Description

What Is Co-codamol?

Co-codamol contains paracetamol and codeine for adults. Paracetamol can relieve pain, and codeine is an opioid that works on the brain and nervous system to change the way your body responds to pain. So the combination can provide better pain relief than taking paracetamol alone for some types of pain.

Co-codamol is available in different strengths. The usual strengths contain 8 mg, 15 mg or 30 mg of codeine combined with 500 mg of paracetamol in each tablet or capsule.

Co-codamol is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

Your doctor may also give you co-codamol for moderate pain that doesn’t respond to simpler painkillers. For example, it may be useful for dealing with toothache, muscle pain, period pain or other short-term painful conditions.

But co-codamol isn’t suitable for everyone. Your doctor or chemist can help determine if it is right for your particular symptoms.

What does it do?

The two ingredients work differently. Paracetamol reduces pain signals and can also help reduce a fever. Meanwhile, codeine acts on the opioid receptors in the central nervous system and reduces the sensation of pain. The combination may therefore give more pain relief.

Co-codamol can start to work in about an hour and usually lasts for several hours.

Dosage and length of time

Adults should take as directed on the medicine bottle or as directed by a doctor or chemist. The NHS says that commonly used adult formulations of these tablets can be taken by adults up to four times in 24 hours, with at least 4 to 6 hours in between. Maximum: 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Importantly do not take extra tablets to try to cope with severe pain. Overdose of paracetamol can cause serious damage to the liver. Also speak to a healthcare professional if over-the-counter co-codamol has not helped your pain after three days.

Typical Side Effects

As with all medicines, co-codamol can cause side effects. Typical effects include:

• Constipation
• Nausea and/or emesis
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue

If co-codamol makes you drowsy or dizzy, do not drive or use tools or machines.

Important Safety Information

Codeine can be addictive and may lead to dependence, especially with long-term use. So, only take co-codamol as directed and do not take it for longer than recommended.

Do not also take co-codamol with other medicines that contain paracetamol unless your doctor or chemist tells you to. Overdosage of paracetamol may lead to serious damage of the liver.

Alcohol can also increase some unwanted effects, such as drowsiness, so it is safer not to drink alcohol when you are taking co-codamol.

FAQs

Co-codamol is for adults only if a doctor prescribes it.

Adults can use co-codamol when they need it, but the strength and how long they take it for will depend on their health and the type of pain.

Can co-codamol be addictive?

Yes. Codeine is an opioid and if used for long periods or inappropriately can cause dependence or addiction.

Can I take extra co-codamol if my pain is severe?

No. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Too much can be very harmful, particularly because of the paracetamol content.

Overall

Co-codamol for adults is a combination of paracetamol and codeine which relieves pain when ordinary painkillers may not be enough. But it’s important to use it responsibly, as overuse or long-term use can cause serious problems. Always follow the medicine label or the advice of your healthcare professional. When in doubt, talk to a chemist or doctor.