DIHYDROCODEINE TABLETS BP 30mg

Each tablet contains 30mg Dihydrocodeine Tartrate .

White uncoated tablets.

1) As an analgesic for the relief of moderate to severe pain. Dihydrocodeine Tablets 30mg are indicated in all painful conditions where an alert patient is desired, eg sciatica, osteo-arthritis, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of the spine, peripheral vascular disease, post-herpetic neuralgia, Paget's disease, malignant disease, post-operative pain.

Because dihydrocodeine, in the recommended doses, causes little or no respiratory depression, its use in the treatment of post-operative pain may reduce the risk of chest complications.

The analgesic effect is not materially enhanced by increasing the dose above that recommended below; in severe cases the interval between doses should be reduced to obtain the requisite analgesic cover.

It is recommended that this product should be taken during or after food.

Adults: 1 tablet every four to six hours or at the discretion of the practitioner.

Children under 12 years: A more suitable dosage form is recommended for this age group (e.g. elixir).

Elderly: Dosage should be reduced in the elderly.

For oral use.

• Hypersensitivity to dihydrocodeine or any of the excipients

• Respiratory depression

• Obstructive airways disease

• Acute alcoholism

• Risk of paralytic ileus

• Head injuries or conditions in which intracranial pressure is raised.

Dihydrocodeine should be given in reduced doses or with caution to patients with asthma and decreased respiratory reserve. Avoid use during an acute asthma attack.

Dihydrocodeine should be avoided, or the dose reduced in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.

Dihydrocodeine should be given in reduced doses or with caution to;

debiltated patients, adrenocortical insuffciency, prostatic hyperplasia, urethral stricture,hypotension, shock, inflammatory or obstructive bowel disorders, hypothyroidism orconvulsive disorders.

However, these conditions should not necessarily be a deterrent to use in palliative care.

Use in caution in those with a history of drug abuse.

Alcohol should be avoided whilst under treatment with dihydrocodeine.

Contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactose deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

The risk-benefit of continued use should be assessed regularly by the prescriber.

The leaflet will state in a prominent position in the 'before taking' section:

• 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 the tablets.

• Taking a pain killer for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse.

The label will state (To be displayed prominently on outer pack – not boxed):

• Do not take for longer than directed by your prescriber as taking dihydrocodeine regularly for a long time can lead to addiction.

Dihydrocodeine may cause the release of histamine; hence this product should not be administered during an asthmatic attack and should be administered with caution in patients with allergic disorders.

The depressant effects of opioid analgesics are enhanced by other CNS depressants such as;

• Alcohol-enhanced hypotensive, sedative effect and respiratory depression

• Anaesthetics- may increase anaesthetic and sedative effect

• Sedating antihistamines-may ehance the CNS depressive effects when taken with opioids.

• Anxiolytics or Hypnotics-may enhance CNS depressive effects when taken with opioids

• Tricyclic antidepressants-may enhance CNS depressive effects when taken with opioids

• Antipsychotics-enhanced hypotensive, sedative effect

• MAOIs taken with pethidine have been associated with severe CNS excitation or depression. Although this has not been documented with dihydrocodeine, it is possible that a similar interaction may occur with other opioid analgesics.

Dihydrocodeine may antagonise the gastrointestinal effects metoclopramide and domperidone.

Cyclizine may counteract the haemodynamic benefits of opioids.

Dihydrocodeine may delay absorption of mexiletine.

Cimetidine may inhibit the metabolism of opioids

Whilst there is no adequate evidence of safety in human pregnancy, dihydrocodeine has been widely used without apparent ill-effect for many years and studies in animals have not yet demonstrated any hazard. The administration of opioid analgesics during labour may cause respiratory depression in the new-born infant, therefore administration should be avoided during the later stages of pregnancy.

Babies born to opioid-dependant mothers may suffer withdrawal symptoms.

Dihydrocodeine passes into breast milk in very small amounts which are probably insignificant, however, it is recommended that administration should be avoided if the mother is breast feeding.

Dihydrocodeine may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery.

