Dihydrocodeine 30mg

What is Dihydrocodeine?

Dihydrocodeine UK

• Dihydrocodeine is an opiate painkiller and a Class B controlled drug (BNF, 2023). It is a controlled substance currently controlled under the misuse of drugs legislation including both the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, in the United Kingdom (GOV.UK, 2022).
• Dihydrocodeine can be mixed with paracetamol in certain preparations such as co-dydramol
• Dihydrocodeine is an opiate that can be used to treat acute moderate pain to severe pain including: migraines, headaches, joint pain and muscle pain, toothache and period pain (NHS, 2023).
• Both short acting and sustained release dihydrocodeine is available
• Dihydrocodeine is a opioid medicine that is sometimes known by its trade names DHC Continus and DF118 Forte
• Dihydrocodeine tablets are an oral morphine derivative of moderate potency (Flecknell, P.; 2016)
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of adverse effects and cautions.

Google Web Story – A-Z Guide to Dihydrocodeine

EU Meds have put together a Google Web Story called an ‘A-Z Guide to Dihydrocodeine’ to breakdown all terminology related to the opioid painkiller medication. You can view it below

How Does Dihydrocodeine Work?

Dihydrocodeine is a semi-synthetic form of opioid pain relief. It works by blocking the pain signals from the central nervous system and the brain that are sent from the area of pain, by binding to opioid receptors (Buckle, J., 2015). This means that your sensation of the pain is either reduced or eliminated (NHS, 2022).

Dihydrocodeine use 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 mobile 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 and headache

Every patient needing pain relief treatment has different symptoms and a unique individual experience when taking Dihydrocodeine as a medication.

Dihydrocodeine Reviews

To see what people have to say about their experiences with the medication, take a look at the Dihydrocodeine user reviews available at iwantgreatcare.org and patientslikeme.com.

You must speak to a doctor or your healthcare provider before taking Dihydrocodeine. They will assess your suitability for the medication and whether your health condition requires an alternative treatment.