Reference
Opioid morphine equivalent doses: Conversion reference
Published April 18, 2026 · 6 min read · Updated April 2026
Reviewed for accuracy by licensed clinical professionals.
Morphine milligram equivalents (MME) compare opioid potency. Morphine is the reference standard at 1x.
Common conversions
Codeine: 0.15x. Hydrocodone: 1x. Oxycodone: 1.5x. Hydromorphone: 4x. Fentanyl transdermal: ~100x. Methadone: 3-10x (variable, complex conversion).
Clinical significance
CDC recommends caution above 50 MME/day and avoiding 90+ MME/day for chronic non-cancer pain. Higher MME correlates with higher overdose risk.
Warning
Never adjust opioid medications based on equivalency charts. Individual variation is significant. Methadone conversion is particularly dangerous without medical expertise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the strongest opioid?
Fentanyl is approximately 100x morphine potency among commonly prescribed opioids.
How strong is oxycodone vs morphine?
Oxycodone is approximately 1.5x morphine. 10mg oxycodone equals roughly 15mg morphine.
What does MME mean?
Morphine Milligram Equivalent, standardized measure comparing opioid potency and assessing overdose risk.
Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357.