Description
Dihydrocodeine is an opiate painkiller. It’s used to treat moderate to severe pain, such as after an operation or a serious injury. It’s also used for long-standing pain when weaker painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin, have not worked. Dihydrocodeine is only available on prescription.
- Dihydrocodeine works by stopping pain signals traveling along the nerves to the brain.
- Standard dihydrocodeine tablets take 1.5 to 2 hours to work fully.
- It’s possible to become addicted to dihydrocodeine, but your doctor will explain how to reduce the risks of becoming addicted.
- If you need to take dihydrocodeine for more than a few weeks, your treatment plan may include details of how and when to stop taking this medicine.
- The most common side effects are feeling or being sick, feeling drowsy or constipation.
