Opiates

Dihydrocodeine

Drug group - Opiates

Street names
DFs, Diffs

Brand name
DF118 Forte. (Martindale), DHC Continus. (Napp),
Paramol.*, Co-dydramol*

Drug effect
Painkiller, depressant (downer)

Description
White tablets (30mg, 40mg, 60mg, 90mg, 120mg)
Elixir (10mg/5mL)
Ampoules (50mg/mL)

Therapeutic use
Moderate to severe pain

Street use
Mainly swallowed. The drug does not dissolve in water, which makes it difficult to inject.

Dependency
Yes

Withdrawal
Probably similar to other opiates. Flu-like symptoms for 5 days.

Long term use
Constipation
Breathing difficulties
Irregular periods

Overdose risk
Probably fairly low, although risks increase if mixed with other drugs.

Legal status
Injection and products containing more than 100mg - Class B, Schedule 2
Other products - Class B, Schedule 5
Illegal to possess without a prescription and to supply to others.

Maximum penalty
Possession: 5 years
Supplying: 14 years

* Also contain paracetamol