Co-Codamol 8/500 Tablets is a painkiller that is used to temporarily relieve pain that can not be eased with painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.

How Co-Codamol 8/500 Tablets work

Co-Codamol 8/500 Tablets contain codeine and paracetamol. Codeine belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics. It works in the central nervous system and the brain to block pain signals to the rest of the body.

Paracetamol blocks the chemical messengers in the brain that tell your body you have pain. It also reduces a high temperature.

Directions

Always take Co-Codamol 8/500 Tablets exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor / pharmacist has told you. 

Adults: 2 tablets should be taken every 4-6 hours. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Children aged 16-18 years old: 1-2 tablets should be taken every 6 hours. Do not take more than 4 tablets in 24 hours. 

Children aged 12-15 years old: 1 tablet should be taken every 6 hours. Do not take more than 4 tablets in 24 hours. 

Swallow the tablets whole with water.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Co-Codamol 8/500 Tablets may cause side effects in some people, but these won’t affect everybody. Common side effects may include: 

• Constipation 
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness or confusion 
• Difficulty passing water
• Getting more infections than usual
• Bruising more easily than usual 
• Becoming dependent on codeine 

If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Serious side effects

Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, symptoms of which include swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, breathing difficulties and/or loss of consciousness. 

You must stop taking these tablets immediately and seek medical treatment straight away if you experience the following side effects:

• You have a seizure 
• You have difficulty breathing, and you feel dizzy
• You have severe stomach pain, which may reach through to your back

Warnings

Co-Codamol 8/500 Tablets may be unsuitable for certain people. Do not take these tablets if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or if you know that you metabolise codeine into morphine rapidly.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you have severe kidney or liver problems.

Using/taking other medicines

If you are taking or have recently taken any medication, including medication obtained without a prescription, talk to your GP or pharmacist before taking this medicine.

If you are taking Co-Codamol 8/500 Tablets, do not take other painkillers or cough and cold remedies. 

You must tell your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Benzodiazepines, which are used to treat anxiety 
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or you have taken them in the last two weeks
• Anticoagulants e.g. warfarin 
• Metoclopramide or domperidone, which are used to treat nausea and vomiting 
• The antibiotics flucloxacillin or chloramphenicol 
• Colestyramine, which is used to lower blood cholesterol levels
• The oral contraceptive pill

Age restrictions 

This product is not suitable for anyone under 16 years old.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It is not usually recommended to take this product if you are pregnant. Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, you must ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any new medicine. 

Alcohol

You should avoid drinking alcohol whilst you are taking this medicine.

Driving and operating machinery 

This medicine may make you feel dizzy or sleepy. If affected, only drive or operate machinery once you feel safe enough to do so.

Storage information

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before taking this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction

Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support