What Are Dihydrocodeine Tablets?

Dihydrocodeine is a semisynthetic opioid that is derived from Codeine. It is mostly prescribed for the treatment of mild to moderately severe pain. Dihydrocodeine is also effective at reducing coughing pain and pain associated with shortness of breath.

Several formulas of Dihydrocodeine exist that combine it with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. Caffeine is included in select formulas. These formulas are formulated especially for pain reduction. The prescribed dosage for mild to moderate pain includes 15 mg to 30 mg of Dihydrocodeine tablets. One can also get a controlled-release version that contains 60 mg to 120 mg.

What is Dihydrocodeine used for?

These tablets have numerous uses right from the treatment of postoperative pain to suppress coughing. In some cases, this medicine is also used in combination with other drugs like aspirin and caffeine, to treat severe pain if other treatments do not work. In some cases, Dihydrocodeine is also used as an alternative for additional pain-reliever to codeine.

These are additional dihydrocodeine uses. This medicine is also used as an addiction treatment in individuals who are struggling with heroin use. In general, the doctor prescribes up to 2500 mg dosage of dihydrocodeine.

Administration and Dosage

The dosage for Dihydrocdoeine differs from person to person depending on their condition and intensity of pain.

If anyone does not follow dihydrocodeine prescriptions as directed, he/she may run the risk of overdosing. For example, taking someone else’s dihydrocodeine may be risky for your health. Alternatively, abusing the medicine by taking multiple doses in a day than what was prescribed is harmful to health.

What does Dihydrocodeine look like?

The doses of Dihydrocodeine vary. Typically, for mild or moderate pain, oral tablets are prescribed at doses between 15 to 30 mg. Dihydrocodeine tablets are also available in extended-release tablets from 60-120 mg.

Besides tablets, dihydrocodeine is also available in capsule forms, especially when prepared with other ingredients like aspirin and caffeine. When used as a cough medicine, dihydrocodeine will come in liquid or syrup preparations mixed with other drugs.

What are Dihydrocodeine side effects?

There are many different side effects of Dihydrocodeine. Some of these side effects are physical, while others can alter the mental state of the person. Additionally, some side effects are more serious than others. Even at lower doses, precautions mustn’t be taken when using the drug.

Physical side effects of dihydrocodeine use are generally dose-dependent and may become severe with higher doses. Some of the typical physical side effects include upset stomach, nausea, drowsiness, headache, constipation, difficulty urinating, decreased breathing, skin rash, itchy skin, etc.

As far as psychological effects or effects that impact a person’s mental state, there are not nearly as many side effects of dihydrocodeine. The feeling of mild euphoria is one of the most common psychological effects of dihydrocodeine medicine.

Is Dihydrocodeine addictive?

Is dihydrocodeine addictive? If taken for a long period or large doses are taken, there is potential for addiction to dihydrocodeine. Additionally, improper use of this drug can easily lead to addiction, especially if large quantities are ingested all at once.

An individual that suddenly shops taking this drug may also experience Dihydrocodeine withdrawal symptoms such as an upset stomach, chills, sweating, irritability, anxiety, cravings, lightheadedness, cravings, shaking and the irritability to sleep.