Dihydrocodeine: dosage and how to take
Dihydrocodeine is a strong painkiller. It is only prescribed when other painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or codeine have not help relieve pain.
Dihydrocodeine is available as 30mg tablets, 40mg tablets (DF118 Forte brand) and 60mg, 90mg and 120mg prolonged release tablets (DHC Continus brand).
The dose of dihydrocodeine you need to take and how often to take it will depend on how bad your pain is and what form of dihydrocodeine you've been prescribed. Some general recommendations are given below, but always follow the instructions given by your doctor. These will also be printed on the dispensing label that your pharmacist has put on the packet of medicine.
Taking dihydrocodeine 30mg tablets
To relieve moderate to severe pain, the usual dose for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over is one 30mg tablet taken every four to six hours as needed to relieve pain. However, always follow the instructions given by your doctor. Your doctor may recommend taking the medicine on a regular basis, or only when needed to relieve pain.
These tablets should be swallowed with a drink. They can be taken either with or without food.
If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember and then carry on as before. Always leave at least four hours between doses. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Taking DF118 Forte tablets
To relieve severe pain, the usual dose for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over is one or two 40mg tablets taken three times a day. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor.
The tablets should be swallowed with a drink. They should preferably be taken with or after food.
If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case leave out the missed dose and carry on as before. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Taking DHC Continus tablets
To relieve severe chronic pain, the usual dose for adults and adolescents aged over 12 years is 60mg to 120mg taken every 12 hours. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor. Take your tablets at the same times each day, eg 8am and 8pm.
DHC Continus tablets must be swallowed whole with a drink. These tablets must not be broken, crushed or chewed, as this would damage their prolonged-release action and could cause all the dihydrocodeine to be released at once, potentially leading to an overdose.
The tablets can be taken either with or without food.
If you forget to take a dose at your usual time you should take it as soon as you remember, providing it is not more than four hours late. Then take your next dose as usual at your usual time. If you forget to take a dose and it is more than four hours late you should leave out the missed dose and just take your next dose as usual when it is due. In this situation you should get advice from your doctor or pharmacist because you may need another form of pain relief. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much dihydrocodeine?
Dihydrocodeine has severe and potentially fatal side effects in an overdose. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor.
If you accidentally take too much dihydrocodeine, or if you become very sleepy or have slow and/or shallow breathing after taking it, you or your carer should contact your doctor immediately or call for emergency help.
Read more about dihydrocodeine
Last updated: 13.09.2020
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