Dihydrocodeine 30mg is a prescription-only opioid painkiller used in the UK for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain when other pain relief options are not sufficient. Because it is an opioid, its use is carefully regulated to protect patients from misuse, dependence, and side effects. This guide explains—clearly and simply—how dihydrocodeine 30mg can be accessed legally in the UK, the prescription rules that apply, and how to use it safely and responsibly.
The information below is educational and designed to help patients understand the process and their responsibilities when prescribed this medicine.
What Is Dihydrocodeine 30mg?
Dihydrocodeine 30mg in the Uk is an opioid analgesic related to codeine. At the 30mg strength, it is typically prescribed when pain is too strong for paracetamol or ibuprofen alone, or when those medicines cannot be used.
Common medical uses include:
Post-surgical pain
Injury-related pain
Severe musculoskeletal pain
Pain linked to certain chronic conditions (short-term use)
In the UK, dihydrocodeine 30mg is not available over the counter and must be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Legal Status of Dihydrocodeine in the UK
Dihydrocodeine is classified as a controlled medicine under UK law. While some low-dose codeine products are sold in pharmacies, dihydrocodeine 30mg requires a valid prescription.
Key points:
It is legal to possess and use dihydrocodeine only if prescribed to you
It is illegal to buy it without a prescription
Importing it without authorisation can lead to seizure or legal consequences
Medicines regulation and safety in the UK are overseen by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which ensures prescription medicines meet strict safety and quality standards.
Who Can Prescribe Dihydrocodeine 30mg?
In the UK, dihydrocodeine 30mg can be prescribed by:
A GP (General Practitioner)
A hospital doctor
A qualified non-medical prescriber (such as certain nurse prescribers)
Prescribers follow national clinical guidance from organisations such as National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to ensure opioids are used only when appropriate.
How to Access Dihydrocodeine 30mg Legally in the UK
1. Medical Consultation
The first step is a clinical assessment. Your doctor will:
Review your pain severity and cause
Check your medical history
Consider other treatments you may have tried
Assess the risk of opioid use
Dihydrocodeine is usually prescribed only when other painkillers have not worked well enough.
2. Receiving a Prescription
If appropriate, your doctor will issue a prescription stating:
Dosage (usually 30mg)
Frequency of use
Duration of treatment
Prescriptions are typically short-term, especially for first-time users, to minimise the risk of dependence.
3. Dispensing from a Licensed Pharmacy
Your prescription must be filled by a registered UK pharmacy, either:
A high-street pharmacy, or
An approved online pharmacy
All legitimate pharmacies are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council. You can check a pharmacy’s registration to ensure it is lawful and safe.
Can You Buy 30mg of Dihydrocodeine 30mg Online in the UK?
You cannot legally buy dihydrocodeine 30mg online without a prescription. However, you can use:
NHS-linked services
Registered online pharmacies that require a prescription or provide a regulated online consultation
Be cautious of websites offering dihydrocodeine without medical checks—these are illegal and unsafe.
The NHS strongly advises against buying prescription medicines from unregulated sources, as such products may be counterfeit or harmful.
Dosage and How to Take Dihydrocodeine Safely
Typical dosage
Adults: 30mg every 4–6 hours, if prescribed
Maximum daily dose will be specified by your doctor
Safe use tips:
Take exactly as prescribed—do not increase the dose
Swallow tablets whole with water
Do not combine with alcohol
Avoid driving if you feel drowsy or dizzy
Never share your medication with anyone else, even if they have similar pain.
Possible Side Effects
Like all opioid medicines, dihydrocodeine can cause side effects. Common ones include:
Drowsiness or sedation
Constipation
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Less common but serious side effects may include:
Breathing difficulties
Confusion
Allergic reactions
If you experience severe side effects, seek medical help immediately.
Risk of Dependence and Addiction
Dihydrocodeine carries a risk of dependence, especially if used:
For long periods
At higher doses than prescribed
Doctors in the UK are trained to:
Prescribe the lowest effective dose
Review treatment regularly
Stop or taper the medicine safely when no longer needed
Never stop taking dihydrocodeine suddenly without medical advice, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Who Should Avoid Dihydrocodeine?
Dihydrocodeine may not be suitable if you:
Have breathing problems (such as severe asthma)
Have a history of substance misuse
Are pregnant or breastfeeding (unless advised by a specialist)
Have severe liver or kidney disease
Always disclose your full medical history to your prescriber.
Interactions with Other Medicines
Dihydrocodeine can interact with:
Sleeping tablets
Anti-anxiety medicines (benzodiazepines)
Antidepressants
Other opioids
Alcohol
These combinations can increase the risk of excessive sedation or breathing problems. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and supplements you take.
Storage and Disposal
Safe storage:
Keep in original packaging
Store out of sight and reach of children
Do not share with others
Disposal:
Return unused tablets to a pharmacy
Do not flush or throw in household waste
This helps prevent misuse and protects the environment.
How Long Is Dihydrocodeine Usually Prescribed For?
Most UK prescriptions are for short-term use, often a few days to a couple of weeks. Long-term use is carefully monitored and only considered when benefits clearly outweigh risks.
Regular reviews help ensure:
Pain is improving
Side effects are manageable
Dependence is not developing
Alternatives to Dihydrocodeine
Depending on your condition, your doctor may consider:
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs
Physiotherapy
Topical treatments
Non-opioid prescription painkillers
Opioids like dihydrocodeine are usually part of a broader pain management plan, not the only solution.
Key Takeaways
Dihydrocodeine 30mg is a prescription-only opioid medicine in the UK
Legal access requires a medical consultation and valid prescription
Buying without a prescription is illegal and unsafe
Use exactly as prescribed to reduce risks
Short-term, monitored use offers the safest approach to pain relief
Understanding the legal framework and safe-use principles helps patients manage pain effectively while protecting their health.
Final Thought
When used correctly under medical supervision, dihydrocodeine 30mg can play an important role in managing moderate to severe pain. The UK’s strict prescription rules exist to protect patients, ensure treatment is appropriate, and minimise the risks associated with opioid medicines. Always rely on qualified healthcare professionals and regulated pharmacies for advice, prescriptions, and dispensing.
