Apap-caff-dihydrocodeine Coupons & Discount Card - Compare Prices Near You

Dihydrocodeine, often found in medications like Trezix, carries several important safety considerations that must be understood prior to use. Below is a comprehensive list of potential risks, precautions, and instructions for safe usage:

• Risk of Addiction and Abuse: Even when used as directed, dihydrocodeine may lead to addiction, misuse, or abuse, which can result in overdose and death. To minimize this risk, your healthcare provider will prescribe the smallest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. Individuals with a history of substance or alcohol abuse, or certain mental health conditions, may be at greater risk.

• Respiratory Depression: This medication can cause serious breathing problems, particularly when starting treatment or after an increase in dosage. Symptoms such as slow or shallow breathing, or bluish lips, fingers, or toes require immediate medical attention. This risk is higher in individuals over 65, those with respiratory conditions like COPD, or those taking sedatives.

• Overdose Risks: Overdose can occur even at recommended doses due to conversion errors from other opioids, accidental ingestion, or taking more than prescribed. Symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, slow heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. Emergency medical assistance is necessary in these instances.

• Children's Sensitivity: Children, particularly those under 12 or those who have undergone tonsil or adenoid surgery, are at higher risk for severe respiratory issues or overdose. It is essential to store this medication out of children's reach.

• Liver Damage from Acetaminophen: Dihydrocodeine products often contain acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage if taken in excess (over 3 to 4 grams per day). Avoid alcohol and consult your healthcare provider about safe dosages, especially if you have liver issues.

• Drug Interactions: Some medications can interfere with dihydrocodeine's metabolism, impacting its effectiveness and safety. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Risks: Prolonged use during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which can be fatal if untreated. Dihydrocodeine may also pass into breast milk, posing a risk to nursing infants. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be avoided unless deemed absolutely necessary by a healthcare provider.

• Cognitive Impairment and Drowsiness: Dihydrocodeine can impair your ability to think and react, especially when combined with alcohol or other sedating drugs. Be cautious when driving or performing activities requiring concentration.

• Physical Dependence and Withdrawal: Long-term use can lead to dependence, and stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms. Your healthcare provider should guide any changes in dosage or discontinuation.

• Serotonin Syndrome: Concurrent use with drugs that increase serotonin can lead to a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include confusion, fever, and muscle stiffness. Seek medical help if these occur.

• Hormonal Changes: Prolonged opioid use can lower hormone levels, leading to symptoms like fatigue and dizziness. Report these to your healthcare provider.

• Seizure Risk: Opioids may increase seizure frequency in those with a history of seizures. Notify your healthcare provider if seizures become more frequent.

Contraindications: This medication is not recommended for children under 12, those under 18 post-tonsil/adenoid surgery, or individuals with severe respiratory depression, asthma, or stomach blockages. Always consult your healthcare provider if any of these conditions apply to you before using dihydrocodeine.

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Increased urination
• Stomach pain
• Skin irritation
• Itchiness
• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Racing heart

Less common but important to monitor:

• Difficulty urinating
• Dry mouth
• Indigestion
• Hallucinations
• Vivid dreams
• Abnormal blood cell counts
• Loss of appetite
• Erectile dysfunction
• Changes in vision
• Ringing in the ears

Serious side effects:

• Extremely slowed or shallow breathing
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Severe drowsiness or difficulty waking up
• Unresponsiveness
• Slow heartbeat
• Clammy skin
• Serious allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing)
• Serotonin syndrome (high fever, muscle stiffness, twitching)
• Serious liver damage (dark urine, yellowing skin or eyes)

Interactions with high risk of serious adverse effects and should be avoided:

• Other opioid pain medications (like morphine or hydrocodone)
• Alcohol
• Drugs for sleep or anxiety (like Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Zolpidem)
• Muscle relaxants (such as Carisoprodol, Cyclobenzaprine)

Interactions with moderate risk that may require dose adjustment, closer monitoring, or timing changes:

• Mixed opioid agonist-antagonists (Butorphanol, Nalbuphine, pentazocine)
• Naltrexone
• Samidorphan
• Antihistamines (like Cetirizine, diphenhydramine)

Interactions with low risk that usually do not require a change in therapy:

• Azole antifungals (like Ketoconazole)
• Bupropion
• Fluoxetine
• Levoketoconazole
• Macrolide antibiotics (such as Erythromycin)
• Mifepristone
• Paroxetine
• Quinidine
• Rifamycins (like Rifabutin, Rifampin)
• Ritonavir
• Seizure medications (like Carbamazepine, Phenytoin)