Dihydrocodeine can be used as an opiate painkiller. It can be used to relieve moderate to severe pain following an operation or serious injury.
It is also used to relieve long-lasting pain when stronger painkillers like paracetamol, Ibuprofen, and aspirin have not worked.
Dihydrocodeine cannot be bought without a prescription. It can also be mixed with paracetamol (called co-dydramol).
It is available in standard tablets, slow release tablets, and liquids that you can swallow. It can also be injected under the skin or into the muscle. This is often done in hospital.
Dihydrocodeine may also be called DHC Continus, DF118 Forte and DF118 Forte.
2. Here are some key facts
Dihydrocodeine is a painkiller that stops the transmission of pain signals along the nerves to your brain.
It takes 1.5 to 2 hours for standard dihydrocodeine pills to fully work.
You can become addicted to dihydrocodeine. However, your doctor will tell you how to minimize the chances of becoming addicted.
You may need dihydrocodeine to treat your condition for more than two weeks. Your treatment plan will likely include instructions on how to stop taking it.
Common side effects include feeling sick, feeling drowsy, or constipation.
To buy Dihydrocodeine online, visit Pain Med UK.
3. Who can or cannot take it?
Children aged 4 and older can take dihydrocodeine.
Dihydrocodeine isn’t suitable for all people. Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Never had an allergic reaction with dihydrocodeine (or any other medicine)
Have any stomach conditions, such IBS or Crohn’s disease (or if you are taking medication for these conditions).
Asthma, lung problems or breathing difficulties
Have a head injury that results in seizures or fits.
Hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid gland
Addiction to alcohol
You can also take painkillers from any other pharmacy, supermarket or online store.
Kidney or liver problems
myasthenia gravis: A rare disease that causes weakness of the muscles,
You are either trying to become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are less than 18 years of age, your tonsils and adenoids have been removed in order to treat obstructive or sleep apnoea
A rare condition that can cause galactose intolerance
4. What to do and when to do it
You should take dihydrocodeine only if your doctor has instructed you. This is important, as dihydrocodeine can become addictive.
Drink the whole tablet with water. It is best to swallow the tablets with water, either immediately after or right after a meal.
How much should I spend?
Dihydrocodeine tablets come in 5 different strengths. The tablets are available in five strengths: 30mg-40mg; 60mg; 90mg; 120mg; and 120mg.
The strength of the tablet will dictate how often you take it.
Tablets available for immediate release
For adults and children over 12 years of age, the usual dose is:
30mg tablet – 1 tablet every 4-6 hours. The maximum daily dose is 6 tablets (180mg).
40mg tablet, 1 or 2 tablets in 24 hour intervals – Maximum dose is 6 tablets (240mg)
Tablets with slow release
For adults and children over 12 years of age, the usual dose is:
60mg tablet, 90mg tablet or 120mg tablet – 1 tablet per 12 hours
The tablets contain 60mg (90mg) or 120mg dihydrocodeine. It is usually taken two times daily at 60mg to 120mg.
Liquid
Dihydrocodeine liquid should be taken in 5ml portions, one every 4-6 hours. A 5ml spoonful of dihydrocodeine contains 10mg. Three spoonfuls have 30mg.
For children between 4 and 11, the dose is calculated based upon weight. The dose for children aged 4-11 years is between 0.5mg & 1mg/kg of body weight. A maximum dose of 30mg/hour can be taken.
A plastic medicine spoon, or syringe, will be included with dihydrocodeine liquid. It can help you measure the correct dose. If you don’t have one, ask a pharmacist.
You should not use a teaspoon to measure the liquid. This will not yield the right amount.
What will happen to my dose?
Most people will start on a low dose dihydrocodeine. You may need to increase the dose gradually until your pain is under control.
Important
You should not stop taking dihydrocodeine after a period of more than two weeks.
What if it isn’t taken?
This will depend on which dihydrocodeine type you take.
For help if you forget to take the dose, consult the patient information booklet inside the packet.
Do not take two doses of the same medication at once to make up for one that has been lost.
You may find it helpful to set an alarm to remind of the doses you have missed. A pharmacist may be able to offer suggestions for other ways to remind you to take your medicine.
What if I take way too much?
Urgent advice: Call 111 right away if you need:
you take too much dihydrocodeine.
