Co-codamol

About co-codamol

This belongs to the group of medicines known as analgesics.

Co-codamol contains a combination of two pain-killing ingredients paracetamol and codeine. It is used to stop pain and fever (high temperature).

Co-codamol can be used to relieve pain caused by rheumatic and muscular pain, sprains, strains, backache, headache, sore throat, toothache and period pain. It is also useful in treating cold and 'flu-like' symptoms and reducing fever (high temperature).

Co-codamol is available in tablet, capsule and soluble tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Kapake; Medocodene; Paracodol; Solpadol; Tylex; Zapain; Codipar. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking co-codamol

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

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or respiratory (breathing) problems
• if you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure), prostate problems or have an underactive thyroid gland
• if you suffer from Addison's disease (a condition affecting the adrenal glands)
• if you drink a lot of alcohol
• if you have recently suffered a serious head injury
• if you suffer from bowel problems such as constipation
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to take co-codamol

• Take co-codamol exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Do not take more than 2 co-codamol at the same time and do not take more than 8 co-codamol in any 24 hour period.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. Taking too much co-codamol can cause liver damage. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of co-codamol contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Co-codamol is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If your symptoms do not begin to improve after taking co-codamol, speak with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Do not take any other paracetamol products while taking co-codamol. Many over the counter products, including cold and flu preparations, contain paracetamol. Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside co-codamol.
• Co-codamol can cause drowsiness, make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effects on you.
• Dizziness, light-headedness or faintness may occur when getting up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. If the problem continues or gets worse, speak with your doctor.
• Co-codamol can occasionally cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If a dry mouth becomes a problem speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Co-codamol can cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes, bran etc. and drinking plenty of water. If you continue to suffer from constipation, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you have bought this medicine over the counter and you need to use it for more than three days speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Taking a painkiller for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse.
• Taking co-codamol regularly for a long time can lead to addiction, which might cause you to feel restless and irritable when you stop taking the medicine. If you are concerned about this discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can co-codamol cause problems?

Along with their needed effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, rash.

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

How to store co-codamol

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 13/09/2005