Dihydrocodeine is medicine that is recommended by doctors for treating body ache ranging from moderate to severe. The functioning of the drug is based on the action of binding to the tiny areas, known as , in the human central nervous system.
The action sends a signal to the brain resulting in a significant decrease in the feeling of pain and human reaction to it. Dihydrocodeine is a prescription medicine, and hence one must consult a doctor to know the right dosage for their respective bodies. It is also prescribed as a combination medicine with the paracetamol painkiller and is available under the name of co-dydramol.
Precautions to follow before taking Dihydrocodeine
Before starting any drug, it is important to completely understand the composition and the recommended consumption method to avoid any risks. Moreover, certain medical conditions do not allow the consumption of some medicines and a doctor is the best person to discuss these factors.
Here are special conditions wherein you need to be extra careful:
- Pregnancy or Lactation
- Liver functioning disorder
- Improper kidney functioning
- Prostate problems, or utter difficulty in passing urine.
- Past or existing breathing problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or Asthma.
- Condition of having lower blood pressure levels.
- Thyroid gland problems
- Epilepsy
- Any disorder in the pancreas.
- Problem of inflammatory bowel problem.
- Any condition resulting in muscle weakness, commonly known as myasthenia gravis.
- Recently experienced head injury.
- History of drug or alcohol addiction.
- Allergic reactions of certain medicines or their ingredients
- If you are already taking other medicines, you need to inform about it to your doctor before starting with Dihydrocodeine
Know the right way to take Dihydrocodeine
Never begin with the consumption without going through the information leaflet that comes with the packet. You also need to gain clarity on the probable side effects to make an informed choice.
Here are some doctor’s recommended tips to take Dihydrocodeine the right way:
- Take the medicine exactly in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Be aware that one medicine is available in varied strengths, and hence you need to be very sure about the recommended dose. A dose of 30 mg is normally consumed every 4-6 hours, whereas the prolonged-release tablets are meant for consumption in every 12 hours.
- Consume the medicine orally by swallowing it with water. The preferable time to take the drug is after the meals as then it prevents the sick feeling to a great extent.
- Those recommended with DHC Continus® tablets must take it slow as this variant is meant to provide the painkilling effect all day long.
- For these drugs, always remember to swallow them as a whole, and never chew them as chewing can allow it to mix in the bloodstream quickly.
- If a dose is skipped, then always remember to take the remaining doses as originally instructed. Never mix two doses to make up for the missed one.
Important Instructions:
Immediately stop alcohol consumption while taking the drug.
- The alcohol present in the body enhances the chances of occurrence of the side effects in the body. One of the most dangerous side effects that might create problems for an alcoholic is severe dizziness.
- The Dihydrocodeine drug should never be consumed after the need is over. The key reason for not allowing the medicine for long-term use is that it tends to cause strong withdrawal that can create immense discomfort. Usually, the doctors reduce the dosage after a certain time and never go for immediate discontinuation, as it can be very harmful for the body.
- It is essential to disclose to a doctor and even your dentist that you are on this medication for a safer recovery.