Description

What Is Dihydrocodeine?

Dihydrocodeine is a member of the opioid group of medicines. It can be prescribed by doctors when other pain relief methods aren’t providing enough relief. Dihydrocodeine is available as standard tablets, slow release tablets and liquid form, depending on the product.

But formulation and strength matter. Do not confuse dihydrocodeine 28mg with other strengths or combination medicines available. Always check the medicine label and prescription details carefully.

### What is dihydrocodeine used for?

Dihydrocodeine is mainly used by healthcare professionals for the management of moderate to severe pain. For example, it may be prescribed following a major injury or operation or for some long term painful conditions.

Therefore, patients should use this medication only for the condition for which it was prescribed by the health care professional. In addition, treatment with opioids usually involves regular review because long-term use can result in tolerance, dependence or addiction.

How Does Dihydrocodeine Work?

Dihydrocodeine has a central nervous system action. This decreases how the brain and nervous system react to pain signals. Hence, patients may have reduced pain on taking the medicine as prescribed.

But it does affect the nervous system and can cause sleepiness, dizziness and other effects.

Potential Side Effects

Dihydrocodeine can cause side effects like other opioid medicines. Typical effects include:

• Constipation
• Nausea and/or emesis
• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Discombobulation
• Xerostomia

The larger the strengths, the more prominent these effects can be.

More importantly, trouble breathing or unusually slow or shallow breathing requires immediate medical attention. An overdose can also cause severe sleepiness, unconsciousness and breathing problems.

Dihydrocodeine and Addiction

Dihydrocodeine is habit forming. The patient should follow the prescribed treatment and not increase the amount or frequency without medical advice.

Additionally, individuals who have taken dihydrocodeine for an extended period may encounter withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly discontinue its use. A health care professional can recommend ways to safely decrease or stop treatment if appropriate.

Essential safety precautions

Inform your doctor or chemist about all the medications you are taking. Dihydrocodeine interacts with certain medications for anxiety, sleep issues, depression, allergies, or nausea, leading to increased undesirable effects.

Avoid alcohol unless your doctor specifically recommends it otherwise. Alcohol makes you sleepy and increases the risk of serious side effects.

Dihydrocodeine may cause sleepiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Refrain from driving or engaging in any potentially dangerous activities until you understand how dihydrocodeine affects you.

Common Questions

Dihydrocodeine 28mg serves as a pain relief medication. It helps manage moderate to severe pain effectively.

Dihydrocodeine serves as an opioid pain medicine that doctors prescribe to treat moderate to severe pain.

Dihydrocodeine can lead to addiction.

Absolutely. Dihydrocodeine can be addictive and cause dependence particularly after long term use. Doctors will monitor the treatment and may devise a plan to taper the medication.

Overall

Dihydrocodeine 28mg is an opioid painkiller and should be taken with care and responsibility. It may be used to treat moderate to severe pain as prescribed by a healthcare professional. But it can also cause drowsiness, constipation, dependency, addiction and potentially dangerous breathing problems.