are minimal from the risks inherent to the procedures and medications the patients would receive within the standard of care. Ibuprofen is a commonly used NSAID which is widely available over the counter and has an established safety profile. The most common adverse effects of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration. Other less common adverse effects include nephrotoxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, hepatic dysfunction (longterm use), and cognitive dysfunction. The investigators' patients will be selected to exclude those most at risk for these complications (see exclusion criteria). Acetaminophen has few side effects, with no adverse effects on platelet function and no evidence of gastric irritation.
>Trial Type >Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

All Clinical Trials for Dilaudid

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00175357 ↗ NAOMI: A Study to Compare Medically-prescribed Heroin With Oral Methadone in Chronic Opiate Addiction Completed Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Phase 3 2005-03-01 The objective of this study is to determine whether the closely supervised provision of injectable, pharmaceutical-grade heroin (in combination with oral methadone) is more effective than methadone therapy alone in recruiting, retaining, and benefiting long-term heroin users who have not been helped by current standard treatment options.
NCT00175357 ↗ NAOMI: A Study to Compare Medically-prescribed Heroin With Oral Methadone in Chronic Opiate Addiction Completed University of British Columbia Phase 3 2005-03-01 The objective of this study is to determine whether the closely supervised provision of injectable, pharmaceutical-grade heroin (in combination with oral methadone) is more effective than methadone therapy alone in recruiting, retaining, and benefiting long-term heroin users who have not been helped by current standard treatment options.
NCT00195910 ↗ Safety and Efficacy Study of Hydromorphone and Morphine Completed Chang, Andrew, M.D. Phase 2 2004-10-01 To compare a standard weight-based dose of intravenous (IV) hydromorphone (Dilaudid) to a standard weight-based dose of IV morphine in adults presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with acute severe pain.
NCT00195910 ↗ Safety and Efficacy Study of Hydromorphone and Morphine Completed Montefiore Medical Center Phase 2 2004-10-01 To compare a standard weight-based dose of intravenous (IV) hydromorphone (Dilaudid) to a standard weight-based dose of IV morphine in adults presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with acute severe pain.
NCT00245375 ↗ A Trial Comparing Combination Therapy of Acetaminophen Plus Ibuprofen Versus Tylenol #3 for the Treatment of Pain After Outpatient Surgery Completed McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, a Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. N/A 2005-01-01 Increasingly in general surgery, the investigators are conducting outpatient day surgery. Ambulatory surgery currently comprises 60 to 70% of surgeries performed in North America. These patients all require some form of analgesia which can be taken at home in the first few days after the surgery. The current standard at the investigators' centre and many others in the maritime provinces is to provide a prescription for oral acetaminophen plus codeine or oxycodone (Tylenol #3®, Percocet ®). Some patients may receive more potent opioids such as oral hydromorphone (Dilaudid®). Unfortunately, the most commonly prescribed medication (Tylenol #3®) is often poorly tolerated by patients, has several undesirable side effects, and may not provide effective pain relief. In the investigators' experience, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are uncommonly a routine addition to the home analgesic regimen. Tylenol #3®, in the investigators' experience and opinion, is a poor post surgical pain medication. They hope to show that a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is better for pain relief after these procedures. The combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen would be a safe, cheap, and readily available regimen. Unfortunately, as the prescribing practices of surgeons are old habits, it will require a very convincing argument to get them to change their practices. A randomized controlled trial comparing these two regimens, the investigators hope, would be a powerful enough argument. The hypothesis of this study, therefore, is that the pain control provided by a combination of acetaminophen plus ibuprofen (650 mg/400 mg four times per day) will be superior to Tylenol #3® (600 mg acetaminophen/60 mg codeine/15 mg caffeine four times per day). This study will attempt to enroll 150 patients in total. Eligible patients will be identified by their attending surgeon and contacted by study personnel. Patients who enroll in the study will undergo their surgery in the usual manner. After the surgery, in the recovery room, once they are ready to go home, they will be randomized to receive combination A or B and be given a week's worth of pain medication. They will then go home and take this medication as directed. They will record their pain intensity and pain relief once per day using a diary provided