What are Co-codamol soluble tablets?
Co-codamol soluble tablets are a combination product that contains 500mg of paracetamol and 8mg of codeine which belong to a type of medicine known as analgesics. They are dissolved in water which allows for easier administration for those who struggle to swallow tablets. Co-codamol are used to treat aches and pain and reduce a high temperature.
It can be combined with an NSAID such as Ibuprofen and anti-sickness medication making it very effective at providing pain relief.
It is available as a tablet or as soluble tablets
Each tablet contains paracetamol 500mg and codeine phosphate hemihydrate 8mg. The other ingredients are sodium hydrogen carbonate, anhydrous citric acid, sodium carbonate, povidone, simeticone, sodium saccharin, aspartame (E951) and polysorbate 80.
What can Co-codamol be used for?
They can be taken for a variety of aches and pains including but not limited to:
- Headaches
- Menstrual periods
- Toothaches
- Backaches
- Osteoarthritis
- Injuries
Be aware that this medication can make headaches worse, only use this medication to treat headaches where other treatment has not previously worked.
When should I take Co-codamol?
If you are suffering from pain such as migraines, back pain, period pain, tooth ache, muscle aches and strains and self-care has not helped you can try taking painkillers.
It is generally recommended to start with Paracetamol, Ibuprofen or Aspirin first.
If you find that your pain is still not controlled, you can then try the next step of painkillers such as Co-codamol tablets.
How to buy Co-codamol soluble tablets online
You can use our online pharmacy service to buy Co-codamol soluble tablets online in the UK. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. As Co-codamol soluble tablets are a 'Pharmacy-only' (P) medicine a pharmacist needs to have a consultation to make sure treatment is appropriate before you can purchase Co-codamol.
Upon completion of your order, our pharmacist will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
How Co-codamol soluble tablets work
Co-codamol contains paracetamol and codeine which are both analgesics.
The full mechanism of action of paracetamol is still not fully known, but it is thought to work by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury which is associated with the symptoms of redness, swelling, pain and fever. By reducing the levels of prostaglandin paracetamol can reduce the amount of pain we experience.
Paracetamol reduces fever by affecting an area of the brain that regulates our body temperature.
Codeine works directly on opioid receptors in the central nervous system and reduces feelings of pain by interrupting the way nerves signal pain between the brain and the body.
How to take Co-codamol soluble tablets
Ages 12 to 15: one tablet every six hours when needed, up to four in 24 hours. Ages 16 and over: one or two tablets every six hours when needed, up to eight in 24 hours.
Dissolve each dose completely in at least half a glass of water and drink immediately. Do not swallow the tablets whole. Do not give to children under 12. Use for no more than three days; if pain persists, speak to a doctor. Do not take another medicine containing paracetamol or codeine, and do not double a missed dose.
If you take too much, get urgent medical advice even if you feel well.
Each tablet contains 438mg sodium; the maximum eight-tablet daily dose contains 3,504mg. Ask a pharmacist before use if you follow a low-salt diet. Each tablet also contains 5mg aspartame, a source of phenylalanine which may be harmful for people with phenylketonuria (PKU).
Co-codamol side effects
The most common side effects of this medication are:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
To help cope with the side effects there are a few things you can do:
- Constipation – eat plenty of high fibre foods or try a stool softener such as docusate, drinking plenty of fluid and a stimulant laxative such as senokot.
- Nausea – take them with food, the feeling of being sick should go away as you get used to the tablets.
- Headaches – make sure to drink plenty of fluids
Who cannot take Co-codamol?
These should not be taken if you:
- Suffer from lung problems or have breathing difficulties
- Have a head injury
- Suffer with fits or seizures
- Have liver problems
- Are or are trying to become pregnant
- If you are breastfeeding
- Regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to codeine or any other opioid
Do not use in children under 12, in anyone known to convert codeine to morphine very rapidly, or for pain in anyone under 18 after tonsil or adenoid removal for obstructive sleep apnoea. Do not combine with other medicines containing paracetamol or codeine. Tell a pharmacist about any breathing problem before use.
Do not use while taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant or within two weeks of stopping one. Tell the pharmacist about all your medicines, particularly sedatives, sleeping tablets, gabapentin or pregabalin, which can increase drowsiness and breathing risks.
Co-codamol and addiction
The codeine in Co-codamol can be addictive, do not use this product for more than 3 days of continuous use. If you find yourself needing to use it for more than 3 days, contact your doctor. It is unlikely you will become addicted if you take them as instructed. If you experience any of the following you should talk to your GP:
- You feel you have to take Co-codamol for longer than 3 days
- Your symptoms persist
- When you stop taking Co-codamol you feel unwell, but if you start taking the medicine again you feel better
Other warning signs of dependence or withdrawal include:
- Needing a larger dose or taking doses more often to get the same effect
- Using the medicine for reasons other than pain relief
- Feeling anxious, restless, sweaty or shaky when you stop
- Difficulty sleeping or feeling unwell that improves after another dose
Speak to your GP if you notice these signs. Slow or shallow breathing, marked confusion or being difficult to wake are urgent symptoms, not routine signs to discuss later. Stop taking it and seek immediate help; call 999 for severe breathing problems or unconsciousness.
