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What Is Dihydrocodeine Phosphate Used For?

Living with pain can be extremely difficult and, for some, a near impossibility as conducting everyday living activities may be excruciating. Pain medications are historically a double edged sword as they alleviate pain but carry with them a host of side effects that can make their usage more trouble then the condition itself.

Dihydrocodeine phosphate is no exception to this rule.

  1. What is Dihydrocodeine Phosphate?

    • Dihydrocodeine phosphate, according to drugs.com, is a narcotic analgesic used to relieve pain. The active ingredient in the drug is codeine, a powerful opiate that is both psychologically and physically addictive with regular usage.

    Other Uses

    • As the active ingredient is codeine, the drug is often used to control coughing and is included in several prescription cough medicines. It also helps alleviate diarrhea. Dihydrocodeine phosphate is also used before or during surgery to help the anesthesia work better.

    Action

    • Accroding to netdoctor.com, dihydrocodeine phosphate alleviates pain by "mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins." Endorphins work by binding with opiate receptors in the brain as well as the spinal cord. This combination results in pain messages being blocked.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects of dihydrocodeine phosphate include but are not limited to cold clammy skin, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, severe drowsiness or dizziness, convulsions or confusion. Side effects vary from person to person. If you are experiencing symptoms that are unusual to you, contact your physician immediately.

    Tips

    • When taking a prescription narcotic painkiller, it is important to take it exactly as directed and for the exact amount of time prescribed. Withdrawal symptoms from this drug and others like it are common if taken for a prolonged period of time or in large amounts. These withdrawal symptoms can be moderate to severe, depending upon the dosage and length of time it was taken.

      It is wise to try over-the-counter pain medications before beginning a narcotic if side effects and addiction potential are a concern.

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