in the study package. One week after their surgery, they will return to the hospital clinic and be seen by the study nurse. They will hand over the diary and any unused medication. They will also be asked several questions regarding their overall satisfaction, incidence of side effects, and how long until they were pain free. The risks of participating in this study are minimal from the risks inherent to the procedures and medications the patients would receive within the standard of care. Ibuprofen is a commonly used NSAID which is widely available over the counter and has an established safety profile. The most common adverse effects of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration. Other less common adverse effects include nephrotoxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, hepatic dysfunction (longterm use), and cognitive dysfunction. The investigators' patients will be selected to exclude those most at risk for these complications (see exclusion criteria). Acetaminophen has few side effects, with no adverse effects on platelet function and no evidence of gastric irritation.
NCT00245375 ↗ A Trial Comparing Combination Therapy of Acetaminophen Plus Ibuprofen Versus Tylenol #3 for the Treatment of Pain After Outpatient Surgery Completed Nova Scotia Health Authority N/A 2005-01-01 Increasingly in general surgery, the investigators are conducting outpatient day surgery. Ambulatory surgery currently comprises 60 to 70% of surgeries performed in North America. These patients all require some form of analgesia which can be taken at home in the first few days after the surgery. The current standard at the investigators' centre and many others in the maritime provinces is to provide a prescription for oral acetaminophen plus codeine or oxycodone (Tylenol #3®, Percocet ®). Some patients may receive more potent opioids such as oral hydromorphone (Dilaudid®). Unfortunately, the most commonly prescribed medication (Tylenol #3®) is often poorly tolerated by patients, has several undesirable side effects, and may not provide effective pain relief. In the investigators' experience, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are uncommonly a routine addition to the home analgesic regimen. Tylenol #3®, in the investigators' experience and opinion, is a poor post surgical pain medication. They hope to show that a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is better for pain relief after these procedures. The combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen would be a safe, cheap, and readily available regimen. Unfortunately, as the prescribing practices of surgeons are old habits, it will require a very convincing argument to get them to change their practices. A randomized controlled trial comparing these two regimens, the investigators hope, would be a powerful enough argument. The hypothesis of this study, therefore, is that the pain control provided by a combination of acetaminophen plus ibuprofen (650 mg/400 mg four times per day) will be superior to Tylenol #3® (600 mg acetaminophen/60 mg codeine/15 mg caffeine four times per day). This study will attempt to enroll 150 patients in total. Eligible patients will be identified by their attending surgeon and contacted by study personnel. Patients who enroll in the study will undergo their surgery in the usual manner. After the surgery, in the recovery room, once they are ready to go home, they will be randomized to receive combination A or B and be given a week's worth of pain medication. They will then go home and take this medication as directed. They will record their pain intensity and pain relief once per day using a diary provided in the study package. One week after their surgery, they will return to the hospital clinic and be seen by the study nurse. They will hand over the diary and any unused medication. They will also be asked several questions regarding their overall satisfaction, incidence of side effects, and how long until they were pain free. The risks of participating in this study are minimal from the risks inherent to the procedures and medications the patients would receive within the standard of care. Ibuprofen is a commonly used NSAID which is widely available over the counter and has an established safety profile. The most common adverse effects of ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are gastrointestinal bleeding and ulceration. Other less common adverse effects include nephrotoxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, hepatic dysfunction (longterm use), and cognitive dysfunction. The investigators' patients will be selected to exclude those most at risk for these complications (see exclusion criteria). Acetaminophen has few side effects, with no adverse effects on platelet function and no evidence of gastric irritation.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for Dilaudid

Condition Name

Condition Name for Dilaudid
Intervention Trials
Pain 28
Acute Pain 12
Pain, Postoperative 9
Analgesics, Opioid 4
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for Dilaudid
Intervention Trials
Acute Pain 21
Pain, Postoperative 14
Opioid-Related Disorders 7
Emergencies 6
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Clinical Trial Locations for Dilaudid