Co-codamol and driving
One of the side effects of Co-codamol is drowsiness. It is now an offence to drive in England, Wales or Scotland if your ability to drive is affected by medication. Do not drive or operate any tools or machinery if this medication makes you drowsy or if you do not know how this medicine will affect you.
Co-codamol and other pain killers
Co-codamol is commonly taken with Ibuprofen tablets.
Be careful of any cold & flu remedies as they may contain paracetamol and do not take paracetamol tablets with this medicine as it already contains them.
Codeine tolerance
If you take Co-codamol for a prolonged period of time, you may find you become tolerant to it and it becomes less effective at providing pain relief. You may also become dependent on the codeine if taken regularly for a long period of time. For these reasons you should keep use to as short of a period time with as few tablets taken as possible. Overuse of Co-codamol can also lead to chronic migraines.
Co-codamol overdose
Contact NHS 111 or a doctor immediately if you take more than the recommended dose, even if you feel well. Too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage that is delayed. Do not wait 24 hours or wait for symptoms. Call 999 for breathing difficulty, collapse or if someone cannot be woken. Take the medicine pack and any remaining medicine with you if you need treatment.
Co-codamol and pregnancy
It is not recommended to take Co-codamol if you are pregnant, could be pregnant or are trying to become pregnant. Paracetamol can be taken during pregnancy but codeine is generally avoided as it can cause codeine dependency in the unborn child. If you require pain relief during pregnancy and you find Paracetamol is not strong enough, contact your GP.
Co-codamol and breastfeeding
Do not take this medicine while breastfeeding. Codeine and morphine can pass into breast milk and cause serious breathing problems in a baby. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about a suitable alternative if paracetamol alone does not relieve your pain.
Drug Interactions with Co-codamol
The following drugs may cause interactions, make sure you include any medication you are taking on your consultation form or inform your GP if you are taking:
Epilepsy Medication such as Lamotrigine
Anxiety or sleeping medication
Anti-sickness medication
Antibiotics
Antidepressants especially monoamine-oxidase inhibitors such as Phenelzine
Any other paracetamol containing products such as cold & flu remedies always check the label before taking any other medicines to see if they contain Paracetamol.
You should also be aware that any herbal or alternative remedies you take may also interact with this medication and cause side effects. If you are taking any herbal or alternative remedies make sure to mention them to your doctor, or on the consultation form so we can make sure they are safe to take together. If you would like a full list of drug interactions with codeine you can find them here: Codeine interactions. You can find the interactions with paracetamol here: Paracetamol interactions. If you have any concerns about any medications you are taking and if they safe to take with Co-codamol do not be afraid to contact our support team and ask.
Co-codamol alternatives
Other alternatives to Co-codamol include:
- Paramol tablets – these contain 7.46mg of dihydrocodeine instead of codeine, which some people prefer
- Solpadeine Plus capsules – these contain caffeine
- Solpadeine Plus soluble tablets – these contain caffeine
- Solpadeine Max tablets – these contain 12.8mg of codeine.
- Solpadeine Max soluble tablets – these contain 12.8mg of codeine.
Frequently asked questions
How many Co-codamol tablets can I take in one day?
Ages 12 to 15: no more than four soluble tablets in 24 hours, with six hours between doses. Ages 16 and over: no more than eight in 24 hours; follow the age-specific dose and spacing above. Do not take other paracetamol- or codeine-containing products. If you exceed the recommended dose, contact NHS 111 or a doctor immediately, even if well.
How long can I take Co-codamol tablets for?
Co-codamol tablets can be taken for a maximum of 3 days only. Taking them for longer than 3 days you may become dependent or addicted to codeine. If you find that you still need to carry on with them after 3 days you should contact your GP to discuss further options for pain management.
What age do I need to be to take Co-codamol tablets?
Co-codamol tablets are licensed for those who are aged 12 and older.
How long do Co-codamol tablets take to work?
It should start to kick in after 30-60 minutes.
Do Co-codamol tablets expire?
Yes, like most medicines has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them. If you find your tablets has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
Can I take Co-codamol when pregnant?
Generally you should avoid any codeine containing products when pregnant as it can cause codeine dependency in the unborn child. If you require pain relief during pregnancy and you find Paracetamol is not strong enough, contact your doctor.
Can I take Co-codamol when breastfeeding?
Do not take this medicine while breastfeeding. Codeine and morphine can pass into breast milk and cause serious breathing problems in a baby. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about a suitable alternative if paracetamol alone does not relieve your pain.
How should I store Co-codamol tablets?
Store at no more than 25°C in a dry place, protected from light. Keep securely out of children’s sight and reach and away from anyone it was not intended for. Do not use after the expiry date; return unwanted tablets to a pharmacy.
Can I take Co-codamol tablets with alcohol?
Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. It can increase drowsiness and the risk of serious side effects, including breathing problems.
Is it safe to buy Co-codamol tablets from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worst harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.
Sources and further information
- NHS: co-codamol dose and overdose advice
- Co-codamol 8mg/500mg soluble tablets patient leaflet
- The previously linked co-codamol effervescent product information describes a prescribed formulation. For the ingredients and directions of your pharmacy pack, use the leaflet supplied with it.
