Dihydrocodeine 30mg | Effective Painkiller Pills

Description

Dihydrocodeine is an opioid painkiller. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain, such as after surgery or a serious injury. It is also used for long-term pain when weaker painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin have not worked.

It works by blocking pain signals from the central nervous system and brain.

Dihydrocodeine is only available on prescription.

It comes in standard tablets and extended-release tablets and is a liquid to swallow. It can also be given by injection into a muscle or under the skin. This usually happens in hospitals.

Co-dydramol, Paramol, Remedeine, and Remedeine Forte are brand names that contain Dihydrocodeine and paracetamol.

Key Facts

• It takes between 1.5 and 2 hours for conventional dihydrocodeine tablets to take full effect. Extended-release tablets may take longer to work, but they work for longer.
• It is possible to become dependent on Dihydrocodeine, but your doctor will explain how you can reduce your risk of addiction.
• If you need to take Dihydrocodeine for more than a few weeks, your treatment plan may include details about how and when to stop taking this medication.
• The most common side effects are nausea or vomiting, drowsiness, and constipation.

Who can and cannot use Dihydrocodeine?

Who can use Dihydrocodeine?

Most adults can use Dihydrocodeine. Although it can be given to children 1 year of age and older, it is usually only given to children 4 years of age and older.

Who should not use Dihydrocodeine?

Dihydrocodeine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it is safe for you, before taking this medicine, tell your pharmacist or doctor if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to Dihydrocodeine or any other medicine
• Have stomach problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease or are taking medicine for these conditions
• Have lung problems, asthma, breathing problems, or allergies
• Have a head injury or a medical condition that causes seizures or convulsions.
• Have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).
• are dependent on alcohol
• Have liver or kidney problems.
• Have myasthenia gravis, a rare disease that causes muscle weakness
• Are trying to get pregnant, are currently pregnant, or are breastfeeding, please keep this in mind.
• Are under 18 and have had your tonsils or tonsils removed to treat obstructive sleep apnea
• Have a rare condition that causes problems with galactose intolerance

How and when should you take Dihydrocodeine?

It is crucial to take Dihydrocodeine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, as it can be addictive.

Dosage and Strength

You will typically begin with a low dose of standard Dihydrocodeine. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose until your pain is well controlled.

Standard Tablets

Standard dihydrocodeine tablets come in different strengths. They contain 30 mg or 40 mg of Dihydrocodeine.

The standard dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and older is:

• 30 mg tablet – take one tablet every 4 to 6 hours. The maximum dose in 24 hours is six tablets (180 mg).
• 40 mg tablet – Take 1 or 2 tablets no more than three times in 24 hours. The maximum dose in 24 hours is six tablets (240 mg).

Slow Release Tablets

Dihydrocodeine prolonged-release tablets contain 60 mg, 90 mg, or 120 mg of Dihydrocodeine.

The standard dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and older is:

• 60 mg, 90 mg, or 120 mg tablets – take one tablet every 12 hours

Liquid

The typical dosage of dihydrocodeine liquid is one to three 5 ml spoonfuls every 4 to 6 hours. One 5 ml spoonful or syringe contains 10 mg of Dihydrocodeine.

Dosage for children under 12 years

For children aged 1 to 11 years, the dosage depends on weight.

The usual dose is between 0.5 mg and 1 mg per kg of body weight. You can be given a maximum dose of 30 mg every 4 to 6 hours.

How to take it?

Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. It is best to take them with or just after a meal or snack.

If you are using Dihydrocodeine in liquid form, a plastic medicine spoon or syringe is provided to help you measure the correct amount. Ask a pharmacist if you do not have one.

Do not measure the liquid with a teaspoon, or you will not get the correct amount.

How long should you take it for?

This depends on why you are taking Dihydrocodeine.

If you are taking it for pain after surgery, you may only need to take it for a short time.

You may need to take it for longer if you have persistent pain or a condition such as cancer.

Always consult your doctor before stopping Dihydrocodeine.

It is possible that you could become dependent on dihydrocodeine and experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking Dihydrocodeine. These may include:

• yawning
• sneezing
• Twitching
• Sweating
• feeling anxious or worried
• poor sleep
• Pain, including stomach pain
• feeling sick or sick
• feeling restless

If this happens to you, contact your doctor. To avoid this, you can slowly reduce your dose.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take a dose, read the leaflet or ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice on what to do.

Do not take two doses at once to compensate for a missed dose.

If you often forget to take your medicine, it may be helpful to set an alarm to remind you. You can also ask your pharmacist for advice on how to remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

If you take too much Dihydrocodeine, you may experience:

• severe drowsiness, nausea or dizziness
• difficulty breathing
• become conscious

How to store Dihydrocodeine?

If you have been prescribed Dihydrocodeine, it is very important that you:

• Store it properly and safely at home.
• Ensure that it is stored out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not give your medicine to anyone else
• Take any unused dihydrocodeine to a pharmacy so they can dispose of it properly

Dihydrocodeine Side Effects

Dihydrocodeine can cause side effects, but many people experience none or only mild ones.

You are more likely to experience side effects when using higher doses of Dihydrocodeine.

Common Side Effects

The following common side effects of dihydrocodeine affect more than 1 in every 100 people.There are things you can do to manage this:

• constipation
• feeling sick or sick (nausea or vomiting)
• feeling sleepy
• confusion, dizziness and vertigo (spinning sensation)
• dry mouth
• headache

If the advice on how to manage it doesn’t help and a side effect continues to bother you or doesn’t go away, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects occur in fewer than 1 in 100 people.

Call a doctor now or call 111 if you:

• muscle stiffness
• You feel dizzy, tired, and have little energy, which could be a sign of low blood pressure (hypotension).

Call 999 if:

• You had a fit or seizure
• You have difficulty breathing or are breathing short and shallow

Serious Allergic Reaction

A serious allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, to Dihydrocodeine, can occur, but it is rare.

Call 999 now if:

• Your lips, mouth, throat, or tongue suddenly swell.
• You are breathing very quickly or have difficulty breathing (you may be gasping for air or feeling like you are choking or gasping for air)
• You may experience a tight feeling in your throat, or you might have trouble swallowing.
• Your skin, tongue, or lips turn blue, grey, or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be more noticeable on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• You suddenly become very confused, sleepy, or dizzy.
• someone faints and cannot be woken up
• A child is limp, lethargic, or unresponsive (the head may fall to the side, back, or forward, or it may not be easy to lift the head or concentrate on the face)

You or the person who is sick may also have a rash that is swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or flaky.

These may be signs of a serious allergic reaction and require immediate hospital treatment.

Long-term Side Effects

Some people with conditions that require long-term pain relief may need to take dihydrocodeine long-term.

If you have to use it for a long time, your body may get used to it (called tolerance). This means that you will need higher doses over time to control your pain.

Some people may become more sensitive to pain (hyperalgesia). In this case, your doctor will gradually reduce your dose to relieve these symptoms.

It is possible to become dependent on Dihydrocodeine. For this reason, your dose will be determined to ensure that you only get the amount you need to control your pain.

Your treatment plan may contain specific instructions on when and how to discontinue the use of Dihydrocodeine.

If you are being treated for cancer pain or other severe pain, your pain management will be closely monitored. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about tolerance, hyperalgesia, or dependence.

Other Side Effects

Not all side effects of Dihydrocodeine are listed here. You will find a full list in the package leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility when taking Dihydrocodeine

Dihydrocodeine and Pregnancy

Dihydrocodeine can be taken during pregnancy. However, other medicines, such as paracetamol, may be better, and it is best to try these first.

If you take Dihydrocodeine towards the end of your pregnancy, your baby may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. In this case, your baby may need to stay in the hospital for further observation.

It is important to treat pain during pregnancy. If you have severe pain, Dihydrocodeine may sometimes be the best option. Your doctor can help you decide what is best for you and your baby.

Dihydrocodeine and Breastfeeding

If your doctor or nurse says that your baby is healthy, you can use Dihydrocodeine while you are breastfeeding. There are potentially better painkillers for breastfeeding, but your doctor can help you choose.

It is not known how much Dihydrocodeine passes into breast milk, but it is likely to be a small amount. It is best to take low doses and only use it for a short time. This reduces the risk of your baby having side effects.

If you are concerned about your child, contact your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or midwife as soon as possible, including if your child:

• I am not feeding as well as usual
• has constipation

Dihydrocodeine and Fertility

There is no evidence that Dihydrocodeine reduces fertility in men or women.

However, consult a doctor if you are trying to get pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you:

• are trying to get pregnant
• are pregnant
• are breastfeeding

Cautions with other Medicines

Some medicines can affect Dihydrocodeine.

Before you start taking Dihydrocodeine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines:

• Sleeping pills or tranquilizers
• Medications for depression or other mental illnesses
• Medications for nausea or vomiting, such as domperidone or metoclopramide
• Antihistamines or hay fever tablets
• Medications to treat anxiety
• Mexiletine to regulate your heart rhythm

Taking Dihydrocodeine with other Painkillers

It is safe to take Dihydrocodeine with paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin (do not give aspirin to children under 16).

However, if you have been prescribed Co-Dydramol, Paramol, Remedeine, or Remedeine Forte, do not take paracetamol, as these brands already contain paracetamol and Dihydrocodeine.

Do not use Dihydrocodeine in combination with painkillers that contain codeine. You are more likely to experience side effects. These include:

• Co-codamol (codeine and paracetamol)
• Nurofen Plus (codeine and ibuprofen)
• Co-Codaprin (codeine and aspirin)
• Solpadein (codeine, paracetamol, ibuprofen and caffeine)

Always adhere to the instructions provided with your medication.

Mixing Dihydrocodeine with Herbal Remedies and Supplements

There is not enough information to say whether it is safe to take Dihydrocodeine with herbal remedies and supplements. They are not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription drugs. They are not generally tested for their effects on other medications.