Dihydrocodeiene with Levo?

[HC17]

Hi,

Does anyone know if Dyhydrocodeine can be taken with Levo? Thank you

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

From: medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

"4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Dihydrocodeine should be given in reduced doses or with caution to;

debiltated patients, adrenocortical insuffciency, prostatic hyperplasia, urethral stricture,hypotension, shock, inflammatory or obstructive bowel disorders, hypothyroidism or convulsive disorders."

Also, the online patient information leaflet says :

"Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before taking

Dihydrocodeine tablets:

….....

• if you have an underactive thyroid gland

.......

[HC17]

Reading now, thanks so much for such a speedy response.

[helvella Administrator]

Well, I can only go by information that is accessible and appears to be reliable. I found this:

Co-Dydramol 20/500 mg Tablets

Dosage should be reduced in the elderly, in hypothyroidism and in chronic hepatic disease. An overdose can cause hepatic necrosis.

medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

The implication is that, with care, it can be taken. Be very careful about how much. All the usual cautions apply!

[hels333]

hi,

I thought I'd share my experience with this pain med.

I took dihydrocodeine for terrible migraine pain over a period of some 6 years or so. I had no problems with taking it while on NDT.

However, dihydrocodeine eventually stopped working as a helpful pain reliever for me and now I take co-codamol instead when I'm struck with awful pain. Again, luckily I have no problem with this.

good luck!

[Caroline888 in reply to hels333]

Hi hels333

I am suffering with a bad bout of costochondritis at the moment and we have some cocodamol in the house which is one of the stronger formulas - 30/500. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are not touching the pain and I have been deterred from using the cocodamol because of the caution about taking it when hypothyroid.

What strength of cocodamol did you take? Was yours the otc version?

After being awake most of the night with the pain what a happy coincidence to see this post😊

Best wishes

Caroline

[hels333 in reply to Caroline888]

Sorry to hear you have costochondritis. I've had that too and it's very painful.

I use co codamol 30/500mg for pain relief - severe migraine, crippling back disc pain, etc. I get these meds from my GP as you can't buy this strength over the counter.

For the pain of costochondritis, I would also recommend massaging the painful area gently with Weleda Arnica massage balm [not the oil as the balm is more efficacious]. I find this helps when my pain flares up.

However, like many folk I suspect, I find co codamol makes me constipated, and as I'm often constipated due to underactive thyroid and slow motility, I take constipation pills [asda own brand as good as named brands].

I also ensure I nightly eat half a tin of prunes, topped with chia seeds and ground flaxseeds [tesco or aldi sell these] and extra veg/fruit during the day if possible.

Wishing you relief from the costochondritis soon.

Helen x

[Caroline888 in reply to hels333]

Hi Helen,

Thank you so much!

I was prescribed co-codamol once before but that was before being diagnosed hypothyroid. I don’t know what strength it was and I guess that was my main concern since I have seen a reduced dose is advised for us hypos.

I seem to remember one tablet was all it took then so I think I’ll do as you suggest - just take one and hope it does it’s magic.

Thanks for the tips for coping with costo. I tend to rely too much on a hot water bottle, though this time it’s not doing the trick🙁.

Weirdly when a costo attack wakes me in the night I find going down to the kitchen for a cold yoghurt stops it in its tracks. I don’t know why. I thought it might be the fact of walking around a bit, but no, I have to have the yoghurt.

This bout though is much worse than usual and started yesterday afternoon and has not eased off any.

Thanks again for your help and advice. I’m so grateful.

Best wishes

Caroline

[hels333 in reply to Caroline888]

ps you might want to try taking just one of the 30/500mg co codamol for your pain as I have found that often, one tablet is enough.

[Caroline888 in reply to hels333]

Good morning Helen,

Thank you so much for your help yesterday.

One co-codamol was all it took!😊.

All the best

Caroline

[hels333 in reply to Caroline888]

Am so pleased :0)

[Beverleyb]

I take it no problems.. just wait an hour after levo...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

This is also significant.....

Dihydrocodeine should be given in reduced doses or with caution to;

debiltated patients, adrenocortical insufficiency,

As you are also currently prescribed high dose propranolol this reduces adrenaline ....in effect low adrenal output

Propranolol is a beta-blocker

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Beta blockers, also called beta adrenergic blocking agents, block the release of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline in certain parts of the body. This results in a slowing of the heart rate and reduces the force at which blood is pumped around your body.

Beta blockers can also block your kidneys from producing a hormone called angiotensin II. This results in lowering your blood pressure.