Dihydrocodeine Continus 60mg: Uses, Dosage and Safety Information in the UK

Dihydrocodeine Continus 60mg uses dosage UK is an important topic for people who want to understand this modified-release opioid medicine. Dihydrocodeine can help manage moderate to severe pain when a healthcare professional considers opioid treatment appropriate.

Because dihydrocodeine can cause drowsiness, constipation, dependence and potentially serious breathing problems, patients should use it exactly as prescribed. In the UK, dihydrocodeine is available on prescription. (NHS)

For general information about this medicine, visit the NHS dihydrocodeine guide.

What Is Dihydrocodeine Continus 60mg?

Dihydrocodeine is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic. It acts on opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system to reduce the perception of pain.

Dihydrocodeine Continus 60mg is a modified-release formulation. It releases the medicine gradually, which allows the treatment to provide longer-lasting pain relief than immediate-release preparations.

The 60mg strength forms part of the range of prolonged-release dihydrocodeine tablets used for pain management. (NHS)

What Is Dihydrocodeine Used For?

Healthcare professionals may prescribe dihydrocodeine for moderate to severe pain.

Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment may be considered for:

• Severe chronic pain
• Cancer-related pain
• Pain that requires opioid treatment
• Conditions where other pain medicines have not provided adequate relief

Your doctor will assess the cause and severity of your pain before deciding whether dihydrocodeine is appropriate.

How Does Dihydrocodeine Work?

Dihydrocodeine binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. As a result, it changes how the brain processes pain signals and reduces the sensation of pain.

The modified-release formulation then releases dihydrocodeine gradually over time. Therefore, it can provide sustained pain relief between doses.

However, opioid medicines can also affect alertness, breathing and digestive function. For this reason, healthcare professionals carefully balance the benefits and risks of treatment.

Dihydrocodeine Continus 60mg Uses and Dosage

Dihydrocodeine Continus 60mg uses dosage UK information should always be considered alongside your own prescription.

NHS guidance states that slow-release dihydrocodeine tablets are available in 60mg, 90mg and 120mg strengths. The usual dosing interval for these prolonged-release tablets is every 12 hours, although your prescriber may adjust treatment according to your individual circumstances. (NHS)

The 60mg strength is not automatically suitable for every patient. Your doctor may choose a different strength based on your pain, previous opioid treatment and overall health.

Do not change your dose without speaking with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to Take Dihydrocodeine Continus

Take Dihydrocodeine Continus exactly as directed by your healthcare professional.

For safer administration:

• Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• Do not crush or chew the modified-release tablet.
• Follow the dosing schedule on your prescription.
• Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
• Do not share your medicine with anyone else.
• Ask your pharmacist what to do if you miss a dose.

Swallowing the tablet whole helps maintain the intended modified-release action. Crushing or chewing a prolonged-release opioid tablet can cause the medicine to be released too quickly. (NHS)

Possible Side Effects

Like other opioid medicines, dihydrocodeine can cause side effects.

Common side effects include:

• Constipation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth

Some people experience more pronounced drowsiness when treatment starts or when the dose changes. (NHS)

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if side effects become troublesome or interfere with your normal activities.

Serious Side Effects

Dihydrocodeine can cause serious side effects, particularly after an excessive dose or when combined with other medicines that depress the central nervous system.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Severe difficulty breathing
• Extreme sleepiness
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe confusion
• A serious allergic reaction

If someone takes too much dihydrocodeine, they may develop severe drowsiness, slow or difficult breathing and unconsciousness. (NHS)

Dihydrocodeine and Dependence

Regular use of dihydrocodeine can lead to tolerance, physical dependence and addiction. Consequently, patients should use the medicine exactly as prescribed.

If you have taken dihydrocodeine regularly for an extended period, do not stop suddenly without medical advice. Your doctor may reduce the dose gradually to help minimise withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Anxiety or restlessness
• Sweating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort

For advice about reducing opioid treatment, speak directly with your prescribing healthcare professional.

Dihydrocodeine and Other Medicines

Some medicines can increase the sedative effects of dihydrocodeine. Therefore, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, supplements and herbal products you use.

In particular, discuss:

• Other opioid medicines
• Sleeping medicines
• Tranquillisers
• Medicines for anxiety
• Some antidepressants
• Medicines that can cause drowsiness

For information about another prescription pain medicine, you can also read our Co-codamol 30/500mg information.

Dihydrocodeine and Alcohol

Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of opioid medicines. As a result, combining alcohol with dihydrocodeine may increase drowsiness and other risks.

Discuss alcohol use with your healthcare professional and follow the advice given with your prescription.

Dihydrocodeine and Driving

Dihydrocodeine can cause dizziness, sleepiness and reduced alertness. These effects can make driving or operating machinery unsafe.

Do not drive if you feel sleepy, dizzy, impaired or unable to concentrate properly.

For another prescription pain-relief medicine, see our Codeine Phosphate 30mg information.

Storing Dihydrocodeine Continus 60mg

Store your medicine according to the instructions supplied with the product.

For safe storage:

• Keep the tablets in their original packaging.
• Store them according to the temperature instructions on the product packaging.
• Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not give your medicine to another person.
• Return unwanted or unused tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

Keep opioid medicines secure because accidental ingestion can cause serious harm.

Dihydrocodeine Continus 60mg in the UK

Dihydrocodeine is a prescription-only opioid medicine in the UK. The NHS lists DHC Continus among the brand names associated with dihydrocodeine. (NHS)

Patients should use this medicine only under appropriate medical supervision and follow the instructions provided by their prescriber or pharmacist.

For detailed professional information, consult the electronic Medicines Compendium.

When to Speak to a Healthcare Professional

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if:

• Your pain remains difficult to control.
• You experience troublesome side effects.
• You are concerned about dependence.
• You want to reduce or stop treatment.
• You take other medicines that may cause drowsiness.
• You think you may have taken too much medicine.

Prompt medical advice can help reduce the risk of complications and ensure that your treatment remains appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is Dihydrocodeine Continus 60mg taken?

Slow-release dihydrocodeine tablets are generally taken at 12-hour intervals, although your individual prescription may differ. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions. (NHS)

Can I crush or chew Dihydrocodeine Continus?

No. Modified-release tablets should be swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing them can interfere with the intended release of the medicine. (NHS)

Can dihydrocodeine cause dependence?

Yes. Regular use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor can advise on a gradual reduction when treatment needs to end.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose. Check the instructions supplied with your medicine or speak with your pharmacist for advice.

Summary

Dihydrocodeine Continus 60mg is a modified-release opioid medicine that healthcare professionals may prescribe for moderate to severe pain. The prolonged-release formulation provides sustained exposure to the medicine, while the correct dose depends on the patient’s individual circumstances. (NHS)

Because dihydrocodeine can cause dependence, drowsiness, constipation and serious breathing problems, patients should follow their prescription carefully.

For reliable patient information, visit the NHS dihydrocodeine guide.