Co-codamol contains codeine phosphate and paracetamol. Codeine belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics which act to relieve pain. It can be used on its own or in combination with other pain killers such as paracetamol.
Co-codamol is for the short term treatment of acute moderate pain caused by headaches, migraine, toothache, neuralgia, period pain and rheumatic pains when other painkillers have not worked.
Like all medicines, this medicine may cause side effects, though not everyone will get them.
Side effects may include:
- constipation
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- drowsiness or confusion
- slow heart rate
- sweating
- low blood pressure
- palpitations
- difficulty passing urine
- difficulty breathing
If you suffer from these for more than a few days or any other side effect whilst on the tablets contact your doctor for further advice.
Do not take co-codamol if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed for this product.
Contact your doctor before taking co-codamol if you come under the following categories:
- Respiratory depression (shallow breathing)
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Alcohol dependence
- Liver damage
- Breastfeeding
- Stomach pain
- You are under 18years and have had tonsils or adenoids removed due to obstructive sleep apnoea
Wait at least 4 hours after taking other painkillers before taking this medicine. As codeine can cause addition, this medication should not be used for more than 3 days unless advised to do so by your doctor.
It should also be noted that co-codamol contains paracetamol. This means you should not take any other paracetamol medication when using co-codamol as you will be at risk of overdosing on paracetamol.
Please see
HERE for the Patient Information Leaflet
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