Active ingredient
- dihydrocodeine tartrate
Legal Category
POM: Prescription only medicine
POM: Prescription only medicine
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from this version because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged.
Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet. The original leaflet can be viewed using the link above.
The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information call emc accessibility on 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL 0156/0092.
Dihydrocodeine Elixir BP 10mg/5ml
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER
Dihydrocodeine Elixir BP 10mg/5ml
Dihydrocodeine Tartrate
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you use Dihydrocodeine Elixir.
In this leaflet:
1. What Dihydrocodeine Elixir is and what it is used for
2. Before you take Dihydrocodeine Elixir
3. How to take Dihydrocodeine Elixir
4. Possible side effects
5. Storing Dihydrocodeine Elixir
6. Further information
1. What Dihydrocodeine Elixir is and what it is used for
Dihydrocodeine is a drug with powerful pain relieving properties. This medicine is used for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It can also be used to treat a cough.
2. Before you take Dihydrocodeine Elixir
You should not take Dihydrocodeine Elixir if you:
This medicine should not be given to children under 4 years of age.
Take special care with Dihydrocodeine Elixir
Tell your doctor if you:
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including those obtained without prescription.
Dihydrocodeine Elixir must not be used with drugs used to treat severe depression, such as phenelzine or moclobemide, or if you are within 2 weeks of discontinuing them. These drugs are known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI’s).
Other medicines which may interact with with Dihydrocodeine Elixir include:
Taking Dihydrocodeine Elixir with food and drink
Dihydrocodeine Elixir should be taken with or after food. You are advised not to drink alcohol while being treated with Dihydrocodeine.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Dihydrocodeine Elixir should not be used during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding, unless prescribed by your doctor. Dihydrocodeine is likely to cross the placenta and be present in breast milk and it may cause breathing problems in newborn babies.
Effects on the ability to drive and use machines
This medicine can affect your ability to drive and operate machinery. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy or cannot think clearly.
This medicine can affect your ability to drive as it may make you sleepy or dizzy.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether it is safe for you to drive while taking this medicine
Important information about some of the ingredients
3. How to take Dihydrocodeine Elixir
Your doctor will decide on the dose and duration of your therapy.
Always follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist.
Dihydrocodeine Elixir is for oral use and should be taken with or after food.
Moderate to severe pain:
Adults
One to three 5ml spoonfuls (10 - 30mg) every 4 - 6 hours
Elderly
A reduced dose is recommended
Children aged 4 to 12 years
0.5 to 1mg per kg of body weight every 4 - 6 hours
Children under 4 years
Not recommended
Cough:
Adults
One 5ml spoonful (10mg) every 4 - 6 hours
Children aged 4 to 12 years
0.2 mg per kg of bodyweight every 4 - 6 hours
Children under 4 years
Not recommended
If you forget to take Dihydrocodeine Elixir
If you have missed a dose take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Then continue your normal dose times. Do not take a double dose.
If you take more Dihydrocodeine Elixir than you should
If you take too much of your medicine seek immediate medical advice from your doctor or your nearest hospital.
If you stop taking Dihydrocodeine Elixir
You should not stop taking Dihydrocodeine Elixir until advised to do so by your doctor. If you stop treatment too suddenly you may experience symptoms of withdrawal such as stomach pains, feeling sick and feeling anxious. Your doctor will advise you how to stop your treatment with Dihydrocodeine Elixir.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Dihydrocodeine Elixir can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Repeated use of Dihydrocodeine can result in tolerance and addiction.
If any of the following symptoms occur contact your doctor or nearest accident and emergency department immediately. These are symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Other side effects that may occur include:
If any of the side effects get serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
5. Storing Dihydrocodeine Elixir
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Do not use Dihydrocodeine Elixir after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater 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 Dihydocodeine Elixir contains:
Active ingredient: Dihydrocodeine Tartrate BP 10mg in each 5ml of the flavoured base
Other ingredients: glycerol, sugar syrup (sucrose), citric acid monohydrate, alcohol, oxymel, sodium chloride, essence of limes soluble, essence of bitter orange soluble, strong tincture of ginger, E150 caramel, ethyl hydroxybenzoate (E214), propyl hydroxybenzoate (E216), methyl hydroxybenzoate (E218), purified water.
Each 5 ml dose of this elixir contains 0.38g of alcohol and 2.4g of sugar.
What Dihydrocodeine Elixir looks like and contents of the pack:
Dihydrocodeine Elixir is a thick brown liquid that smells of limes and ginger and is supplied in a 150ml amber glass bottle.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer:
Product licence number: PL 0156/0092
Date of approval: January 2014
Building A2, Glory Park Avenue, Wooburn Green, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP10 0DF, UK
+44 (0) 1277 266 600