Co–codamol Tablets 8mg/500mg

What are Co-codamol tablets?

Co-codamol tablets are a combination product that contains 500mg of paracetamol and 8mg of codeine which belong to a type of medicine known as analgesics. 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 tablets or as soluble tablets

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

When should I take Co-codamol?

If you are suffering from pain such as migraines, back pain, period pain, tooth ache, muscle ache and string 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 tablets online

You can use our online pharmacy service to buy Co-codamol tablets online in the UK. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. As they 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 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 tablets

Co-codamol tablets are only indicated for those who are 12+. .
Age 12–15: ONE tablets every 6 hours when required, to a maximum of four tablets in a 24 hour period.
Age 16+: ONE or TWO tablets every 6 hours when required, to a maximum of eight tablets in a 24 hour period.
They are only licensed to be used for 3 days continuous use, if you find yourself needing to use them longer than 3 days, contact your doctor.
Do not take more than the maximum dose allowed, if you take any extra tablets ring your doctor immediately even if you feel well.

Co-codamol side effects

The most common side effects of this medication are:

1. Constipation
2. Nausea
3. Drowsiness
4. Headaches

To help cope with the side effects there are a few things you can do:

1. 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.
2. Nausea – take them with food, the feeling of being sick should go away as you get used to the tablets.
3. Headaches – make sure to drink plenty of fluids

Who cannot take Co-codamol?

These should not be taken if you:

1. Suffer from lung problems or have breathing difficulties
2. Have a head injury
3. Suffer with fits or seizures
4. Have liver problems
5. Are or are trying to become pregnant
6. If you are breastfeeding
7. Regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week
8. If you have previously had an allergic reaction to codeine or any other opioid

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:

1. You feel you have to take Co-codamol for longer than 3 days
2. Your symptoms persist
3. When you stop taking Co-codamol you feel unwell, but if you start taking the medicine again you feel better

Signs of codeine addiction include but are not limited to:

1. Depression
2. Anxiety
3. Mood Swings
4. Behavioral changes
5. Sleepiness
6. Dizziness
7. Shaking
8. Itching
9. Restlessness
10. Breathing problems
11. Halluciantions
12. Memory problems
13. Ringing in your ears (Tinnitus)

It is unlikely you will experience the above if you take them as instructed but it is important if you experience any of the above to talk to your GP.

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 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 Codiene 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

Taking more than the recommended amount of Co-codamol can lead to serious damage to the liver and kidneys. If you accidentally take too many tablets (more than 1 or 2 tablets) one time it is unlikely to be harmful. Do not take anymore tablets for a 24 hour period. If you you take more than 2 tablets extra or more than 8 cocodamol in a 24 hour period contact 111 of your GP. If you find it difficult to breathe contact 999.

Co-codamol and pregnancy

It is not recommended to take Co-codamol if you are or are currently, could be 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

It is not recommended to take Co-codamol if you are breastfeeding. Paracetamol can be taken during breastfeeding but the codeine is generally avoided as it can pass into the breast milk and affect your child's breathing. If you require pain relief while breastfeeding and you find Paracetamol is not strong enough, contact your GP.

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 tablets alternatives

Other alternatives to Co-codamol tablets include:

• Paramol tablets – these contain 7.46mg of dihydrocodeine instead of codeine, which some people prefer
• Solapdeine Plus capsules – these contain caffeine
• Solapdeine Plus soluble tablets – these contain caffeine
• Solapdeine Max tablets – these contain 12.8mg of codeine.
• Solapdeine Max soluble tablets – these contain 12.8mg of codeine.

More Co-codamol information

If you would like more information on you, can find the SPC here