The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 265 No 7122 p709
November 11, 2000 Clinical

Advice to patients

(49) Dihydrocodeine tablets

1. Dihydrocodeine is a type of pain killer.
2. It is sometimes suggested that these tablets are taken with or after food but this is not essential.
3. The tablets can make you feel drowsy. If you feel drowsy do not drive. Alcohol can make drowsiness worse and is best avoided.
4. Dihydrocodeine can have some other unwanted effects. Nausea, constipation, head-che and dizziness can occur. Tell your doctor if these or any other side effects are persistent or troublesome. Eating foods that contain plenty of fibre and drinking plenty of fluid will help prevent constipation.
5. Problems can occur if dihydrocodeine is taken with some other medicines. Are you taking any other prescribed medicines or medicines you have bought?

This series of “advice tips” on commonly used drugs is written by pharmacists from the Sussex Pharmacy Academic Practice Unit. It is intended as a reminder of points to be made by pharmacists as they hand out dispensed medicines. Cards for sale: Sets of 50 “tips” are now available for sale as 12 x 15cm cards, supplied with a ring binder, at a cost of £18 (UK); £22 (elsewhere). For those who already have the first 25 cards and binder, cards 26-50 are available separately at a cost of £8 (UK); £11 (elsewhere). Orders should be sent to Pharmacy Practice Consultants, 12 Firle Road, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0NZ, with cheques payable to Pharmacy Practice Consultants.

By Carina and Duncan Livingstone