Dihydrocodeine Tablets Bp 30mg
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Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist • This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours • If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
In this leaflet:
1. What Dihydrocodeine is and what it is used for
2. Before you take Dihydrocodeine
3. How to take Dihydrocodeine
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Dihydrocodeine
6. Further information.
Dihydrocodeine belongs to a group of medicines called analgesics. Dihydrocodeine is a strong pain killer used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
DIHYDROCODEINE 30 mg TABLETS BP
(Dihydrocodeine)
• are recovering from a head injury or have had an infection which may have affected your brain.
Do not take for longer than directed by your prescriber.
Taking dihydrocodeine regularly for a long time can lead to addiction, which might cause you to feel restless and irritable when you stop taking the tablets.
Taking a painkiller for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse.
Taking other medicines - Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, or the following:
• Metoclopramide, used to prevent you feeling sick
• Mexiletine, used to treat a heart condition
• any sedatives or "sleeping tablets" eg. Diazepam
• medicines used to treat depression called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) eg. Phenelzine.
Do not take Dihydrocodeine if you:
• are allergic (hypersensitive) to dihydrocodeine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• suffer from breathing problems (for example asthma or bronchitis) or shortness of breath.
Take special care with Dihydrocodeine - You should tell your doctor before taking this medicine if you:
• suffer from asthma, especially if you are having an asthma attack
• have liver or kidney problems
• are being treated for an underactive thyroid gland
Taking Dihydrocodeine with food and drink - Dihydrocodeine should be taken during or after a meal to reduce the likelihood of stomach upset. Do not drink alcohol while being treated with this medicine, because it may make you feel very sleepy.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding -
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Driving and using machines - Do
not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy while taking this medicine.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Dihydrocodeine -
This medicine contains lactose. If your doctor has told you that you have an intolerance to some sugars, such as lactose, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
Always take Dihydrocodeine exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Do not take your tablets more often or for longer than your doctor has advised. Taking a pain killer for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse. Swallow the tablets during or after a meal.
Adults (over 12 years of age) - The
usual dose is one 30 mg tablet. However, if more pain relief is needed, the dose may be increased to two 30 mg tablets every 4 to 6 hours. No more than 6 tablets should be taken in any 24 hour period.
Elderly and patients with liver, kidney or thyroid problems - Your doctor may reduce your dose of Dihydrocodeine.
Children (over 4 years of age) -
Your doctor will advise how much Dihydrocodeine should be given, this will depend on the weight of the child.
If you take more Dihydrocodeine than you should - Contact your doctor or nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Take the container and any remaining tablets with you.
If you forget to take Dlhydrocodelne -
Take the next dose as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you stop taking Dihydrocodeine -
If you have been taking Dihydrocodeine for a long time and suddenly stop taking you may experience side effects. Speak to your doctor first before stopping this medicine.
everybody gets them. These may include: • feeling sick • headache • feeling of spinning, dizziness • difficulty or delay in emptying your bowels (constipation)
• difficulty passing urine. These side effects can occur more often if you are taking a higher dose of Dihydrocodeine.
If any side effect gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use Dihydrocodeine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store in a dry place below 25°C. Protect from light. Medicines should not be disposed of via waste-water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
| 6. FURTHER INFORMATION |
What Dihydrocodeine contains -
The active substance is dihydrocodeine 30 mg. The other ingredients are lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycollate and magnesium stearate.
What Dihydrocodeine looks like and contents of the pack - Your medicine comes as a white tablet. The tablets are marked "DH" breakline "30" on one side and "G" on the other. Dihydocodeine is available in blisters or plastic bottles of 5, 7, 10, 14, 15, 20, 21, 25, 28, 30, 56, 60, 84, 90, 100, 112, 120, 168, 180 and 500 (plastic bottles only).
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer - Generics [UK] Limited, Station Close, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 1TL, United Kingdom.
Like all medicines, Dihydrocodeine can cause side effects, although not
Date of revision: December 2008
LT1377AB
10001804