DHC continus (dihydrocodeine)

How does it work?

DHC continus prolonged release tablets contain the active ingredient dihydrocodeine, which is a type of medicine called an opioid painkiller.

Opioid painkillers work by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brain and spinal cord and reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors.

Dihydrocodeine mimicks the action of natural endorphins by combining with the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This blocks the transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt.

Dihydrocodeine is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

DHC continus tablets are known as 'prolonged release' tablets. They are designed to release the dihydrocodeine slowly and continuously over a few hours to provide prolonged pain relief. The tablets are taken every 12 hours. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not broken, chewed or crushed, as this would damage the prolonged release action. This could cause all the dihydrocodeine to be released at once, potentially leading to an overdose.

What is it used for?

Chronic (ongoing) severe pain, for example due to cancer.

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

If this medicine is taken regularly for long periods of time, the body can become tolerant to it and it may become less effective at relieving pain. With prolonged use, the body may also become dependent on the dihydrocodeine. As a result, when you then stop taking the medicine you may get withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness and irritability.

Prolonged use of a painkiller for headaches can make them worse.

Use with caution in

Elderly people

Decreased liver function

Decreased kidney function

Asthma

Underactive thyroid gland

Enlarged prostate gland

Constipation

Obstruction of the bowel

Disorders of the bile ducts

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

Enlargement of a chamber (right ventricle) of the heart (cor pulmonale)

History of drug dependence or abuse.

Not to be used in

Children under 12 years of age

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

People having an asthma attack

Alcohol intoxication

Paralysis or inactivity in the intestines that prevents material moving through the gut (paralytic ileus)

People with a head injury or raised pressure inside the skull (raised intracranial pressure)

Rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption (DHC continus tablets contain lactose).

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Small amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should be avoided in women who are breastfeeding, unless considered essential by your doctor and the potential benefits to the mother outweigh any possible risks of dihydrocodeine on the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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