Co-Codamol Tablets

About Co-Codamol Tablets

Co-Codamol Tablets contain two pain-relieving medicines: codeine phosphate 8mg and paracetamol 500mg. This combination works together to relieve moderate pain when standard painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone have not been effective.

Codeine belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics that act on the brain and nervous system to reduce pain, while paracetamol helps relieve pain and reduce fever. Co-Codamol Tablets are used for the short-term treatment of acute moderate pain.

These tablets are commonly used for pain caused by headaches, migraines, toothache, neuralgia, period pain, and rheumatic pain when other pain relief medicines have not worked. Co-Codamol should only be used for short-term treatment and not for longer than 3 days without medical advice.

What Are Co-Codamol Tablets Used For?

Co-Codamol Tablets are used for the short-term relief of moderate pain when other painkillers have not worked. They may help relieve pain associated with:

• Headaches
• Migraine
• Toothache
• Neuralgia (nerve pain)
• Period pain
• Rheumatic pain

Who Are Co-Codamol Tablets Suitable For?

Co-Codamol Tablets are suitable for:

• Adults
• Children aged 12 years and over

Do not take Co-Codamol if you:

• Are allergic to codeine, paracetamol, or any ingredient in the tablets
• Are under 12 years of age
• Are breastfeeding
• Have had your tonsils or adenoids removed due to obstructive sleep apnoea if under 18
• Know that you metabolise codeine into morphine very rapidly
• Are taking MAOI antidepressants or have taken them within the last 2 weeks

How to Take Co-Codamol Tablets

1. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.
2. Take 1 or 2 tablets as required.
3. Leave at least 4–6 hours between doses.
4. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.
5. Do not take for more than 3 days without medical advice.

Do not take other medicines containing paracetamol while using Co-Codamol.

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Co-Codamol Tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects may include:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation

Stop taking the medicine and seek medical help immediately if you experience:

• Allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe skin reactions
• Fits or seizures

Rare cases of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) have also been reported.

Ingredients

Inactive ingredients may differ between brands. If you are allergic or sensitive to substances like peanut (arachis) oil, lactose, gelatin, soy, or specific dyes and preservatives, let us know during your consultation and check the ingredient list before using the product.

Warnings and Precautions

• This medicine contains codeine which can cause addiction if taken continuously for more than 3 days.
• Do not take other medicines containing paracetamol at the same time.
• If headaches worsen after taking painkillers for several days, speak to your doctor.
• Use only for short-term pain relief.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 25°C.
• Keep in the original packaging to protect from moisture.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date on the packaging.