It is believed that the ~i isomer has greater efficacy in the treatment of pain, but this disclosure is not limited to use of that isomer alone.Pharmaceutical compositions containing either 6-a-hydroxy oxymorphone, 6-(3-hydroxy oxymorphone, or mixtures thereof can be used in the invention.Formulation as a suspension, syrup, or other liquid, tablet, capsule, liquid-filled gel cap, or other solid or