Hydromorphone is a potent opioid analgesic used primarily for the management of severe pain that requires continuous, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. It is a semi-synthetic drug derived from morphine and works by altering the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Hydromorphone is available in various forms, including oral tablets, liquid, and injectable solutions, allowing for flexibility in administration based on patient needs and clinical settings.