Dihydrocodeine

What is Dihydrocodeine?

• Dihydrocodeine is an opiate painkiller
• It is used for moderate to severe pain
• Dihydrocodeine can be mixed with paracetamol in certain preparations such as co-dydramol
• Both short acting and sustained release dihydrocodeine is available
• Dihydrocodeine is sometimes known by its trade names DHC Continus and DF118 Forte
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

How Does Dihydrocodeine Work?

Dihydrocodeine is a semi-synthetic form of opioid pain relief. It works by blocking the signals that are sent from the area of pain to the brain. This means that your sensation of the pain is either reduced or eliminated.

Dihydrocodeine does not treat the cause of the pain, but it may help you to feel more comfortable whilst recovering from an injury or operation.

Minimising pain is helpful for recovery. If you are able to mobilise then your risk of a post-operative blood clot will be reduced. You may also be able to cough more comfortably to prevent a chest infection after an operation.

How is Dihydrocodeine Taken?

Dihydrocodeine Tablets

Dihydrocodeine is available as a tablet or liquid. The tablets should be swallowed with water. 

It is advisable to take dihydrocodeine with a meal or snack, as this may reduce the risk of side effects including nausea or vomiting.

What is the dosage of Dihydrocodeine?

Dihydrocodeine 30mg

A common dose of standard release dihydrocodeine is 30mg taken every 4 to 6 hours. The maximum dose across 24 hours is 180mg. Standard dihydrocodeine takes around two hours to begin working fully. 

Slow release tablets are also available. The dose of dihydrocodeine begins working more slowly, but has a longer pain-relieving effect. This means the tablets can be taken less frequently. The usual dose of slow release dihydrocodeine is 60mg to 120mg taken twice a day.

What are the side effects of Dihydrocodeine?

Like all medications, dihydrocodeine can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Constipation
• Nausea or vomiting (feeling sick or being sick)
• Headaches
• Feeling sleepy
• Confusion
• Feeling dizzy
• Dry mouth.

If these side effects don’t settle or are troublesome, speak to a healthcare professional for advice.

Rarely, serious side effects can occur when taking dihydrocodeine. These include:

• Feeling dizzy or tired due to low blood pressure
• Stiff muscles.

You should speak to a doctor if these side effects occur.

You should call 999 if you have a seizure or fit, or if you have difficulty breathing when taking dihydrocodeine.

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

What warnings are there for Dihydrocodeine?

Dihydrocodeine may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your doctor if you have:

• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Lung disease including asthma
• Liver or kidney disease
• A head injury
• Seizures or fits
• Thyroid disease
• Myasthenia gravis
• Galactose intolerance
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Alcohol or drug addiction

Dihydrocodeine may not be suitable if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Some medications can interact with dihydrocodeine. You may be advised that dihydrocodeine will not suit you if you already take:

• A painkiller that contains codeine
• Sleeping tablets
• Anti-sickness medications
• Allergy medications
• Anxiety medications.

You should also tell your prescriber about any herbal remedies or supplements you take. This will allow your prescriber to check that dihydrocodeine will not interact with them.

It is important that your doctor checks that dihydrocodeine will suit you. Your doctor should complete a thorough health questionnaire and review your current medications before prescribing this medication.

Where to buy Dihydrocodeine online?

Buy Dihydrocodeine for Pain Relief

Are you looking for a safe, trusted online clinic where you can buy Dihydrocodeine? EU Meds is an online clinic. If you have a prescription, we can fill it for you and ship it to you within 48 hours (most days of the week). If you don't currently have a prescription for Dihydrocodeine, our online consolation may be able to assist you.

Google Web Story - A-Z Guide to Dihydrocodeine