Dihydrocodeine is an opioid drug (sometimes known as an opioid). It is prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe forms of pain. It does this by binding to small areas, referred to as opioid receptors, within the central nervous system (brain and the spinal cord). It causes a decrease in how you feel pain as well as your response to pain. Dihydrocodeine is available with an order from a physician.
Dihydrocodeine is often given in conjunction with paracetamol, a painkiller, in co-dydramol, a medication. Co-dydramol is prescribed and can also be purchased from pharmacies upon the advice of pharmacist.
Before taking dihydrocodeine
Certain medications are not suitable for those suffering from certain ailments or conditions, and in some instances, a medication is only effective when extra care is taken. This is why, before you begin taking dihydrocodeine it is crucial that you consult your physician about:
If you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
If you are experiencing problems with how your liver functions or how your kidneys function.
If you suffer from prostate issues or have any issues in passing urine.
If you’re suffering from breathing issues, like asthma or chronic obstruction respiratory illness (COPD).
If you’ve been told that you have low blood pressure, you are not alone.
If you experience any issues related to your thyroid gland or adrenal glands, you should consult your doctor.
If you suffer from epilepsy, you should seek help.
If you are experiencing problems with your bile duct , or pancreas.
If you’ve experienced constipation for longer than a week, or suffer from an inflammatory bowel issue.
If you suffer from a condition which causes weakness in your muscles, this is known as myasthenia gravis.
If you’ve recently suffered an injury to your head that was severe.
If you’ve ever had a problem with alcohol or drugs, you are not alone.
If you’ve ever experienced an allergic reaction from a medication.
If you’re taking other medications. This includes any medications you’re taking, which can be purchased without prescription, and also herbs and complementary medications.
Dihydrocodeine: How do I take it?
Before beginning the treatment, make sure you read the printed information booklet of the manufacturer on the inside of the package. It contains additional information on dihydrocodeine and provide you with an exhaustive list of possible side effects when you take the drug.
Do exactly what your doctor instructs you. There are a variety of strengths of tablets to choose from and your doctor or pharmacist will inform you when to be taking your dosages. For a rough guideline 30-milligram tablets should be typically consumed every 4-6 hours, if required and extended-release tablets (DHC Continus(r) brand) are consumed each day for 12 hours. The directions to take the tablets will be listed on the package’s label to remind you of what your doctor told you.
Take the tablets and drink an alcoholic drink. Dihydrocodeine is best consumed after eating, since it can reduce the feeling of sickness that may be experienced after the initial doses.
If you’ve been provided with tablets known as DHC Continus(r) which are available, they are specifically designed for slow release of dihydrocodeine, to offer a more evenly relief from pain throughout the day. It is crucial to take the tablets in their entirety (do not chew them or crush them) in order to avoid the risk that the medication will enter your bloodstream too rapidly and can cause problems.
If you’ve been given dihydrocodeine in liquid form for your child, make sure you read the label attentively to make sure that you’re providing the correct dosage.
If you are unable to remember to take a dose, you should take it when you remember and then keep with your dosages as you did prior to. Do not mix two doses at once to replace an unremembered dose.
You can get the most benefit from your treatment
Alcohol isn’t a good idea to consume when you’re taking dihydrocodeine. This is due to dihydrocodeine’s ability to increase the chance of experiencing side effects from the alcohol, including being sleepy and dizzy.
If you’re driving, keep in mind that dihydrocodeine has the potential to impact your reactions and driving ability. It is a crime to drive if your reaction is impaired. Even if your ability to drive isn’t impaired, you should to bring proof that the medication was prescribed to you. A renewal prescription form or leaflet for information about patients from the package is usually considered acceptable.
It is not possible to receive dihydrocodeine for a longer period than is needed. This is due to the fact that if you are taking dihydrocodeine over a time, and then cease taking it, it could result in withdrawal symptoms, such as feeling irritable or anxious. If you’ve been taking it for a long period of time and would like to stop it, your physician will suggest that you decrease the dose gradually to reduce the chance of experiencing these side effects.
Dihydrocodeine is typically used for brief periods of discomfort. If you are taking it over an extended period it can cause your body to become habitual to it and it may not perform as effectively. This is known as tolerance.
If you’re having an operation or dental procedure inform those who are performing the procedure that you are taking dihydrocodeine.
If you buy Dihydrocodeine online ask your pharmacist to ensure that they’re safe together with opioid painkillers.
Can dihydrocodeine cause problems?
Alongside their positive effects, many medicines produce unwanted side effects, but there are a few who experience them. The following table lists some of the most commonly reported side-effects that are associated with dihydrocodeine. There is a complete list of the ingredients in the information leaflet that comes in your prescription. The adverse effects can increase as your body adapts to the new medication, but consult your doctor or pharmacist in the event that one of these conditions persists or become problematic.
Important: anyone who are taking dihydrocodeine, as well as their loved ones, must be aware of accidental overdoses and be aware of the time to seek medical assistance. The risk is increased in the event that you are taking other medications that make you feel sleepy. A sign that you’ve consumed too much medication are:
Feeling extremely sleepy or feeling dizzy.
Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting).
Breathing difficulties.
Consciousness loss.
If you’ve consumed more dihydrocodeine that you would like or if someone else has swallowed the medication, contact an ambulance. Tell them the name of the medicine you are taking.
If you are experiencing other symptoms that you believe are due to dihydrocodeine. Speak to your physician or pharmacist to get further information.
How do you keep dihydrocodeine
Keep all medications away from the view and reach of children.
Keep it in a dry, cool location in a safe, dry place far from light and heat.
Important information on all medicines
Never exceed the dose prescribed. If you think the possibility that someone may have been taking an overdose of this medication, go to the emergency and accident department of the local hospital. You should bring the container along even if it’s empty.
This medication is intended for you. Don’t give it to any anyone else, even if the conditions appear to be similar to yours.
Do not store out-of-date or unneeded medications. You can take them to the local pharmacy and they’ll get rid of them.
If you have questions regarding this medication, ask your doctor.
