It's important to take dihydrocodeine as your doctor has asked you to. This is particularly important because dihydrocodeine can be addictive.
Dosage and strength
You'll usually start on a low dose of standard dihydrocodeine. Your doctor may increase this gradually until your pain is well controlled.
Standard tablets
Dihydrocodeine standard tablets come in different strengths. They contain 30mg or 40mg of dihydrocodeine.
The usual dose for adults and children aged 12 years and over is:
- 30mg tablet – take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours. The maximum dose in 24 hours is 6 tablets (180mg)
- 40mg tablet – take 1 or 2 tablets up to 3 times in 24 hours. The maximum dose in 24 hours is 6 tablets (240mg)
Slow-release tablets
Dihydrocodeine slow-release tablets contain 60mg, 90mg or 120mg of dihydrocodeine.
The usual dose for adults and children aged 12 years and over is:
- 60mg, 90mg or 120mg tablets – take 1 tablet taken every 12 hours
Liquid
The usual dose of dihydrocodeine liquid is one to three, 5ml spoonfuls taken every 4 to 6 hours. One 5ml spoonful or syringe measure has 10mg of dihydrocodeine in it.
Dose for children under 12
For children aged between 1 and 11 years, their dose is based on weight.
The usual dose is between 0.5mg and 1mg per kg of body weight. They can be given a maximum dose of up to 30mg every 4 to 6 hours.
How to take it
Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. It's best to take them with or soon after a meal or snack.
If you're taking dihydrocodeine as a liquid, it will come with a plastic medicine spoon or syringe to help you measure the correct amount. Ask a pharmacist for one if you do not have it.
Do not measure the liquid with a kitchen teaspoon because it will not give the right amount.
How long to take it for
This will depend on why you're taking dihydrocodeine.
If you're taking it for pain after an operation you may only need to take if for a short time.
You may need to take it for longer if you have a long-term pain or illness such as cancer.
Always check with a doctor if you want to stop taking dihydrocodeine.
It's possible that you could become dependent on dihydrocodeine and have withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly. These can include:
- yawning
- sneezing
- muscle twitching
- sweating
- feeling worried or anxious
- poor sleep
- pain, including stomach pain
- feeling or being sick
- feeling restless
If these happen to you, speak to a doctor. It may be possible to reduce your dose slowly to stop these from happening.
Important
If you have been taking dihydrocodeine for more than a few weeks do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take a dose, check the information leaflet inside the packet or ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice on what to do.
Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
If you take too much dihydrocodeine you may:
- feel very sleepy, sick or dizzy
- find it difficult to breathe
- become unconscious
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you take too much dihydrocodeine
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. If you need advice for a child under the age of 5 years, call 111.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if you or your child:
- find it difficult to breath
- become unconscious
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the dihydrocodeine packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.
How to store dihydrocodeine
If you have been prescribed dihydrocodeine, it's really important that you:
- store it properly and safely at home
- keep it out of the sight and reach of children
- do not give your medicine to anyone else
- return any unused dihydrocodeine to a pharmacy so they can throw it away in the right way