Co-Codamol 8/500mg EFFERVESCENT Tablets 32 Tablets
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Co-Codamol 8/500mg Effervescent Tablets – 32 Tablets
Pack size: 32 effervescent tablets
Active ingredients (per tablet): Paracetamol 500 mg and Codeine Phosphate 8 mg.
What it is: Co-codamol is a pain relief medicine that combines paracetamol and a low dose of codeine. It is used for the short-term treatment of acute moderate pain that is not relieved by paracetamol or ibuprofen alone, for example headache, migraine, dental pain, period pain, muscular and rheumatic pains.
Form: Effervescent tablet – to be dissolved in water before taking. This helps people who find swallowing tablets difficult and allows faster dispersion.
How it works
Paracetamol helps to relieve pain and reduce fever. Codeine is an opioid analgesic that acts on the central nervous system to reduce the feeling of pain. The two medicines together provide stronger pain relief than either alone. Because codeine can cause dependence, this medicine should be used for the shortest time possible (no longer than 3 days without medical advice).
Who can use it
- Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
- Not recommended for children under 12 years due to the risk of serious breathing problems.
Key features
- Combined pain relief for moderate pain.
- Effervescent tablets – easy to take.
- Suitable for adults and children 12+ when other painkillers have not worked.
- Convenient 32-tablet pack for short courses of treatment.
Important: This information is a summary and does not replace the full Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). Always read the leaflet inside your pack carefully before use. For persistent or worsening pain, or if you need to use this medicine for more than 3 days, seek medical advice.
Dosage & directions for use
Always follow the instructions on the pack or given by your doctor/pharmacist.
Adults (including the elderly) and children 12 years and over:
- Dissolve 1 to 2 tablets in a glass of water and drink the solution.
- Take only every 4–6 hours as needed.
- Do not take more than 8 tablets in any 24 hours.
Do not take for longer than 3 days unless your doctor tells you to. If pain does not improve, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Long-term use can cause dependence and headache.
How to take: drop the tablet(s) into a full glass of water, allow to completely dissolve, then drink. Do not swallow the tablet whole.
Warnings & precautions
This medicine contains codeine, which can cause addiction if you take it continuously for more than 3 days. If you take this medicine for headaches for more than 3 days it can make them worse.
- Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products (including many cold/flu remedies). Too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage.
- Do not exceed the stated dose. Seek urgent medical advice if you accidentally take too much, even if you feel well.
- Do not give to children under 12 years.
- Do not take if you are known to be an ultra-rapid metaboliser of codeine or if you have ever had respiratory depression with opioids. (Ask your doctor if unsure.)
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine – it can increase drowsiness and the risk of liver damage.
- May cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or operate machinery. It is an offence to drive if this medicine affects your ability to do so safely.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking if you have liver or kidney problems, stomach or bowel disorders, breathing problems (including asthma or COPD), or if you are underweight or dehydrated.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: not recommended unless prescribed. Codeine must not be used while breastfeeding as it can pass into breast milk and harm your baby.
- Sodium content: effervescent tablets contain sodium and other excipients; if you are on a low-sodium (low-salt) diet or have high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems, ask your doctor/pharmacist before use.
- Phenylketonuria: some effervescent formulations contain aspartame (a source of phenylalanine). Check the leaflet if you have PKU.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this product can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Side effects may include nausea, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, sweating and, rarely, allergic reactions. Stop taking and seek medical help immediately if you experience swelling of the face/lips, difficulty breathing, a severe skin rash or yellowing of the skin/eyes. Dependence can occur with prolonged use.
Storage
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Store in the original container to protect from moisture.
- Do not use after the expiry date shown on the pack.
- Return any unused medicine to your pharmacist.
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