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 breathing problems.
• If you drink a lot of alcohol, or have ever had a problem with dependence on drugs.
• If you suffer from low blood pressure, are dehydrated, or have lost a lot of fluid (shock).
• If you have prostate problems, or an underactive thyroid gland.
• If you suffer from bowel problems, or have severe bowel pain.
• If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
• If you suffer from gallstones or a gallbladder problem.
• If you have recently had a severe head injury.
• If you suffer from a convulsive disorder such as epilepsy.
• If you have adrenal gland problems.
• 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-codamol

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take co-codamol exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Adults: 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.
• Children over 6 years: Do not take more than 1 co-codamol at a time and do not take more than 4 co-codamol in any 24 hour period. Important: not all strengths of co-codamol are suitable for children. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist for advice.
• If you have been given the dispersible or effervescent tablets, take them dissolved in water.
• 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. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If your symptoms do not begin to improve after taking co-codamol, speak with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Important: Do not take any other paracetamol products while you are taking co-codamol. Many over the counter products, including cold and flu preparations, contain paracetamol. Before taking or buying any other medicines, check with your pharmacist which are safe for you to take alongside co-codamol.
• Do not take co-codamol for longer periods than you have been directed by your prescriber.
• 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 a painkiller for too long, can cause problems.
• Taking codeine regularly for a long time can lead to addiction, which might cause you to feel restless and irritable when you stop the tablets. If you are concerned about this, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can co-codamol cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which 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.

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.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Co-codamol, Actavis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised March 2007, accessed 24 July 2008.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Solpadol® caplets, Sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised July 2007, accessed 24 July 2008.
• British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.