At a glance

QUICK SUMMARY

01 Type of medicine

Painkiller

02 Generic
03 Active ingredient

Paracetamol 500 mg, codeine phosphate hemihydrate 8 mg per tablet.

04 Effective within
05 Works by

Combines paracetamol (a non-opioid pain reliever) and codeine (an opioid analgesic) to relieve pain effectively.

06 Side effects

Medication details

Description

Co-Codamol Tablets

Co-codamol is a combination painkiller containing paracetamol and codeine. It is used for moderate pain that has not responded to paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin on their own, and it is intended for short term use only.

How it works

The two ingredients act on pain in different ways, which is why they are combined. Paracetamol reduces the body's production of the chemicals that signal pain and fever. Codeine is an opioid, converted in the body to morphine, and it changes how the brain and nervous system receive and interpret pain signals. Together they cover pain that either one alone may not.

How to use it

Swallow the tablets with water, following the directions on the pack or from your clinician, and leave the stated interval between doses. Do not exceed the daily maximum, and do not take any other product containing paracetamol at the same time, including cold and flu remedies. Take it for the shortest time that controls the pain, which for pharmacy supply means no more than three days without review.

Who it is for

It is for adults and, depending on strength, young people aged 12 and over as directed. It is not for children under 12, not for anyone who has had their tonsils or adenoids removed for breathing problems, and not during breastfeeding. Your clinician or pharmacist needs to know about breathing problems, liver or kidney disease and any history of dependence.

Safety and when to get advice

Codeine can cause constipation, drowsiness, nausea and, with continued use, tolerance and dependence, which is why courses are deliberately kept short. Taking more paracetamol than the maximum can cause serious liver damage even when you feel well, so seek immediate medical advice if too much is taken. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you, and avoid alcohol. See a doctor if the pain lasts beyond three days or gets worse. Our UK pharmacy team can answer questions about this product before you buy.

Common questions

Why only three days?
Codeine can cause dependence and medication overuse headache with longer use, so pharmacy supply is deliberately short and then reviewed.

Can I take it with ibuprofen?
Often yes, since they work differently, but check with a pharmacist first.

What about constipation?
It is common with codeine. Fluids, fibre and movement help, and a pharmacist can suggest more if needed.

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with the pack before use.

Directions

Adults and children aged 16 and over: swallow one to two tablets with a glass of water every four to six hours as needed, up to a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours. Children aged 12 to 15: one tablet every six hours when needed, up to a maximum of 4 tablets in 24 hours. Leave at least four hours between doses. Do not take for more than three days continuously. Do not take anything else containing paracetamol at the same time.

Ingredients

Each tablet contains the active ingredients paracetamol 500 mg and codeine phosphate hemihydrate 8 mg. The tablets also contain inactive ingredients including maize starch, pregelatinised starch, povidone, talc, magnesium stearate and stearic acid. Check the patient information leaflet for the full list.

Side Effects

Common: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness. Rare: Allergic reactions, pancreatitis, severe skin reactions.

Warnings

Long-term use may lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Taking for headaches for more than 3 days may worsen them. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery.

Medically reviewed and published

  • This page was medically reviewed by Dr Sohaib Imtiaz, Clinical Lead on

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FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Can I drive after taking this medicine?

It may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.

How long can I safely take Co-Codamol for?

It contains codeine, an opioid, which can cause addiction if taken continuously for more than three days. Use it for the shortest time needed, and if your pain is not controlled after three days, stop and speak to a clinician rather than continuing. When you stop you may notice withdrawal effects; our pharmacy team at info@rightangled.com can advise if you are concerned.

Why does it sometimes cause constipation, and what can I do?

Constipation is a common effect of the codeine in Co-Codamol. Drinking plenty of water and eating fibre can help during a short course. If constipation is troublesome or persists after you stop the tablets, speak to a pharmacist about what might help.

Who should not take Co-Codamol?

It must not be given to children under 12, used while breastfeeding, or taken by people known to process codeine very rapidly (ultra-rapid metabolisers). Because it contains paracetamol, do not take any other paracetamol-containing product alongside it. If you are unsure whether it is suitable for you, check with our pharmacy team at info@rightangled.com before taking it.

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