Dihydrocodeine

Price range: £ 39.99 through £ 96.99

Limited Dihydrocodeine stock remaining due to nationwide shortage. Secure yours by ordering now before it’s gone.

Dihydrocodeine 30mg tablets are an opioid painkiller. This medicine is used to treat moderate to severe pain, such as after an operation or a serious injury (Wotherspoon et al (1991)).

It’s also used for long-term chronic pain if weaker painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin, have not worked (NHS,2022).

Dihydrocodeine tablets work by blocking pain signals from the central nervous system and the brain.

It comes as standard tablets, slow-release tablets and as a liquid that you swallow. It can also be given by an injection into the muscle or under the skin. This is usually done in hospitals.

Dihydrocodeine Key Features

  • An effective opioid slow release painkiller
  • Helps treat moderate to severe pain
  • Provides effective pain relief
  • 100% genuine medication
  • Shipped from registered pharmacies

Dihydrocodeine is used to treat various medical conditions. Learn more about the 10 types of pain dihydrocodeine may help relieve.

This medicine is also used to treat chronic pain. You can learn more about its role in chronic pain management in our in-depth article.

Price range: £ 39.99 through £ 96.99

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At Evercare Meds, our qualified pharmacists and dispensers will aim to dispatch your specific brand choice of medication, but due sporadic fluctuations in our stock levels, we may have to dispatch an alternative brand of your requested product to complete your order.

Order by 3:30pm on a weekday to ensure your order is picked, processed and dispatched the same day, orders after 3:30pm will be dispatched on the next working day.

Please note: Next-day Delivery UK orders between 3:30pm on Friday and 4pm on Monday are delivered on Tuesday, unless if you have opted for Saturday or Monday Delivery.

Royal Mail Delivery Charges:

Order on Monday - Thursday
Next-day Special Delivery (before 1pm):
£10.50


Order on Friday
Next-day Saturday Special Delivery (before 1pm):
£15.50


Order on Saturday (cut-off 10.30am)
Monday Special Delivery (before 1pm):
£10.50


Bank holiday Mondays are a public holidays and therefore, Royal Mail do not operate a delivery service on these days, this also applies to all other public holidays such as Easter, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day (1st).

If you order your parcel on a Bank Holiday weekend, it will be dispatched on Tuesday and delivery will take place on the Wednesday.

 

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Description

Dihydrocodeine 30mg tablets are an opioid painkiller. This medicine is used to treat moderate to severe pain, such as after an operation or a serious injury (Wotherspoon et al (1991)).

It’s also used for long-term chronic pain if weaker painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin, have not worked (NHS,2022).

It works by blocking pain signals from the central nervous system and the brain.

Key facts about Dihydrocodeine

It comes as standard tablets, slow-release tablets and as a liquid that you swallow. It can also be given by an injection into the muscle or under the skin. This is usually done in hospital.

  • Standard dihydrocodeine tablets take between 1 and a half and 2 hours to work fully. Slow-release tablets may take longer to work but they last longer.
  • 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, and constipation.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, dihydrocodeine can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones.You’re more likely to have side effects if you take the higher strengths of dihydrocodeine.

Common side effects

These common side effects of dihydrocodeine happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

  • Constipation
  • Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
  • Feeling sleepy
  • Confusion, feeling dizzy and vertigo (a sensation of spinning)
  • Dry mouth
  • Headaches

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects happen in less than 1 in 100 people.Call a doctor or call 111 now if you:

  • get muscle stiffness
  • feel dizzy, tired and have low energy – this could be a sign of low blood pressure (hypotension)

Dosage Recommendation

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

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)

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.

FAQ's

What is the recommended dosage of Dihydrocodeine 30mg Tablets?

The usual dosage of Dihydrocodeine 30mg tablets for adults and children over 12 is 30 mg every 4–6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 240 mg daily. It is not recommended for children under 12. Elderly patients or those with liver or kidney issues may need adjusted doses. Always follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid side effects or dependency.

Are there any potential side effects of taking Dihydrocodeine 30mg Tablets?

Yes, potential side effects of Dihydrocodeine 30mg tablets include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, and headache. Serious side effects, such as respiratory depression or dependency, can occur with misuse or prolonged use. Always follow your doctor’s advice and report unusual symptoms promptly.

Can you drive or operate machinery while taking Dihydrocodeine 30mg Tablets?

It is not recommended to drive or operate machinery while taking Dihydrocodeine 30mg tablets, as it can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired concentration. Always assess how the medication affects you before engaging in such activities.

Can dihydrocodeine 30mg tablets be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Dihydrocodeine 30mg tablets are generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks to the baby, including dependency or respiratory issues. Always consult your doctor before use.

Can Dihydrocodeine 30mg Tablets be taken with other medications?

Dihydrocodeine 30mg tablets may interact with other medications, including sedatives, antidepressants, and alcohol, increasing the risk of side effects. Always inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Dihydrocodeine 30mg Tablets?

No, you should avoid alcohol while taking Dihydrocodeine 30mg tablets, as it can increase the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and respiratory depression.

Whats the difference between Dihydrocodeine and Codeine?

For a detailed explanation of the differences, visit our article about the key differences.

What conditions can Dihydrocodeine treat or manage?

Dihydrocodeine is used to treat a range of medical conditions, so the list can be quite extensive. However, we’ve highlighted the top 5 conditions dihydrocodeine is most commonly prescribed for.

Brands

Select dihydrocodeine with confidence from our trusted UK brands. Each provides premium‑quality 30mg tablets, fully licensed and regulated to deliver safe, effective pain relief.

Accord Healthcare

  • Product details: 30mg dihydrocodeine tablets supplied in standard packs (typically 28, 30, or 100 tablets).
  • Quality & compliance: Accord is a leading UK generic manufacturer known for strict MHRA compliance and reliable supply.
  • Tablet specifics: Tablets may differ slightly in shape or inactive ingredients, but all are designed for easy oral administration and clinically equivalent pain control.
  • Suitability: Appropriate for moderate to severe pain when standard analgesics do not suffice. Meets NHS standards for prescription in hospitals and pharmacies.

Bristol Laboratories

  • Product details: 30mg dihydrocodeine tablets, generally packaged in 28 tablets per box (often split into 2 x 14 tablets).
  • Quality & compliance: Bristol Laboratories is an established UK pharmaceutical supplier focused on safety, efficacy, and patient trust.
  • Tablet specifics: Formulation and pack size are nearly identical to Accord, with minor differences possible in tablet appearance.
  • Suitability: Approved for NHS dispensing; recommended for patients requiring effective, regulated opioid analgesia.

Almus

  • Product details: 30mg dihydrocodeine tablets, in standard UK pack sizes.
  • Quality & compliance: Almus provides high-quality generics, frequently used by NHS pharmacies as a cost-effective option.
  • Tablet specifics: Tablets match regulatory standards for bio-equivalence and safety; excipient profiles may differ minimally but do not affect clinical outcomes.
  • Suitability: Almus is a trusted choice for generic dihydrocodeine, ensuring equivalent pain relief regardless of minor brand-specific differences.

Product Selection Tips

  • All listed brands meet strict UK safety and efficacy standards.
  • For allergies or excipient sensitivities, check the patient information leaflet or consult your pharmacist.
  • Brand choice rarely affects effectiveness or safety; “Any Brand” ensures rapid supply at best value for most patients.
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