If you take too much dihydrocodeine you may feel:
Very tired, sick or dizzy
Breathing difficulties
Be unconscious
You should not drive to A&E. Instead, get someone else to take you there or call an ambulance.
The dihydrocodeine leaflet and box inside the packet should be taken along with any other medicine.
Where can you store dihydrocodeine?
Dihydrocodeine is prescribed to you.
Keep it safe and secure at home.
Keep it out reach of children
Give your medicine only to you
Return any dihydrocodeine unused to a pharmacy so that they can dispose it properly
5. Take dihydrocodeine along with other painkillers
It is safe to take dihydrocodeine together with paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Avoid taking dihydrocodeine in combination with painkillers containing codeine. You are more likely to experience side effects.
Co-codamol is codeine and paracetamol. Nurofen Plus (codeine) and codaprin are codeine and aspirin.
6. Side effects
Side effects can occur with all medications. However, some dihydrocodeine users may experience side effects. Many people are able to tolerate side effects and have very few side effects.
Higher doses of dihydrocodeine are more likely to cause side effects.
Common side effects
Side effects are common in over 1 in 100 people. Consult a pharmacist or doctor if side effects persist.
constipation
feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
Feeling tired
Vertigo, feeling dizzy or confused (the sensation of spinning)
Dry mouth
Headaches
Serious side effects
One in 100 people will experience serious side effects. If you have any of the following side effects, consult your doctor immediately.
Muscle stiffness
Feeling dizzy, tired, and low in energy could indicate low blood pressure (hypotension).
Grave allergic reaction
It is possible to experience anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) to dihydrocodeine in rare instances.
These are just a few side effects of dihydrocodeine. The leaflet in your medicine package contains a complete list.
Information:
The Yellow Card safety program allows you to report suspected side effects.
7. How to handle side effects
How to make it happen:
To ease symptoms of sickness or feeling sick, take dihydrocodeine before or after eating. Take small, frequent sips with water if you are feeling sick. The side effects should disappear within a few hours. If the side effect persists, consult your doctor to discuss taking anti-sickness medications.
You may feel sleepy, but this should pass within a few hours as your body adjusts to dihydrocodeine. If the side effect persists, talk to your doctor.
Dizziness, confusion, vertigo and dizziness – If dihydrocodeine causes you to feel dizzy, you can try slowly getting up or staying seated until you feel better. You should lie down if you feel dizzy. Then, sit down until your symptoms subside. As your body becomes more familiar with dihydrocodeine, this side effect should disappear within a few weeks. If the side effect persists, see a doctor.
You can dry your mouth by chewing sugar-free gum and sucking sugar-free sweets. Your doctor may also recommend an artificial saliva substitute to keep you mouth moist. This can be a spray, gel, or lozenge.
For headaches, it is safe to take paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Headaches that last more than a week, or are very severe, should be seen by a doctor.
8. Pregnancy, breastfeeding
Dihydrocodeine is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about safer options.
Early pregnancy has been associated with some health problems for your baby. Your baby might become dependent on dihydrocodeine if you stop taking it at the end.
But, it is crucial to address pregnancy-related pain. Diahydrocodeine is an option for some pregnant women who are experiencing severe pain. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best treatment option for you and baby.
Breastfeeding and Dihydrocodeine
If you are breastfeeding, dihydrocodeine should not be taken.
Dihydrocodeine can be found in breast milk, and small amounts can cause breathing problems in babies.
Talk to your doctor about recommending a different painkiller.
Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you’re:
You are trying to get pregnant
pregnant
Breastfeeding
9. Other medicines may also be taken with caution
Some medications can interfere with dihydrocodeine’s ability to work.
Before you begin dihydrocodeine treatment, talk to your doctor.
Sleeping pills and tranquillisers
Antidepressants and medications for other mental disorders
Metoclopramide and domperidone are medicines that can stop you from feeling sick or nausea.
Antihistamines/hay fever tablets
Anti-anxiety medication
Mixing dihydrocodeine and herbal remedies and supplements
It is not possible to state that dihydrocodeine is safe for use with herbal remedies and other supplements. They have not been tested for any side effects that they may have on prescription or pharmacy medications.
Important: Medicine safety
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if any other medicines are being taken, including vitamins and supplements.