Before taking co-codaprin

Before taking co-codaprin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are under 16 years of age.
• If you have ever had an unusual or allergic-type reaction from taking aspirin or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs include ibuprofen, diclofenac, indometacin and naproxen.
• If you suffer from asthma, breathing problems or an allergic disorder.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have problems with drug or alcohol dependence.
• If you have been constipated for more than a week, with or without tummy pain and bloatedness.
• If you have ever had a peptic ulcer (stomach ulcer).
• If you suffer from prostate or thyroid problems.
• If you suffer from epilepsy or have recently suffered a serious head injury.
• If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure).
• If you suffer from gout.
• If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
• If you have a gallbladder problem.
• If you have a blood disorder such as haemophilia or G6PD deficiency.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take co-codaprin

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take co-codaprin exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Take co-codaprin with or after eating food to avoid any stomach irritation.
• If you have been given soluble or dispersible tablets, dissolve them into a small glass of water before swallowing.
• You should drink plenty of water while you are taking preparations containing aspirin in order to avoid dehydration.
• If you forget to take a dose, do not worry, just take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you have bought this medicine, do not take it for more than three days. If you are still in pain after these three days, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Taking this painkiller for too long, can cause addiction.
• Co-codaprin must not be given to children under the age of 16. This is because there is a possible association between aspirin and Reye's syndrome when given to children. Reye's syndrome is a very rare disease that can be fatal.
• Before taking or buying any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside co-codaprin.

Can co-codaprin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

• swelling of the lips, mouth and throat,
• sudden skin rash,
• wheezing or breathing problems.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store co-codaprin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Dispersible Co-codaprin Tablets 8/400 mg (Actavis UK Ltd), electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2008, accessed September 2009.
• British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.