Which characteristic is true about hydromorphone compared to morphine?

Hydromorphone is indeed recognized for its potency compared to morphine. In fact, hydromorphone is approximately 5 to 7 times more potent than morphine. This increased potency means that a smaller dose of hydromorphone can achieve similar analgesic effects to a higher dose of morphine. However, while hydromorphone does have a shorter duration of action than morphine, it offers a significant clinical advantage in certain settings where rapid analgesia is needed.

This characteristic makes hydromorphone a preferred option when a higher level of pain control is necessary without the risk of higher doses of morphine, which can lead to increased side effects. Therefore, the statement about hydromorphone being slightly less potent (which is a misunderstanding) does not accurately reflect its true nature; it is substantially more potent, and thus the comparison regarding similar duration is misleading.

Overall, the choice regarding hydromorphone’s characteristics underscores its use as a powerful analgesic in clinical settings, contrary to the suggestion that it has similar potency and duration to morphine.