Description

What Is Co-codamol for Children?

Co-codamol is a combination of paracetamol and codeine. The medicines work in different ways to relieve pain. A doctor may prescribe co-codamol to children aged 12 to 17 if the ordinary painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, have not worked well enough.

But do not give co-codamol to children under 12 years old as codeine can cause serious breathing difficulties.

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

Healthcare professionals may use co-codamol to treat different types of pain such as headaches, migraines, muscle pain and toothache. However, parents should use it properly and should take advice of professionals.

Before you start taking a medicine that contains codeine, talk to your doctor or chemist. They can tell you if it is appropriate for the child’s age, symptoms and medical history

How Does Co-codamol Work?

Co-codamol has two different active ingredients. Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic and codeine works on the pain receptors in the central nervous system. These ingredients together could offer better pain relief than paracetamol alone.

But codeine can also cause drowsiness, constipation and breathing problems. Parents should therefore watch children closely when they are taking this medicine.

Age and Dose Considerations

Do not give co-codamol to children under the age of 12. The dose for children 12 to 15 years of age and young people 16 to 17 years of age depends on the product and medical advice. The NHS recommends following the instructions of the child’s doctor or chemist and leaving enough time between doses.

Above all, never increase the dose because the child’s pain looks severe. Co-codamol contains paracetamol and taking too much can cause serious harm. Paracetamol can cause liver damage .

Potential Side Effects

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

• Constipation
• Nausea and/or emesis
• Drowsiness
• Headache.
• Lightheadedness

Mild effects usually improve over time. Seek medical attention right away if you have trouble breathing, severe drowsiness, fainting, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Medicine Safety Important

Do not give a child co-codamol with any other medicine that contains paracetamol unless a healthcare professional tells you to. Otherwise the child could overdose on paracetamol.

“Also, inform the doctor or chemist about any other medicines the child is taking.” Co-codamol can affect some medicines, including some medicines for epilepsy, antidepressants and medicines for anxiety or sleep problems.

Co-codamol can also be addictive because of the codeine it contains. So, if the pain persists, parents should follow the treatment as prescribed and consult a doctor.

FAQs

Can co-codamol be used by children under 12?

No. The NHS says children under the age of 12 should not be given co-codamol because codeine can seriously affect breathing.

Can teenagers take co-codamol?

Children aged 12 to 17 years may be able to take co-codamol if other common painkillers haven’t worked. But it is up to a healthcare professional to make the call on whether it is appropriate.

Can I take paracetamol with co-codamol?

Don’t take any more co-codamol unless your doctor or chemist tells you to. Paracetamol is already contained in co-codamol.

How long can kids take co-codamol?

If you are using co-codamol bought from a pharmacy, NHS advice is not to give it to a child for more than 3 days without medical advice. If symptoms persist consult your chemist or doctor.

Overall

Co-codamol is a painkiller that can help some children aged 12 and over if other painkillers have not worked. However, codeine should be used with caution because it can have serious side effects and cause dependence. Most importantly of all, don’t give co-codamol to a child under 12 and never take more than the recommended dose.