What is Dihydrocodeine?

Dihydrocodeine is an opioid-analgesic used to manage moderate pain, fever and swelling. It is composed of 3 active ingredients which consist of codeine, aspirin, and caffeine. Codeine acts on specific areas in the brain that promotes pain relief. Aspirin is also used to aid in decreasing pain, fever and swelling. And lastly, caffeine helps enhance the effects of aspirin on relieving pain. It is also used for long-standing pain when weaker pain killers like paracetamol and ibuprofen do not work.

How does Dihydrocodeine work?

Dihydrocodeine is known as an opioid painkiller. A pain reducing substance exists in the human body and that is called endorphin. Endorphin manages pain and swelling to a certain extent. Dihydrocodeine produces a substance that imitates the effect of endorphin towards pain. As a result, temporary pain relief is produced. Opioid receptors and endorphin block pain signals to reach the central nervous system thus, it increases the threshold for pain. Is dihydrocodeine stronger than codeine? Dihydrocodeine is semi-synthetic and even though it is structurally similar to codeine with similar activity, Dihydrocodeine is twice as strong and has higher euphoric impact.

What are the benefits of taking Dihydrocodeine?

One of the benefits of Dihydrocodeine is that it can be used for different kinds of pain. It is an excellent pain reliever due to the sustainable relief it produces. It is suggested for patients who do not usually get enough pain relief from usual painkillers in the market. Side-effects of Dihydrocodeine include dizziness, disorientation, constipation, dry mouth, abdominal pain, headache, mood changes, and hypotension. To lower risk of dizziness, slowly get up from sitting or lying position. In prevention of constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water and exercise to promote proper bowel movement.

How should you take it?

In relieving moderate to severe pain, the usual dose of Dihydrocodeine for adults and children 12 years and above is 1 tablet of 30mg Dihydrocodeine every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Dihydrocodeine tablets should be followed by a full glass of water and can be taken with or without food. Do not lie down at least 10 minutes after taking this medication. If feeling nauseated, best to take it with food.

Avoid taking alcohol while on this medication to prevent harmful side effects from occurring. If in case you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember then, proceed with usual dosing schedule. Always remember to leave 4 hours between doses. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.