Links to other pages within Patient UK which are related to this topic:
Experience | News | Products | Other
Experience | News | Products | Other
Dihydrocodeine
|
About dihydrocodeine
| Type of medicine | Analgesic |
| Used for | Moderate to severe pain |
| Also called | DF 118, DHC Continus |
| Available as | Tablets, oral solution and injection |
Before taking dihydrocodeine
Before taking dihydrocodeine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from liver, kidney, respiratory (breathing), prostate or thyroid problems
- If you suffer from epilepsy or hypotension (low blood pressure)
- If you have recently suffered a serious head injury
- If you have been constipated for more than a week, with or without tummy pain and bloatedness
- If you have ever had a problem with drug or alcohol addiction
How to take dihydrocodeine
- Take dihydrocodeine exactly as directed by your doctor.
- If you have been supplied the modified release tablets, they should be swallowed whole (not crushed or chewed) with a glass of water.
- Dihydrocodeine should be taken with or after food. If however you are taking the modified release form of dihydrocodeine this can be taken without food.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Because dihydrocodeine is a controlled drug, if you are planning a trip abroad, check with the government department HM Revenue and Customs to see if you need any documentation for your medicine. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has a list of medicines that contain controlled drugs and can tell you the amount that you are allowed to take abroad. If you need to pack more of your medicine than you are allowed you will need to apply in writing for a licence from the Home Office before you travel.
Can dihydrocodeine cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick | Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. If vomiting continues to be a problem speak to your doctor. |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. If constipation continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor. |
| Drowsiness, dizziness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or feel dizzy. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. If this becomes troublesome speak to your pharmacist or doctor. |
| Sweating | Use a cold wet flannel to cool yourself down, if this continues to be problem and prevents you from taking your medicine, speak with your doctor. |
| Difficulty urinating (passing water), flushing (redness of the face), a fast or fluttering heartbeat, seeing or hearing things that aren't real, mood changes, sexual problems or skin rashes | Speak with your doctor. |
How to store dihydrocodeine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
|
| © EMIS 2007 | DocID: 3593 |
DocRef: dils3102 |
Last Updated: 25 Jun 2007 |
Date of Next Review: 24 Jun 2009 |
Version: 22 |
The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest.
Find out more about updating.
Related pages in Patient UK
Your Experience (^ top of page)
Please add your experience about this condition / medicine View Patient Experience for 'Dihydrocodeine' (145 there)Patient UK Newspaper (^ top of page)
Latest Health News
View current health newsRelated Products (^ top of page)
Medical equipment
Pill/Tablet Equipment
Books
Other - Useful resources (^ top of page)
Pictures, diagrams, photos, images, etc.Evidence based medicine
Online textbooks and journals
UK Guidelines
Online Videos
Medline
Other good health sites
Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control over the content of any external links above. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.
Want to advertise on this site? Find out how >>
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Information Leaflets which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Support Groups which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Medicines & Drugs which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of diagrams which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of PatientPlus (detailed reference) articles which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of UK Guidelines which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of other selected websites which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Poems and Stories which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Operations and Procedures which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Online Videos which are related to the topic you are currently viewing
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links through to our interactive forum.
Here you can follow a link to view existing patient experiences on this subject, or to add your own
Here you can follow a link to view existing patient experiences on this subject, or to add your own
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to news stories on this subject in our Online Newspaper
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to related products
Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to other useful sources of information
Click here to open a printer-friendly version of this document, in a new window, together with the print dialogue box
Click here to open this document in PDF format
This will offer you the usual PDF options i.e. document navigation, search, zoom and formatted print
Note: this is the best way to print the document
This will offer you the usual PDF options i.e. document navigation, search, zoom and formatted print
Note: this is the best way to print the document
Click here to listen to the MP3 audio recording of this document
Click here to download the audio recording of this document as a podcast, for listening to at your leisure
Click here to open our Dictionaries and Glossaries page
Click here to see related products in our Online Pharmacy
Note: this will open in a new window
Note: this will open in a new window
Click here to add this page to a social bookmarking site of your choice
Click here if you want to find out more about social bookmarking. This link will take you to the Wikipedia explanation
Note: this will open in a new window
Note: this will open in a new window