Dihydrocodeine
If a person is not breathing, or if they are unresponsive, seek help straight away. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Key facts
- Dihydrocodeine is an opioid-based cough medicine available from your pharmacist.
- Dihydrocodeine is recommended for temporary relief of a persistent dry cough.
- Dihydrocodeine is recommended for short-term use only and should not be used by children under 6 years of age.
- Always take dihydrocodeine exactly as directed by your pharmacist.
What is dihydrocodeine?
Dihydrocodeine is an opioid-based medicine available from your pharmacist. It is known as a 'weak' opioid, but it can still cause side effects.
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How does dihydrocodeine work?
Dihydrocodeine reduces coughing by controlling the cough reflex. Dihydrocodeine works directly on an area of the brain that controls coughing — sometimes called the ‘cough centre' of the brain.
Dihydrocodeine is recommended for short-term use only. It should not be used by children under 6 years of age.
What is dihydrocodeine used for?
Dihydrocodeine is used to relive a persistent dry cough. Unlike some other opioid medicines, dihydrocodeine is not recommended for pain relief.
Cough can be a symptom of many different health conditions, ranging from mild to serious.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What forms of dihydrocodeine are available?
Dihydrocodeine is available as an oral liquid, without a prescription, from your pharmacist.
What are the possible side effects of taking dihydrocodeine?
All medicines, including dihydrocodeine, can have side effects.
The most common side effects of dihydrocodeine are:
- drowsiness
- constipation
- nausea or vomiting
Older adults and people with lung problems have a higher chance of experiencing side effects.
Dihydrocodeine affects everyone differently. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have side effects or feel unwell while taking dihydrocodeine.
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What are the risks associated with dihydrocodeine?
If a person is not breathing, or if they are unresponsive, seek help straight away. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Dihydrocodeine may make it hard for you to drive, care for young children, or operate heavy machinery.
As with other opioid medicines, dihydrocodeine may cause life-threatening breathing problems. This serious side effect is very rare with dihydrocodeine, as it is a ‘weak' opioid.
Dihydrocodeine may not be suitable for you if you:
Your pharmacist or doctor is the best person to guide you on whether dihydrocodeine is the right medicine for you, and how long you should take it for.
How do I take dihydrocodeine?
Dihydrocodeine is sold as an oral liquid. It is important that you take the correct dose of dihydrocodeine. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you on the correct dosage.
Use a medicine measure (cup or syringe) to be sure the dose is correct. These are available from your pharmacist.
How do I dispose of medicines safely?
It is important you dispose of unwanted opioid medicines safely. Unused medicines can be returned to any pharmacy.
Keep dihydrocodeine out of reach of children and pets. Never throw medicines into a garbage bin or flush them down the toilet. This is dangerous to others and harmful to the environment.
When should I see my doctor?
If your cough is not well controlled on dihydrocodeine, or you have any unexpected side effects, see your doctor.
If you have lung, liver or kidney disease ask for medical advice before taking this medicine.
Dihydrocodeine is recommended for short-term use only. If your cough doesn't improve, see your doctor for advice.
It's important to remember that cough is a symptom of many conditions ranging from mild to serious, including COVID-19 infection. If you have a cough and are feeling unwell, stay home and seek medical advice via telehealth consultation.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? The Pain Question Planner can help you create a list of questions for your doctor.
Are there alternatives to dihydrocodeine?
Different cough relief medicines may be recommended in different situations.
Dihydrocodeine is only recommended to treat a dry cough and should not be used to treat a productive cough (a cough with mucus). Your doctor might try to find and treat the cause of your cough. This is often a better approach than simply reducing the symptom of cough.
Learn more about managing cough.
If you have taken dihydrocodeine and you have concerns or are experiencing side effects, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about other ways you can treat your cough.
Resources and support
Asking about your treatment or medicine is important to help you understand your options.
Here's a guide to questions you should ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any medicine.
You can also see this list of medicines that contain dihydrocodeine and read the Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) leaflet for the brand prescribed, or you can:
- Call 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) if you have any questions about your medicines.
- Learn more about opioid medicines on the Choosing Wisely
- Visit Lung Foundation Australia to find out more about lung health and conditions that can cause a cough.
Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
Visit Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet to learn more about conditions that can cause a cough.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: April 2025
