What medication is typically prescribed for severe pain?

Dilaudid, which is a brand name for hydromorphone, is an opioid analgesic that is specifically indicated for the management of severe pain. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, providing significant pain relief. This medication is often used in clinical settings for patients who require more potent pain management, such as those recovering from surgery, experiencing severe injury, or in palliative care situations.

In contrast, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are non-opioid medications. Acetaminophen is commonly used for mild to moderate pain and fever reduction, while ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain, inflammation, and fever but generally not indicated for severe pain. Tramadol is a weaker opioid analgesic that may treat moderate pain but is not typically reserved for severe pain management like Dilaudid. Therefore, Dilaudid is the appropriate choice when it comes to addressing severe pain effectively.