You must have heard that codeine and dihydrocodeine are both strong painkillers which are used to treat various kinds of pain conditions. But still many patients ask a very common question; is Dihydrocodeine stronger than Codeine.
This question is completely valid because both medicines are used for pain that normal painkillers doesn’t help with. First of you need to know that both are different; Codeine is a naturally occurring opiate derived from the opium poppy while Dihydrocodeine is a semi-synthetic derivative of codeine.
Patients should clear all their doubts before they buy dihydrocodeine UK. Today we are here to break down the real difference between these two pain medicines. We look at how they work, when they are used and which one is actually stronger. You will also learn about what benefits ProMeds UK is offering if you buy from us. By the end, you will know exactly which medicine offers stronger pain relief and why.
Difference Between Dihydrocodeine and Codeine
Both are opioid painkillers/ analgesics and also used as cough suppressants. They work similarly. They even share somewhat similar side effects such as nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. But the main difference lies their chemical structure, potency and metabolism.
|
Feature |
Dihydrocodeine |
Codeine |
|
Type |
Semi-synthetic opioid |
Naturally occurring opioid |
|
Potency |
2-3 times more potent than codeine |
Less potent |
|
Metabolism |
Converted into a slightly stronger form (not morphine) by CYP2D6 enzyme after ingestion |
Converted into morphine by CYP2D6 enzyme after ingestion |
|
Uses |
Moderate to severe pain |
Mild to moderate pain |
|
Risk of Addiction |
Higher risk |
Lower risk (but still present) |
If you need more awareness regarding How Long Does Dihydrocodeine Take to Work? Our website offers real user insights.
How These Opioid Painkillers Work?
As we informed you earlier, both belong to the opioid group of drugs. They work by targeting the pain pathways in the body and changing how your body reacts to the pain signals. When someone takes a codeine tablet, a part of it changes into morphine through the CYP2D6 enzyme. This conversion gives the pain-relief effect that patients feel after ingestion.
Dihydrocodeine works in a different way. Only a very small part changes through CYP2D6 and unlike codeine it does not turn into morphine. The major effect comes from the medicine acting in its original form. Both medicines help reduce moderate pain but must be used with care.
Which is Stronger Codeine or Dihydrocodeine?
As we explained the working mechanism of both medicines and showed prominent differences between them it is clear that Dihydrocodeine 30mg is stronger. As Dihydrocodeine is synthesized from naturally occurring codeine and is a chemically modified version of codeine that’s why it offers a stronger effect. And if it is stronger than it’s obvious that the risk of dependence is also high.
It is 2-3 times more potent than codeine and is recommended for short-term use so you can get effective pain relief without getting addicted to it. According to the National Health Service UK, Dihydrocodeine can be used long-term only if the pain condition is severe enough such as cancer pain.
Are Their Side Effects Also Similar?
If we are talking about differences and similarities of these medicines then why not talk about their side effects. Both codeine and dihydrocodeine have somewhat similar side effects, some are mild and some are severe.
Mild Side Effects:
Users might get few common side effects from the medicine especially if they are using it for the first time. These common side effects usually settle with time:
- Dry mouth
- Feeling sleepy
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Light headache
- Sweating
- Itchy skin
Severe Side Effects:
There are serious side effects too of these medicines and need require urgent medical attention:
- Trouble breathing
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion
- Fast or slow heartbeat
- Chest pain or tightness
- Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, wheezing)
- Fainting
- Bluish lips or fingertips
- Extreme dizziness
- Seizures
How to Use These Strong Painkillers?
No matter which one you choose; dihydrocodeine 30mg (28tablets) or Buy Codeine Phosphate, there is a proper way to use them safely:
- Take only the recommended dose. Never increase or decrease the dose on your own
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. With or without food is completely up to you.
- Use these medicines only for short-term pain relief to avoid dependence. They are only recommended for long-term use if the pain is persistent or very severe such as cancer pain.
- If you have used them for a long period or at high doses, do not stop suddenly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- Avoid alcohol and other pain medicines like Tramadol 100mg, Dihydrocodeine Continus 90mg or Tapentadol Hydrochloride 100mg as mixing them can be dangerous.
Buy Effective Painkillers Online in the UK
We hope that now you understand the difference between both medicines and which painkiller is stronger. It is important to understand which one is right for you because the last thing you want is to get extreme dizziness when you buy dihydrocodeine UK.
Choose the medicine carefully and order them from a trusted platform just like Pro Meds UK. We offer 100% original medicines from trusted and verified suppliers in the UK. Our prices are highly competitive and our delivery process is quick, safe and accurate. You can also buy Codeine Phosphate with overnight delivery in the UK from us.
FAQs:
Q: Which is More Potent, Codeine or Dihydrocodeine?
A: Dihydrocodeine is stronger than Codeine because it is a chemically modified version of naturally occurring codeine. This makes Dihydrocodeine 2-3 times more potent.
Q: How Quick Does Dihydrocodeine Kick In?
A: Standard dihydrocodeine tablets can take at least 30 to 60 minutes to kick in. And it reaches the peak effect in 1-5 hours to 2 hours.
Q: How Addictive Dihydrocodeine Is?
A: The medicine has a high risk of addiction because it is an opioid medication. It can cause physical and psychological dependence if not used correctly.
Q: Is Codeine and Codeine Phosphate the Same?
A: Yes, they are basically the same. Codeine phosphate 30mg is just the salt form of codeine that is used in medicines. Both give the same effect to the patient.