Effects such as paraesthsia, dizziness, vertigo, muscle ridgity, visual disturbances, drowsiness, confusion and hallucinations may occur. Do not drive or operate machinery if affected.

Skin disorders; rash, urticaria, pruritius, sweating.

Central and peripheral nervous system disorders; paraesthesia, dizziness, headache, vertigo, respiratory depression. Muscle rigidity has been reported after high doses.

Vision disorders; visual disturbances, miosis.

Psychiatric disorders; drowsiness, changes of mood, confusion, sexual dysfunction, hallucinations, euphoria.

Gastro-intestinal system disorders; dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation.

Liver and biliary system disorders; biliary spasm which may be associated with alterations in liver enzyme values.

Cardiovascular disorders general; hypotension.

Heart rate and rhythm disorders; bradycardia, tachycardia, palpitations.

Vascular (extracardiac) disorders; facial flushing.

Urinary systems disorders; Micturition may be difficult and there may be ureteric spasm.

Body as a whole, general; oedema.

• Regular prolonged use of dihydrocodeine is known to lead to addiction and tolerance. Symptoms of restlessness and irritability may result when treatment is then stopped.

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

The effects in overdosage will be potentiated by simultaneous ingestion of alcohol and psychotropic drugs.

Symptoms

Central nervous system depression, including respiratory depression, may develop but is unlikely to be severe unless other sedative agents have been co-ingested, including alcohol, or the overdose is very large. The pupils may be pin-point in size; nausea and vomiting are common. Hypotension and tachycardia are possible but unlikely.

Management

This should include general symptomatic and supportive measures including a clear airway and monitoring of vital signs until stable. Consider activated charcoal if an adult presents within one hour of ingestion of more than 350 mg or a child more than 5 mg/kg.

Give naloxone if coma or respiratory depression is present. Naloxone is a competitive antagonist and has a short half-life so large and repeated doses may be required in a seriously poisoned patient. Observe for at least four hours after ingestion, or eight hours if a sustained release preparation has been taken.

ATC code N02A A08

Dihydrocodeine tartrate is an analgesic with uses similar to those of morphine but it is much less potent as an analgesic and has only mild sedative effects.

Dihydrocodeine is well absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma levels occur 1.6 - 1.8 hours after ingestion. After oral administration the bioavailability of the drug is approximately 20%, indicating that the pre-systemic metabolism plays a substantial role in reducing the bioavailability of dihydrocodeine. Dihydrocodeine is excreted in the urine as unchanged drug and metabolites. The mean elimination half life ranges between 3.5 – 5 hours.

Not applicable.

Also contains: colloidal silica, lactose, magnesium stearate, maize starch, E460.

None known.

Shelf-life

Three years from the date of manufacture.

Shelf-life after dilution/reconstitution

Not applicable.

Shelf-life after first opening

Not applicable.

Store below 25°C in a dry place.

Protect from light.

The product containers are rigid injection moulded polypropylene or injection blow-moulded polyethylene containers and snap-on polyethylene lids; in case any supply difficulties should arise the alternative is amber glass containers with screw caps. An alternative closure for polyethylene containers is a polypropylene, twist on, push down and twist off child-resistant, tamper-evident lid.

The product may also be supplied in blister packs and cartons:

a) Carton: Printed carton manufactured from white folding box board.

b) Blister pack: (i) 250µm white rigid PVC. (ii) Surface printed 20µm hard temper aluminium foil with 5-6g/M² PVC and PVdC compatible heat seal lacquer on the reverse side.

Pack sizes: 28s, 30s, 50s, 56s, 60s, 84s, 90s, 100s, 112s, 120s, 168s, 180s, 250s, 500s, 1000s.

Product may also be supplied in bulk packs, for reassembly purposes only, in polybags contained in tins, skillets, or polybuckets filled with suitable cushioning material.

Maximum size of bulk packs: 50,000.

Not applicable.

Name or style and permanent address of registered place of business of the holder of the Marketing Authorisation:

Actavis UK Limited

(Trading style: Actavis)

Whiddon Valley

BARNSTAPLE

N Devon EX32 8NS

PL 0142/0223

October 1986/October 1991

10/06/2011