An A-Z Guide to Dihydrocodeine

Dihydrocodeine is a commonly used medication, but how much do you know about it? This A-Z guide will break down the medication so that you are more informed. From its uses in modern healthcare to alternatives, we’ll go through the alphabet to uncover all you need to know. By exploring this A-Z guide, we hope you will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of this well-known medication.

A - Addiction

Dihydrocodeine is an opiate painkiller. Opiate painkillers, if taken irresponsibly or without correct guidance, can become addictive (Roussin et al, 2016). When you begin to take dihydrocodeine your doctor may provide you with a plan to come off the medication when your treatment is over. 

B - Buying Dihydrocodeine Online

You can purchase dihydrocodeine online from EU Meds, a fast, convenient service provided by experts. Dihydrocodeine is a prescription-only medication, so can only be purchased by those with a valid prescription. You can obtain a valid prescription from us following a successful online consultation that is reviewed by one of our prescribers.

C - Codeine

Codeine is also an opioid painkiller. Dihydrocodeine is a semi-synthetic version of codeine. Dihydrocodeine is related to codeine, however, it is much stronger and provides more euphoric effects. Dihydrocodeine does pose a higher risk of dependence. 

D - Dihydrocodeine Facts

Here are some key facts about dihydrocodeine that you need to know:

• Stops pain signals from reaching the brain

• Will take between one to two hours to work fully

• Dependence on dihydrocodeine is possible

• Should be stored in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children

E - Easing Symptoms

Dihydrocodeine is perfect for easing moderate to severe pain. Moderate to severe pain' is a term used to describe the intensity of pain that someone might experience (Anekar et al, 2023). Dihydrocodeine can also help to ease long-lasting pain that has not been able to be treated by weaker painkillers including ibuprofen and paracetamol. 

F - Finances

You can purchase Dihydrocodeine online from EU Meds. Currently, EU Meds prices are as follows*.

• £59.99 for 28 30mg tablets

• £69.99 for 100 30mg tablets

• The cheapest price for one tablet at EU Meds is 69p

*It should be noted that these prices are correct as of 11/09/23.

G - Getting a Prescription

In order to purchase dihydrocodeine online from EU Meds, you will need to successfully complete an online consultation, which will be reviewed by a European Doctor. Following review, if approved, your medication will be dispensed.

H - How To Use Dihydrocodeine

Dihydrocodeine tablets, such as the ones that are purchasable online from EU Meds, are taken orally with the use of water (Padrid & Church, 2009). You should also try and take your medication with a meal or a snack as this can help reduce the chance of experiencing side effects. 

I - Interactions With Other Medications

Some medications can interfere with how dihydrocodeine works. You should make sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following as they can affect how dihydrocodeine works:

• Sleeping pills

• Medicines for depression and anxiety

• Antihistamines

J - Joint Medications

It is completely safe to take dihydrocodeine alongside other painkillers including ibuprofen, paracetamol, and aspirin. You should not take dihydrocodeine with other medications that contain codeine as this increases the chances of experiencing side effects. 

K - Keeping Your Medication Stored

It is important that you store your dihydrocodeine appropriately. Keep it well out of sight and reach of children. If you have some tablets left over then you should take these to a pharmacy which will then be able to dispose of them correctly.  

L - Lower Strength Alternatives

There are some lower-strength alternative painkillers that people use to treat more mild pain. Alternatives include codeine, ibuprofen, paracetamol, and aspirin. Codeine requires a prescription, whereas the others do not. When a medication does not need a prescription it is known as an over-the-counter medication. 

M - Moderate Pain

Moderate pain is eased by dihydrocodeine. Moderate pain can be caused by a number of different conditions including pain felt after an injury, or pain felt whilst you are recovering from surgery. It is a stronger pain than mild pain, and can sometimes interfere with daily tasks. Moderate pain is noticeable and can be distracting.

N - Necessary Consultation

In order to purchase dihydrocodeine online from EU Meds you must first have a consultation to ensure that it is the right medication for you. If this consultation is successful then you will be approved to purchase the medication you need. 

