Dihydrocodeine is used to relieve moderate to severe pain, particularly that caused by menstrual cramps and the pain and discomfort of labor, childbirth, and breast-feeding. Dihydrocodeine is also used to treat mild to severe cough. It comes in tablets. The tablet form works about as well as the syrup, but it has fewer side effects. As it is a combination drug, it does not have the same strong respiratory depressant effects as codeine.
However, like codeine, it is absorbed well by the stomach lining. Dihydrocodeine should not be taken by people with severe kidney problems because it may damage their kidneys. Taking dihydrocodeine increases your chances of developing Dihydrocodeine bnf constipation. This is because it stimulates certain parts of your gut and slows down the movement of waste through your bowels.
The recommended dose is one-sixth of a normal dose of codeine. When you are taking the drug for pain, your doctor should determine if you are sensitive to the drug and take special precautions to avoid overdose.
This product is manufactured by Pfizer. There are different forms of Dihydrocodeine including tablets, liquid, syrup, and gel capsules. To buy dihydrocodeine, contact your local pharmacy. However, you can also buy online.