Co-codamol 8mg/500mg Pack of 32 Capsules (Brand May Vary)

What is Co-codamol 8mg/500mg?

Co-codamol 8mg/500mg is a combination pain relief medicine containing 500mg of paracetamol and 8mg of codeine phosphate. Together, these ingredients work to relieve moderate pain that has not responded to common painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone.

Paracetamol helps reduce pain and fever, while codeine is an opioid painkiller that works by changing how pain signals are processed in the brain and nervous system. By combining these two medicines, Co-codamol provides stronger pain relief than paracetamol alone.

How can Co-codamol help?

Co-codamol is intended for the short-term treatment of acute moderate pain when other over-the-counter pain relief medicines have not provided sufficient relief.

It may be used to help relieve:

• Headaches

• Migraines

• Toothache

• Dental pain

• Neuralgia (nerve pain)

• Period pain

• Rheumatic pain

• General muscular aches and pains

The medicine starts working after absorption into the body, helping to reduce pain so you can continue with your daily activities more comfortably.

Important information before use

Because Co-codamol contains codeine, it should only be used for up to 3 consecutive days. Prolonged use may lead to dependence, addiction or withdrawal symptoms. If your pain continues after 3 days, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take Co-codamol with any other medicines containing paracetamol, as this could increase the risk of serious liver damage.

Always take Co-codamol exactly as directed by your healthcare professional or according to the patient information leaflet.

Adults (18 years and over)

• Take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours when required

• Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours

Children aged 16–18 years

• Take 1 to 2 tablets every 6 hours when required

• Maximum 8 tablets in 24 hours

Children aged 12–15 years

• Take 1 tablet every 6 hours when required

• Maximum 4 tablets in 24 hours

Important instructions

• Swallow the tablets whole with water.

• Leave at least 4 hours between doses.

• Do not exceed the recommended dose.

• Do not take for more than 3 days without medical advice.

• Not suitable for children under 12 years of age due to the risk of serious breathing problems.

If you miss a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, provided there are at least 4 hours before the next dose. Never take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you take too much

Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel well, as taking too much paracetamol can cause delayed but serious liver damage.

Like all medicines, Co-codamol can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects

• Constipation

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Dry mouth

• Drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Light-headedness

• Confusion

• Difficulty passing urine

• Small pupils (pinpoint pupils)

• Feeling unusually happy (euphoria)

• Feeling uneasy or dissatisfied

Less common or serious side effects

Stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical advice if you experience:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat

• Difficulty breathing

• Severe allergic reactions

• Serious skin reactions

• Seizures (fits)

• Severe stomach pain that spreads to the back (possible pancreatitis)

• Slow or shallow breathing

Risk of dependence and addiction

Because Co-codamol contains codeine, regular use for more than 3 days may lead to:

• Tolerance (needing higher doses)

• Dependence

• Addiction

• Withdrawal symptoms when stopping treatment

Speak to your healthcare professional if you find yourself needing to take the medicine for longer than recommended or at higher doses than advised.

Active Ingredients

Each tablet contains:

• Paracetamol 500mg

• Codeine Phosphate 8mg

Other Ingredients

• Maize starch

• Povidone

• Potassium sorbate

• Microcrystalline cellulose

• Stearic acid

• Magnesium stearate

• Talc

• Pregelatinised starch

• Purified water