Dihydrocodeine clinical pharmacology and conversion
Review the evidence by formulation and route. Each clinical statement links to its source and identifies the population, jurisdiction, limitations, relevant source section, and review date.
Educational reference for qualified healthcare professionals. Conversion factors estimate oral morphine equivalent daily dose. They are not a recommended switching dose. Confirm the result with a current source and local guidance.
Current OpioidCalc factors
Multiply the dose or delivery rate in the stated units by the factor to estimate mg oral morphine equivalent per day. These are the factors currently used by OpioidCalc. Methadone uses 4.7 when converting methadone to OME.
| Route | Input units | OME factor |
|---|---|---|
| Oral | mg/day | 0.1 |
Modified-release tablet
Reviewed in the app on 27 August 2026
- Formulation behaviour
- Prolonged release supports twice-daily administration at 12-hour intervals.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: France
- Limitation: The authorised interval is not proof of a precise clinical effect duration.
- DICODIN L.P. 60 mg prolonged-release tablet RCP4.2, 5.1 and 5.2. France. Source revised 10 March 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Receptor activity
- Pure opioid agonist; some effects are attributed to the active metabolite dihydromorphine.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: France
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DICODIN L.P. 60 mg prolonged-release tablet RCP5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties. France. Source revised 10 March 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Metabolism
- Demethylation, oxidation and conjugation occur; CYP2D6 forms dihydromorphine.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: France
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DICODIN L.P. 60 mg prolonged-release tablet RCP5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties. France. Source revised 10 March 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Active metabolites
- Dihydromorphine is pharmacologically active.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: France
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DICODIN L.P. 60 mg prolonged-release tablet RCP5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties. France. Source revised 10 March 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination
- Metabolites are eliminated mainly in urine.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: France
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DICODIN L.P. 60 mg prolonged-release tablet RCP5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties. France. Source revised 10 March 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Renal impairment
- A reduced starting dose and individual adaptation are advised in renal impairment.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: France
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DICODIN L.P. 60 mg prolonged-release tablet RCP4.2 Posology. France. Source revised 10 March 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Hepatic impairment
- A reduced starting dose and individual adaptation are advised in hepatic impairment.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: France
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- DICODIN L.P. 60 mg prolonged-release tablet RCP4.2 Posology. France. Source revised 10 March 2025. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
Sources used on this page
Other medicine references
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