From the Research
The price of IV acetaminophen (1g) is significantly higher than IV hydromorphone (1mg), with acetaminophen typically costing between $30-40 per dose compared to hydromorphone at approximately $2-5 per dose. This substantial price difference exists despite acetaminophen being available as an inexpensive oral medication, while hydromorphone is a controlled opioid analgesic. The high cost of IV acetaminophen is primarily due to patent protection and limited market competition since its FDA approval in 2010, rather than manufacturing complexity. Many hospitals restrict IV acetaminophen use due to this cost disparity, reserving it for patients who cannot take oral medications or require rapid pain relief without opioid side effects.
Key Points to Consider
- The cost of IV acetaminophen is significantly higher than IV hydromorphone, with a price difference of approximately $25-35 per dose 1.
- The high cost of IV acetaminophen is primarily due to patent protection and limited market competition, rather than manufacturing complexity.
- Many hospitals restrict IV acetaminophen use due to this cost disparity, reserving it for patients who cannot take oral medications or require rapid pain relief without opioid side effects.
- Clinical appropriateness should ultimately guide medication selection based on the patient's condition, pain severity, and ability to tolerate oral medications.
Evidence-Based Recommendation
Based on the most recent and highest quality study, IV hydromorphone (1mg) is a more cost-effective option compared to IV acetaminophen (1g), with a significant price difference of approximately $25-35 per dose 2. However, clinical appropriateness should ultimately guide medication selection based on the patient's condition, pain severity, and ability to tolerate oral medications.