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for Dilaudid
Location Trials
United States 99
Canada 13
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for Dilaudid
Location Trials
New York 25
Ohio 9
California 8
Texas 7
Maryland 6
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Clinical Trial Progress for Dilaudid

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for Dilaudid
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE3 1
Phase 4 30
Phase 3 24
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for Dilaudid
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 63
Terminated 13
Recruiting 9
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for Dilaudid

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for Dilaudid
Sponsor Trials
Montefiore Medical Center 13
Alza Corporation, DE, USA 11
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 4
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for Dilaudid
Sponsor Trials
Other 116
Industry 25
NIH 12
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Dilaudid (Hydromorphone): Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Future Projections

Last updated: October 28, 2025


Introduction

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) remains a cornerstone in pain management, particularly for severe pain where other opioids are insufficient. As a potent opioid analgesic, its use is tightly regulated, yet ongoing clinical developments and market dynamics influence its long-term positioning. This report synthesizes recent clinical trials, evaluates market trends, and projects future growth and regulatory considerations for Dilaudid.


Clinical Trials Update

Current Focus Areas and Emerging Data

Recent clinical trials for Dilaudid focus primarily on optimizing dosing strategies, reducing adverse effects, and exploring new delivery methods to enhance patient compliance and safety. As of 2023, notable studies include:

  1. Comparison of Hydromorphone and Other Opioids in Postoperative Pain: Multiple Phase IV studies are assessing hydromorphone’s efficacy and tolerability relative to alternatives such as morphine and oxycodone. Results suggest superior analgesic potency but a comparable profile of adverse effects, emphasizing the need for tailored dosing protocols.

  2. Extended-Release Formulations: Trials are evaluating the efficacy of novel extended-release hydromorphone formulations to manage chronic malignant and non-malignant pain. Early-phase trials indicate promising pharmacokinetic profiles, with improved convenience and potentially reduced dose escalation.

  3. Intranasal and Transdermal Delivery Systems: Innovative delivery platforms aim to facilitate self-administration and improve pain control at home. Ongoing trials demonstrate promising bioavailability and patient acceptability, though regulatory hurdles remain.

  4. Opioid Stewardship and Abuse Prevention: Clinical investigations are increasingly focusing on abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs), which combine hydromorphone with tamper-resistant technologies. Trials report reductions in misuse potential with no significant compromise in analgesic efficacy.

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

Clinicians and researchers continue to examine hydromorphone’s safety profile, particularly regarding respiratory depression, dependence, and misuse potential. Ongoing pharmacovigilance studies reinforce the importance of prescribing protocols and abuse mitigation strategies.


Market Analysis

Global Market Overview

The hydromorphone market, led predominantly by Dilaudid, is valued at approximately USD 400 million in 2023, with steady growth driven by expanding approvals, chronic pain management needs, and innovation in formulations. Key regions include North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, with North America accounting for over 50% of sales due to high opioid prescribing rates and extensive chronic pain burdens.

Historical Trends and Drivers

  • Prescription Volume: Despite ongoing opioid crises, Dilaudid remains a preferred choice for severe pain management, especially in hospital settings and palliative care.
  • Regulatory Environment: Stringent controls due to abuse concerns influence prescribing patterns. Nonetheless, approved formulations and abuse-deterrent designs support market stability.
  • Innovations and Formulations: Introduction of new formulations — extended-release, abuse-deterrent, and alternative delivery systems — bolster market growth.
  • Competition: Generics and alternative opioids (e.g., oxycodone, fentanyl) exert pressure, although Dilaudid retains a premium due to familiarity and specific clinical niches.

Market Segments and Key Players

  • Hospital and Acute Pain: Drive the majority of demand; Dilaudid’s rapid onset makes it suitable for inpatient use.
  • Chronic Pain Management: Growing but cautious due to regulatory scrutiny.
  • Emerging Markets: Expansion in Asia-Pacific, though constrained by regulatory and distribution challenges.

