Patient leaflet - Co-codamol tablets
1. What Co-Codamol is and what it is used for
The name of your medicine is Co-codamol Tablets (called Co-codamol in this leaflet). Co-codamol contains two different medicines called:
- Codeine
- Paracetamol
These medicines both belong to a group of medicines called pain-killers (analgesics)
Co-codamol is used as an analgesic for the treatment of mild to moderate pain including headache, neuralgia, toothache, sore throat, period pains and the symptomatic relief of influenza, feverishness and feverish colds, especially where aches and pains are present.
2. What you need to know before you take Co-Codamol
Do not take Co-codamol if:
You are allergic (hypersensitive) to codeine, paracetamol or any of the other ingredients (listed in
Section 6 below)
- You have problems with your kidneys or liver
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy, concurrent or within 14 days.
Do not take Co-codamol if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Co-codamol.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Co-codamol if:
- you are pregnant or breast-feeding (see Pregnancy and breast-feeding section below)
- you have a condition called myasthenia gravis which weakens the muscles
If this applies to you (or you are not sure), check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Co- codamol.
During treatment with Co-codamol, tell your doctor straight away if:
If you have severe illnesses, including severe renal impairment or sepsis (when bacteria and their toxins circulate in the blood leading to organ damage), or you suffer from malnutrition, chronic alcoholism or if you are also taking flucloxacillin (an antibiotic). A serious condition called metabolic acidosis (a blood and fluid abnormality) has been reported in patients in these situations when paracetamol is used at regular doses for a prolonged period or when paracetamol is taken together with flucloxacillin. Symptoms of metabolic acidosis may include: serious breathing difficulties with deep rapid breathing, drowsiness, feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting).
Other medicines and Co-codamol
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines obtained without a prescription, including herbal medicines. This is because Co-codamol can affect the way some other medicines work. Also some other medicines can affect the way Co-codamol works.
While taking Co-codamol you should not take any other medicines which contain paracetamol or codeine
This includes other pain-killers, and some cough and cold remedies. It also includes other medicines available from your pharmacist and more widely in shops. Always check the name of the medicines inside anything you buy or are prescribed, to see if they contain paracetamol or codeine.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
This is especially important if you are taking or have taken within the last two weeks:
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as moclobemide and phenelzine used in the treatment of depression
- medicines which make you drowsy or sleepy (CNS depressants and benzodiazepines) such as
medicines used to treat anxiety or anaesthetics.
- medicines for depression such as dosulepin, mirtazapine (Tricyclic) or chlorpromazine (phenothiazines)
- medicines known as tranquillisers, or hypnotics
- sleeping tablets, sedatives and some antihistamines
- medicines used to thin the blood (such as warfarin)
- metoclopramide or domperidone - used for feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- cholestyramine - used for high cholesterol and fat levels in the blood
flucloxacillin (antibiotic), due to a serious risk of blood and fluid abnormality (called metabolic acidosis) that must have urgent treatment (see section2).
You may experience more drowsiness if you take these medicines with co-codamol.
If you are not sure if the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Co- codamol.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, might become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
Driving and using machines
You may feel sleepy or dizzy after taking Co-codamol. If this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines.
Important information about Co-codamol
- If you need to use this medicine for more than three days at a time, see your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.
- Taking codeine regularly for a long time can lead to addiction, which might cause you to feel restless and irritable when you stop the tablets.
- Taking a painkiller for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse.
3. How to take Co-codamol
Always take Co-codamol as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
How to take
- Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water
- Do not crush or chew the tablets
- Leave at least 3 to 4 hours between each dose of Co-codamol
- Do not take this medicine for more than 3 days without consulting a doctor.
How much to take
Adults and children over 15 years of age
- The usual dose is 1 or 2 tablets
- Do not take more than 8 tablets in any 24 hour period
Children 6 to 15 years of age
| Age | Recommended Paracetamol Dose Co-cod | amol tablet dose | How Often |
| 6-8 years | 240-250mg | Half | Every 4-6 hours when necessary to a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours |
| 8-10 years | 360-375mg | Half – three quarters | Every 4-6 hours when necessary to a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours |
| 10-12 years | 480-500mg | One | Every 4-6 hours when necessary to a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours |
| 12-15 years | 480-750mg | One – One & half | Every 4-6 hours when necessary to a maximum of 4 doses in |
24 hours
Co-codamol is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
If you think that the effect of Co-codamol is too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Changing the dose after taking Co-codamol regularly for a long time
Taking Co-codamol regularly and for a long time can make you addicted to the medicine. If you have taken regular daily doses of Co-codamol for a long time, talk to your doctor before increasing the dose or before suddenly stopping treatment.
If you take more Co-codamol than you should
- Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.
- Remember to take this medicine pack and any remaining tablets with you, so the doctor knows what you have taken
If you forget to take Co-codamol
- If you forget a dose, do not worry, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
- Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose
- Remember to leave at least 3 to 4 hours between doses
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Co-codamol can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Important side effects you should know about Co-codamol
- Taking codeine regularly for a long time can make you addicted to the medicine. This means that when you stop taking the tablets, you might feel restless and irritable
- Taking a painkiller for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse
Stop taking Co-codamol and see a doctor straight away if:
- You develop an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include a rash, swelling of your face, lips, mouth and throat, difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing
Other possible side effects may include:
- Constipation
- Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- Feeling dizzy, light-headed or sleepy
- Feeling confused
- Skin rash
- Disorders of the blood (thrombocytopenia and agranulocytosis).
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
A serious condition that can make blood more acidic (called metabolic acidosis), in patients with severe illness using paracetamol (see section 2)
If any of the side effects get serious or lasts for longer than a few days or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Co-codamol
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use Co-codamol after the expiry date stated on label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.
Store your medicine in the original container.
Do not throw away anymedicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Co-codamol Tablets contain:
- The active ingredients are codeine phosphate and paracetamol. Each tablet contains 8 mg of codeine phosphate and 500 mg of paracetamol
- The other ingredients are starch (maize), potassium sorbate (E 202), sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate and pregelatinised maize starch.
What Co-codamol Tablets look like and the contents of the pack:
Co-codamol Tablets are white, flat, round, bevelled edge tablets with a short breakline. They are available in containers of 25, 30 or 32 tablets.
Marketing Authorisation Holder: Manufacturer:
Activase Pharmaceuticals Limited ALKALOIDA Chemical Company Zrt. 11 Boumpoulinas, 3rd floor H- 4440 Tiszavasvári P.C. 1060 Nicosia, Kabay János u. 29. Cyprus Hungary