Co-dydramol

About co-dydramol

This belongs to the group of medicines known as compound analgesics.

Co-dydramol contains a combination of two pain-killing ingredients paracetamol and dihydrocodeine.

Co-dydramol can be used to relieve mild to moderate pain caused by sprains, strains, backache, headache, toothache and period pain. It is also useful in reducing fever (high temperature).

Co-dydramol is available in tablet form in three strengths. The strength of paracetamol is 500mg/tablet but the strength of dihydrocodeine varies.

It is also sometimes known as: Remedeine Forte (30mg dihydrocodeine/tablet), Remedeine (20mg dihdrocodeine/tablet), Paramol (10mg dihydrocodeine/tablet). You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking co-dydramol

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

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver, kidney, prostate or respiratory (breathing) problems
• if you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure) or epilepsy
• if you suffer from hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormones)
• if you have recently suffered a serious head injury
• if you have been constipated for more than a week, with or without tummy pain and bloatedness
• if you have ever had problems with drug or alcohol addiction
• 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 or complementary medicines

How to take co-dydramol

• Take co-dydramol exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose and never take more than 8 tablets in any 24 hour period. Taking too much co-dydramol can cause liver damage. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of co-dydramol 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-dydramol 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-dydramol, speak with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Take co-dydramol with or after food.
• Do not take any other paracetamol products while taking co-dydramol.
• Co-dydramol 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 in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Co-dydramol 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 this does not ease your constipation, discuss the problem with your doctor.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside co-dydramol.
• If you have bought this medicine over the counter for headache, 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-dydramol 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-dydramol 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, headache.

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-dydramol

• 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 2006   Updated: 07/02/2006