Dihydrocodeine Continus 90mg: Uses, Dosage and Safety Information in the UK

Dihydrocodeine Continus 90mg uses dosage UK is an important topic for people who want to understand this prolonged-release opioid medicine. Dihydrocodeine can provide pain relief for severe pain in certain chronic conditions.

Because dihydrocodeine is an opioid, it can cause drowsiness, constipation, dependence and other serious side effects. Therefore, patients should use it only as prescribed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

For general information about dihydrocodeine, see the NHS guide to dihydrocodeine.

What Is Dihydrocodeine Continus 90mg?

Dihydrocodeine is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic. The medicine acts on opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system to reduce the way the body perceives pain.

Dihydrocodeine Continus is a prolonged-release formulation. It releases the medicine gradually, which helps maintain its effect over the dosing interval.

The 90mg prolonged-release formulation is indicated for the relief of severe pain associated with cancer and other chronic conditions.

What Is Dihydrocodeine Used For?

Healthcare professionals may prescribe dihydrocodeine when patients require opioid pain relief.

It may be considered for severe pain associated with conditions such as:

• Cancer-related pain
• Other chronic pain conditions
• Pain that requires an opioid analgesic

The appropriate treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pain. Your doctor will also consider your medical history and other medicines before prescribing an opioid.

How Does Dihydrocodeine Work?

Dihydrocodeine acts on opioid receptors in the central nervous system. As a result, it reduces the perception of pain and can alter the emotional response associated with pain.

However, opioids can also affect breathing, alertness and gastrointestinal function. For this reason, doctors carefully assess the risks and benefits before prescribing treatment.

Dihydrocodeine Continus 90mg Dosage

Dihydrocodeine Continus 90mg uses dosage UK information should always be considered alongside your individual prescription.

The current UK product information states that the usual dose for adults and children over 12 years is one 90mg prolonged-release tablet every 12 hours. Older people may require a lower dose.

Do not use this information to change your prescribed dose. Your doctor may adjust treatment according to your pain, medical condition and response to the medicine.

Important Administration Instructions

Dihydrocodeine prolonged-release tablets must be swallowed whole with water.

Do not:

• Crush the tablet.
• Chew the tablet.
• Break the tablet unless your specific product information says otherwise.
• Take more than your prescribed amount.
• Change the dosing schedule without medical advice.

Crushing, chewing or breaking a prolonged-release tablet can cause the medicine to release too quickly and may result in a potentially dangerous overdose.

Possible Side Effects

Dihydrocodeine can cause side effects. Some effects are more likely when treatment begins or when the dose changes.

Common problems may include:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth

Opioids can also cause respiratory depression, particularly with excessive doses or combinations with other medicines or substances that suppress the central nervous system.

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop severe breathing difficulties, extreme drowsiness, loss of consciousness or another serious reaction.

Dihydrocodeine and Dependence

Dihydrocodeine can cause tolerance, physical dependence and addiction. Therefore, patients should use the medicine exactly as prescribed.

UK product information recommends discussing a strategy for ending opioid treatment before therapy begins. When treatment is no longer necessary, your doctor may gradually reduce the dose to help minimise withdrawal symptoms.

Possible withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or stomach cramps

Do not stop regular treatment suddenly unless a healthcare professional tells you to do so.

Important Safety Precautions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history before starting dihydrocodeine.

Particular care may be needed if you have:

• Breathing problems
• Severe asthma or chronic lung disease
• Liver or kidney problems
• A history of medicine dependence or substance misuse
• Other conditions that can increase opioid-related risks

Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you take because some combinations can increase sedation or respiratory depression.

Dihydrocodeine and Alcohol

Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of opioid medicines. Therefore, discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor or pharmacist and follow the advice provided with your prescription.

You should also exercise caution with other medicines that cause drowsiness.

Dihydrocodeine and Driving

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

Do not drive if the medicine makes you sleepy, dizzy or unable to concentrate properly.

For current UK information about medicine-related driving restrictions, visit GOV.UK drug-driving guidance.

Dihydrocodeine Continus 90mg in the UK

Dihydrocodeine 90mg prolonged-release tablets are listed in the current UK medicines information and are available as prescription medicines. The NHS also identifies DHC Continus as a brand name for dihydrocodeine.

For authoritative product information, see the electronic Medicines Compendium (emc).

When to Speak to a Healthcare Professional

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if your pain remains uncontrolled, your medicine causes troublesome side effects or you have concerns about dependence.

You should also seek advice before taking other medicines alongside dihydrocodeine.

For general medicine information, you can visit the NHS medicines guide.

Summary

Dihydrocodeine Continus 90mg is a prolonged-release opioid medicine used for severe pain in certain chronic conditions. It works through opioid receptors in the central nervous system to reduce the perception of pain.

Because dihydrocodeine can cause dependence, respiratory depression and other serious side effects, patients should follow their prescription carefully. Do not crush or chew prolonged-release tablets, and never change your dose without medical advice.