Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
Opioid analgesic (weak opioid, codeine analogue)

Dihydrocodeine tartrate

Brand names: DF118 Forte, DHC Continus

Dihydrocodeine tartrate is a weak opioid analgesic used for moderate-to-severe pain, broadly comparable to codeine.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It is a mu-opioid receptor agonist that is partly metabolised by CYP2D6 to dihydromorphine; the relative analgesic contribution of the parent drug and this metabolite is not fully established.

Prescribing in practice

  • As an opioid it can cause respiratory depression, dependence, tolerance and constipation, with additive central nervous system depression alongside alcohol, benzodiazepines and other sedatives.
  • Reduce the dose and use caution in the elderly, in hepatic or renal impairment, and in respiratory disease such as COPD.
  • Tolerance and dependence develop with prolonged use, so it should be prescribed for the shortest effective duration.

Monitoring

Monitor pain control, sedation, respiratory status and bowel function, with review for dependence during longer-term use.

Counselling the patient

  • Do not exceed the prescribed dose and avoid alcohol and other sedating medicines.
  • Manage constipation with fluids, fibre or a laxative.
  • Do not drive if you feel drowsy and report slow or shallow breathing.

Evidence & guidelines

Dihydrocodeine is an established opioid for moderate pain; guidance advises cautious, time-limited prescribing because of dependence risk.

Reference: FPM Opioids Aware; NICE NG193; NICE NG140; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Pathways