Dihydrocodeine
NHS information about the medicine dihydrocodeine, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What dihydrocodeine is for
Dihydrocodeine is a type of strong painkiller called an opioid. It's used to help relieve pain, such as pain from cancer.
It's often used when other painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, have not worked.
There are some medicines that contain dihydrocodeine and other painkillers such as paracetamol.
How to take dihydrocodeine
Dihydrocodeine usually comes as tablets, or a liquid you swallow.
How much you need to take and for how long depends on the type you're taking and why you're taking it. Follow your doctor's advice.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
When taking dihydrocodeine:
- check the packet or leaflet to see if your tablets are "slow-release" (prolonged release) for instructions on how to take them
- swallow any tablets whole with a glass of water
- take it with or without food
- use the syringe or cup that comes with liquid dihydrocodeine to help you measure out the right dose
Side effects of dihydrocodeine
Like all medicines, dihydrocodeine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of dihydrocodeine include:
- constipation
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- headaches
If you feel drowsy after taking dihydrocodeine, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until the drowsiness stops.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of dihydrocodeine.
For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take dihydrocodeine
Most adults and children aged 4 years and over can take dihydrocodeine.
Dihydrocodeine is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from dihydrocodeine or another opioid painkiller
- you have liver or kidney problems
- you have ever had an addiction to alcohol, prescription medicines or recreational drugs
- you have lung or breathing problems such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or asthma
- you have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
- you have a brain tumour, head or brain injury
- you have sleep apnoea
Before taking dihydrocodeine, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and dihydrocodeine
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Dihydrocodeine is not usually used while breastfeeding because there's a chance it could cause side effects in your baby.
A doctor may recommend it for a few days if the benefits outweigh the risks, or they may recommend a different painkiller.
If you're taking dihydrocodeine while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.
Do not sleep in the same bed (co-sleep) with your baby if you've taken dihydrocodeine or any other medicine that makes you sleepy or drowsy, as it can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Pregnancy and dihydrocodeine
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or get pregnant while taking dihydrocodeine.
Dihydrocodeine is sometimes used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.
Taking dihydrocodeine with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with dihydrocodeine.
These include:
- other opioid painkillers, such as codeine or morphine
- medicines for anxiety such as paroxetine
- antidepressants such as monoamine-oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- some medicines to treat allergies (antihistamines)
- sleeping tablets including benzodiazepines like diazepam
Before taking dihydrocodeine, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Taking dihydrocodeine together with recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, or heroin can increase the risk of serious side effects.
Food, drink and alcohol with dihydrocodeine
You can eat and drink normally while taking dihydrocodeine, but it's best not to drink alcohol because it can make you feel sleepy.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice
