UK medication information
Clear, evidence-based information on dihydrocodeine — what it’s used for, the forms it comes in, its side effects, interactions and important safety points. Written to help you understand your medicine, not to replace your doctor or pharmacist.
Reviewed against NHS, emc and MHRA sources. For general information only — not a substitute for medical advice.
Prescription-only opioid analgesic · available as immediate-release, modified-release and liquid forms
Dihydrocodeine 30mg Tablet is a prescription-only opioid analgesic, closely related to codeine, used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It works in the central nervous system to change how the brain perceives pain signals.
It’s available as immediate-release tablets, modified-release tablets (such as DHC Continus), an oral solution, and in combination products like co-dydramol.
In the UK, dihydrocodeine is available as:
• Immediate-release tablets (commonly 30mg), for short-term or as-needed pain relief
• Modified-release tablets (brands such as DHC Continus), taken less often because the medicine is released more slowly
• Oral solution, for people who find tablets difficult to swallow
• Combination products, such as co-dydramol (dihydrocodeine with paracetamol)
It’s a controlled drug in the UK, meaning its prescribing, dispensing and storage are subject to additional legal rules (more on this below).
Detailed information on every aspect of dihydrocodeine, from how it’s used to how it’s stopped.
The types of pain it treats, and how acute and chronic use differ.
Available strengths, immediate-release vs modified-release, and how it’s taken.
Common and serious side effects, and when to seek urgent help.
Alcohol, benzodiazepines, sedatives and other medicines to be aware of.
Tolerance, dependence, withdrawal symptoms and safe tapering.
Quick, direct answers to the questions people ask most.
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It attaches to receptors in the brain and spinal cord that process pain.
This alters how the brain interprets pain signals from the body, reducing the sensation of pain.
Because these receptors affect other functions too, it can also cause drowsiness and slowed breathing — why it’s monitored carefully.
Central nervous system
Be aware of who needs extra care, and what to do if something feels seriously wrong.
Call 999 or go to A&E for severe breathing difficulty, blue-tinged lips or skin, unresponsiveness, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.
If you’re unsure whether a symptom is serious, NHS 111 can advise.
Quick answers — see the full FAQ page for more.
It relieves moderate to severe pain, such as after surgery, injury, or for certain long-term pain conditions where weaker painkillers haven’t been enough.
The two aren’t directly interchangeable via a simple strength comparison, as they’re metabolised differently. A doctor decides what’s suitable for you.
It’s generally advised to avoid alcohol, as it can increase drowsiness and the risk of serious side effects.
Yes, particularly with regular or long-term use — which is why it’s usually prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time.
This varies between individuals, but opioids like dihydrocodeine are generally detectable in urine for a period of days after the last dose.