Dihydrocodeine is a painkiller used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
This medicine also helps to suppress cough.
Take Dihydrocodeine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take Dihydrocodeine with or after food.
This medicine is available as tablet and oral solution.
If you are taking the prolonged-release type of Dihydrocodeine, swallow it whole with water. DO NOT chew, crush or cut the prolonged-release pill.
If you are given the oral solution, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
Alert your doctor if Dihydrocodeine does not seem to help control your pain. Do not stop taking Dihydrocodeine unless instruced otherwise, as stopping it suddenly could worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- lung disease e.g. asthma
- bowel obstruction
- acute alcoholism (alcohol poisoning resulting from excessive consumption of alcohol)
Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxacid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- inflammation of the pancreas
- kidney disease
- thyroid disease
- bowel disease
- head injury or brain disease
- history of drug abuse
- prostate enlargement
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Dihydrocodeine to a child or elderly person. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Avoid long-term use of any painkillers.
Dihydrocodeine may cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: constipation, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and abdominal pain.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxacid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for abnormal heart rhythm e.g. quinidine, mexiletine
- medicines for anxiety or difficulty sleeping e.g. midazolam, diazepam
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. thioridazine, chlorpromazine, clomipramine
- medicines for cold or allergy e.g. chlorphenamine, cinnarizine, clemastine
- medicine for diarrhoea e.g. loperamide
- stomach medicines e.g. cimetidine, cisapride
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Dihydrocodeine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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