Dihydrocodeine is a pharmaceutical that has been available on the market since it was first marketed back in 1911, after first being synthesized in 1908. This medication belongs to a medicine group known as semi-synthetic opioid analgesics, and is similar in pharmacological activity, potency, and chemical structure to Codeine. It is said that it can be upwards of 100% - 150% stronger than traditional Codeine, depending on the metabolism of the individual taking it.
While similar to Codeine, Dihydrocodeine does offer characteristics that are superior to its less potent counterpart. It is believed that this medication is more resistant to metabolic attacks. This is why it is said to be one of the reasons why it offers a heightened duration of action when compared to its counterpart. Similar to other painkillers, depending on the country you reside in, you will likely require a prescription to obtain Dihydrocodeine from the high street. Some countries, however, offer this medication without the need for a prescription.
The most widely recognized brand names that Dihydrocodeine is known as throughout the world are DF118 Forte, and DHC Continus. These are the names that you are likely to find if you are given a prescription from your doctor to purchase the medicine at your local chemist. However, you may be given a choice of generic options as well; albeit they will still be far more expensive than purchasing from an online pharmacy.
While advertised as a painkiller that is intended to treat moderate-severe levels of pain, this medicine has a history of being used to address several different symptoms. Similar to other pharmaceuticals belonging to this medicine group, it is said that Dihydrocodeine offers both an analgesic, and antitussive dose. This means that while it treats pain, it is also commonly used for harsh coughs. You can often find this medication to be the main ingredient used in powerful cough medicines, especially throughout Japan.
Dihydrocodeine will oftentimes be used as a post-operative pain aid, helping to fight the pain associated with the healing process from surgery. If it is given to patients while they remain in hospital in recovery, it would be likely given in the form of an intravenous injection in a subcutaneous area of the body. This may differ for some, as not everyones body will accept this medication in the form of an intravenous injection, and will be better suited to traditional tablets.
Aside from pain associated with post-operative recovery, this medication may be prescribed to address many different causes of pain. Dihydrocodeine will often be prescribed to those who have experienced a serious injury, such as a sport-related accident, trauma from a car accident, or anything in between. In situations where someone tries to address pain with weak painkillers like ibuprofen, or aspirin with no success, Dihydrocodeine may be prescribed to obtain the desired relief.
When it comes to pharmaceuticals belonging to the opioid painkiller group of medicines, you will essentially see a very similar mechanism of action throughout. This is no different when looking into Dihydrocodeine, as it functions by targeting the opioid receptors in the brain of the patient. These opioid receptors are a part of the central nervous system (CNS), which have the job of sharing information through the body and controlling body function. Our body contains many receptors, all of which receive differing stimuli, producing electrical signals that transmit information.
The receptors that will receive pain signals are known as nociceptors, while the stimulus responsible for producing pain is best known as a noxious stimulus. These stimuli are strictly associated with pain and are the main focus of Dihydrocodeine when active in the body. Dihydrocodeine forms a bond to the opioid receptors, and releases chemicals that can manipulate the pain perception of the patient. Both the serotonergic and noradrenergic neuronal pathways are also targeted, which is said to address the psychological and physical aspects of pain.
To simplify this, and make it more easily understood for the average person, Dihydrocodeine essentially will dissipate the electrical signals transmitting information regarding pain through the body. When these signals are eliminated, or greatly lowered, the sensation of pain is drastically minimised, or eliminated for the time the medicine is active.
Like all opioids on the market, safe and correct dosages must be used in order to avoid any undesired effects, or unexpected outcomes. Contrary to how most other medications function, the analgesic properties of Dihydrocodeine are not enhanced by consuming a larger dose surpassing the manufacturers recommendations. Instead, in severe cases of pain management, the dosage should not be increased. However, the interval between doses is best reduced, allowing a higher concentration to be in the bloodstream at one time.
The most commonly prescribed dosage for adults is said to be roughly 1 30mg tablet taken every 4 - 6 hours, or as indicated by a medical professional. The maximum daily dosage that should be taken when using Dihydrocodeine is 180mg, or 6 30mg tablets throughout 24 hours. This would be ideal for those experiencing severe levels of chronic pain.
For any elderly patients who are planning to use this medication, it is recommended to begin dosing lower than the typical adult dosage. Beginning at 50% of the recommended adult dosage will show comforting results, without the fear of side effects or complications. If this is not strong enough, slowly increase the dosage as needed over a few days, finding the best possible dosage.
Many positives can be taken away from the use of Dihydrocodeine, all of which promote a much higher quality of life as a result. When you find yourself in high levels of pain, and over-the-counter options simply do not cut it, choosing to begin a course of Dihydrocodeine can greatly enhance the situation. Regardless of whether you are in need of a short-term solution, or are treating a condition that employs constant pain, finding a way to eliminate that pain is a breath of fresh air.
Living in pain can be a difficult way to get through life, so having access to pharmaceuticals such as Dihydrocodeine is essential when they are required. For those taking the medication to address short-term pain, such as treating an injury or post-op care, it is ideal to keep the dosing period below 28 days in total. This will help avoid physical dependence on the drug. However, for those needing long-term treatment with Dihydrocodeine, the benefits will far outweigh the complications that may be experienced with extended opioid use.
While this medication can positively impact someones life, it is also important to keep in mind that side effects can occur from using any opioid medication. For this reason, it is very important to ensure that the correct dosages are used and that any warnings or guidelines are followed accordingly. Some of the possible side effects are, but are not limited to:
If at any point discomfort related to side effects get to be too much, it is advised to discontinue using the medicine and speak with a doctor. If these side effects are minor, and experienced at the beginning of a dosing period, it is likely they will not appear the following day. Be sure to drink plenty of water when taking Dihydrocodeine to help keep the body hydrated, and better prepared to metabolise an opioid medication.
When used according to the manufacturers guidelines, any pharmaceutical can be considered safe to use when its effects are required. While we are all aware that every pharmaceutical on the market can be dangerous if abused, misused, or combined with dangerous substances, this is all very much avoidable. There are some considerations to take in before using Dihydrocodeine, such as if you are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This can be a dangerous chance to take, as it could result in complications with the birth, or can contaminate the womans breastmilk.
It is imperative that Dihydrocodeine is at no time mixed with the consumption of alcohol, or any illicit drugs. This could have highly dangerous implications if ignored. In the worst-case scenario, failure to follow this guideline could result in hospitalization, a coma, and even death. As this drug can alter your perception when active, it is also very important not to operate a vehicle or heavy machinery during use. This goes for any painkiller sold on www.stretta-therapy.com.
To be sure a level of comfort is experienced before taking Dihydrocodeine, we should note that it has undergone strenuous testing through the FDA. This testing was originally completed on the branded option upon its release to the world, however, generic versions each have had their own levels of testing completed also. The FDA Generic Drugs Program investigates every generic medicine on the market before allowing it to be sold legally. These tests ensure the correct ingredients are used, and the facility in which it has been produced is safe and meets industry standards.
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