Dihydrocodein

What is dihydrocodeine?

Dihydrocodeine 30 mg is a form of pain relief for moderate to severe pain. It can be prescribed when milder painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol prove ineffective.

Dihydrocodeine can be prescribed to treat pain associated with conditions such as sciatica (nerve pain in the back or legs), joint and bone pain (such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), nerve pain, pain caused by blood vessel disease, cancer, or complications following surgery.

The active ingredient is dihydrocodeine tartrate – each tablet is available in a strength of 30 mg. Medicines under the names Remedeine, Paramol, and Co-Dydramol all contain dihydrocodeine with paracetamol.

How does dihydrocodeine work? | Dihydrocodeine 30 mg

Dihydrocodeine belongs to a group of drugs called opioid analgesics, which includes drugs such as codeine phosphate and co – codamol, often sold under the brand name Solpadol.

Opioids work by mimicking the body’s natural pain-relieving compounds called endorphins, which are produced in the brain and spinal cord and help us feel less pain.

Dihydrocodeine acts on the same opioid receptors to prevent pain signals from being sent through the nervous system to the brain. While it doesn’t treat the root cause of the pain, the user feels less pain.

Dihydrocodeine is related to codeine and has a similar chemical structure—in fact, it can be used as an alternative to codeine or for the aforementioned conditions. However, dihydrocodeine is twice as potent as codeine. It has a more euphoric effect and therefore a greater potential for addiction.

How to use Dihydrocodeine | Dihydrocodeine 30 mg

Dihydrocodeine should be taken with water, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Adults should take one tablet every four to six hours (the maximum dose in any 24-hour period is six tablets).

The dose should be reduced in elderly patients and anyone suffering from liver or kidney problems. This medicine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Your doctor will prescribe the correct dose for you.

If you miss a dose, take a tablet as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose and never double the dose to make up for the missed tablet. Do not stop taking dihydrocodeine without first talking to your doctor.