O - Opioid Medications

Opioid medications, such as dihydrocodeine and codeine, are medications that derive from the poppy plant (Cohen et al, 2023). Some medications are taken from the poppy, whereas others are synthesised in a laboratory. These medications are often used to treat pain. 

P - Precautions

There are of course some precautions you need to take before you start to take dihydrocodeine. You should make sure to let your doctor know of any other medications you are taking on a regular basis. You should also not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Q - Quitting Opioid Medications

When you are prescribed opioid medications, including dihydrocodeine, you may be given a plan to quit the meds when your treatment is over (Buckle, 2015). This is not always the case, however, and can be a precaution for those who are taking the medication for longer periods of time.

R - Relieving Severe Pain

Dihydrocodeine is not just useful for moderate pain, it can also play a role in relieving severe pain. Severe pain can also be attributed to a wide variety of conditions and can be caused by joints or muscles, or from injuries and surgery. Opioids are considered a second-line option; however, they may be warranted for pain management for patients with severe persistent pain (Dydyk & Conermann, 2023).

S - Side Effects

As with other medications, there are some side effects that people using dihydrocodeine may experience (Ghodse & Galea, 2010). Common side effects of dihydrocodeine include:

• Constipation

• Nausea and vomiting

• Tiredness

• Confusion

• Headaches

If you experience side effects such as severe muscle stiffness, dizziness and low energy, you may wish to consult with a doctor as these can be signs of serious side effects.

T - Treating Other Conditions

Unlike Codeine, which can be used to treat coughs and diarrhoea, dihydrocodeine is only used to treat moderate to severe pain, or pain that has been occurring for long periods of time and has not been treated well enough via other medications. In specific cases, dihydrocodeine can be prescribed to treat dyspnoea, which is a shortness of breath or laboured breathing, especially in conditions like chronic heart failure, however, this is very rare. 

U - Using Dihydrocodeine Correctly

When you are prescribed dihydrocodeine it is important that you take the medication correctly. You should only ever take the dosage that you have been advised to take, and you should only take the medication as outlined by your doctor. You should always follow the instructions provided to you in the patient information leaflet 

V - Versus Other Painkillers

When compared to other painkillers, dihydrocodeine is a relatively strong option. It is stronger than codeine, ibuprofen, paracetamol, and aspirin. Stronger painkillers than dihydrocodeine include morphine and diamorphine. 

W - Who Can Take Dihydrocodeine?

You should tell your doctor if you are any of the following as you may not be able to take dihydrocodeine:

• Have had an allergic reaction to any medication

• Have IBS or Crohn's disease

• Have lung problems, or asthma

• Have a head injury or a condition that causes seizures or fits

• Have an underactive thyroid

• Have an addiction to alcohol

• Take any painkillers

• Have liver or kidney problems

• Have Myasthenia Gravis

• Are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant or are breastfeeding

• Have problems with galactose intolerance

X - e(X)pected Results

When you first take dihydrocodeine you can expect it to begin working around one to two hours after. After this time, your medication will begin to work correctly and you will find that your symptoms of pain have been eased. While you can expect the desired results, such as pain relief, it is also wise to expect side effects including constipation, nausea and dizziness.

Y - Your Conditions

If you are unsure whether or not your condition will be appropriately treated by dihydrocodeine then you should get in touch with your doctor. Dihydrocodeine is used to treat moderate to severe pain for a variety of conditions.

Z - Zeroing in on Pain

Dihydrocodeine is ideal for zeroing in on your pain. Dihydrocodeine works by blocking pain receptors from reaching the brain. These receptors can be from anywhere in the body, and any pain you feel will be helped. Dihydrocodeine doesn't exactly "zero in on pain" in a targeted manner. Instead, it affects the way the central nervous system perceives and responds to pain. 

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Irfan Siddique MBBS
GMC reference no: 7694522
LinkedIn

Sources

• NCBI - Dihydrocodeine

• BNF - Dihydrocodeine Interactions

• Eumeds - Dihydrocodeine

• Eumeds - Codeine

• ScienceDirect - Dihydrocodeine in Palliative Care

• ScienceDirect - Pharmacology of Opioids

• ScienceDirect - Codeine

• ScienceDirect - Dihydrocodeine Metabolism

• NCBI - Opioid Dependence and Withdrawal