Dihydrocodeine

The Basics

What is Dihydrocodeine?

Opiate painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Brand names for Dihydrocodeine

Found In Combination, In Panlor-Ss, Trezix, Zerlor

How Dihydrocodeine is classified

Analgesic – Opioid, Narcotics, Antitussive Agents

Dihydrocodeine During Pregnancy

Dihydrocodeine pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Dihydrocodeine while pregnant

N/A

Taking Dihydrocodeine While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Dihydrocodeine?

Maternal use of oral narcotics during breastfeeding can cause infant drowsiness, central nervous system (CNS) depression and even death. Like codeine, pharmacogenetics probably plays a role in the extent of CNS depression. Newborn infants seem to be particularly sensitive to the effects of even small dosages of narcotic analgesics. Dihydrocodeine possibly caused severe respiratory depression in one newborn infant whose mother was taking the drug for cough. Once the mother’s milk comes in, it is best to provide pain control with a nonnarcotic analgesic and limit maternal intake of hydromorphone to a few days at a low dosage with close infant monitoring. If the baby shows signs of increased sleepiness (more than usual), difficulty breastfeeding, breathing difficulties, or limpness, a physician should be contacted immediately. Because there is little published experience with dihydrocodine during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Maternal use of oral narcotics during breastfeeding can cause infant drowsiness, central nervous system (CNS) depression and even death. Like codeine, pharmacogenetics probably plays a role in the extent of CNS depression. Newborn infants seem to be particularly sensitive to the effects of even small dosages of narcotic analgesics. Dihydrocodeine possibly caused severe respiratory depression in one newborn infant whose mother was taking the drug for cough. Once the mother’s milk comes in, it is best to provide pain control with a nonnarcotic analgesic and limit maternal intake of hydromorphone to a few days at a low dosage with close infant monitoring. If the baby shows signs of increased sleepiness (more than usual), difficulty breastfeeding, breathing difficulties, or limpness, a physician should be contacted immediately. Because there is little published experience with dihydrocodine during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Possible effects of Dihydrocodeine on milk supply

Narcotics can increase serum prolactin.[3] However, the prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

Possible alternatives to Dihydrocodeine

(Analgesia) Acetaminophen, Butorphanol, Hydromorphone, Ibuprofen, Morphine; (Antitussive) Dextromethorphan.