Opioids
Dihydrocodeine (DHC)
Street names: DHC, DF-118, Paracodol
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Codeine-like pain relief and warmth
- Euphoria at higher doses
⚠Key risks
- Dependence — popular UK/EU street opioid
- Respiratory depression in overdose
✚Overdose signs
- Pinpoint pupils
- Slow breathing
- Blue lips
📋Quick facts
Also known asDHC, DF-118, Paracodol
CategoryOpioids
Schedule / classSchedule II/III equivalent (varies); Class B UK
AppearanceWhite tablets (30 mg) or liquid; OTC-low-dose in some EU countries
Street price~£1–£5 per 30 mg tablet (UK)
Legal statusRx-only most regions; Class B UK; some EU OTC low-dose
Last updated2026-09-14
Sources: NHS, EMCDDA
Category comparison — Opioids
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dihydrocodeine (DHC) | Schedule II/III equivalent | Dependence — popular UK/EU street opioid; Respiratory depression in overdose | ~£1–£5 per 30 mg tablet |
| Codeine 30/500 mg (co-codamol) | Schedule V / Rx | Paracetamol component destroys the liver at high doses; Lean + alcohol risks fatal respiratory depression | ~$2–$10 per tablet |
| Heroin | Schedule I | Extremely addictive — physical dependence in weeks; Overdose: breathing slows or stops | ~$10–$40 per bag |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Dihydrocodeine (DHC) look like?
White tablets (30 mg) or liquid; OTC-low-dose in some EU countries
What are the signs of a Dihydrocodeine (DHC) overdose?
Pinpoint pupils; Slow breathing; Blue lips Call emergency services immediately and give naloxone if available — it reverses opioid overdoses.
How addictive is it?
Dependence — popular UK/EU street opioid Dependence can develop with regular use.