Challenges and Risks

  • Regulatory Stringency: Increasing restrictions threaten market accessibility.
  • Opioid Crisis Impact: Heightened awareness leads to preferential use of alternatives or non-opioid analgesics.
  • Safety Concerns: Reputational risks associated with opioids impact market confidence and sales.

Future Projections and Market Outlook

Growth Trajectory

Forecasts estimate a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4% through 2030, driven by:

  • Innovation in Delivery: Adoption of abuse-deterrent formulations and non-invasive devices will expand usability and safety.
  • Clinical Adoption: Enhanced evidence from ongoing trials may lead to broader acceptance and usage in outpatient and chronic pain settings.
  • Regulatory Adaptation: Evolving policies favoring safer opioid formulations could favor Dilaudid’s position if it incorporates advanced abuse-deterrent technologies.

Market Expansion Opportunities

  • Reformulation and Abuse Deterrence: Continued development in tamper-resistant formulations positions Dilaudid favorably among stakeholders prioritizing safety.
  • Personalized Pain Management: Integration with digital health tools and tailored dosing regimens align with precision medicine trends.
  • Specialty Applications: Expansion into oncology, palliative care, and emergency medicine maintains core demand.

Potential Market Barriers

  • Regulatory Hurdles: Stringent approval pathways, especially for new formulations, could prolong time-to-market.
  • Epidemiological Trends: Damage control measures post-opioid epidemic may curb overall growth.
  • Competitive Landscape: Alternatives with favorable safety profiles or non-opioid mechanisms could erode market share.

Conclusion

Dilaudid remains a vital, albeit scrutinized, component of pain management with ongoing clinical innovations supporting its safety and efficacy profile. Market growth hinges on product enhancements, regulatory navigation, and addressing the evolving landscape of opioid prescribing.


Key Takeaways

  • Clinical advancements focus on safer formulations and delivery mechanisms, maintaining Dilaudid’s relevance amid opioid abuse concerns.
  • Market dynamics reflect steady demand driven by acute and severe pain indications, with growth prospects tied to innovation and regulatory adaptation.
  • Regulatory trends favor abuse-deterrent technologies, which remain pivotal to Dilaudid’s future market acceptance.
  • Competitive pressure from non-opioid analgesics and alternative opioids necessitates continual product innovation.
  • Strategic focus areas include expanding into outpatient settings with safer, more convenient formulations and leveraging digital health integrations.

FAQs

  1. What clinical trials are most influential for Dilaudid’s future development?
    Ongoing trials evaluating abuse-deterrent formulations, extended-release systems, and alternative delivery methods are key, potentially shaping future prescribing guidelines.

  2. How is Dilaudid positioned amid the opioid epidemic?
    While facing heightened regulation, Dilaudid is maintained in specific clinical niches through abuse-deterrent formulations and strict prescribing protocols to mitigate misuse.

  3. What are the main challenges facing Dilaudid’s market growth?
    Stringent regulatory environments, rising safety concerns, and competition from non-opioid therapies are primary hurdles.

  4. Which markets hold the most potential for Dilaudid expansion?
    North America remains dominant; however, Asia-Pacific’s expanding healthcare infrastructure presents significant growth opportunities.

  5. How might future regulations impact Dilaudid’s sales?
    Increased restrictions could limit access or lead to shifts towards alternative therapies, but innovations in formulations may offset some market constraints.


References

  1. [1] Market intelligence reports from IQVIA and EvaluatePharma.
  2. [2] ClinicalTrials.gov summaries for recent hydromorphone studies.
  3. [3] FDA and EMA regulatory updates on opioid formulations.
  4. [4] Industry analyses on pain management therapeutics, 2023.
  5. [5] Peer-reviewed publications on abuse-deterrent opioid formulations.

Note: Ensure to consult the latest clinical trial registries, regulatory updates, and market reports for ongoing developments.

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