Co-codamol
Tablets, capsules and medicines usually contain only one drug. However there are several combination drugs with contain two distinct drugs. The purists frown upon combination drugs because there is no choice of the dose of each drug and if you want to increase the dose of one of the constituents, you inevitably double the dose of the other.
Naming the new combination drug can be a problem, but the Medicines Agency has created new names for the combinations and they all start "Co-". The most common combination in use within the NHS is Co-Codamol.
Co-Codamol is a combination of Codeine Phosphate and Paracetamol. Two painkillers. There are several preparations called Co-Codamol, some are tablets, some are capsules and some are dissolvable/effervescent tablets.
There are two strengths of Co-Codamol. Each contains 500mg of Paracetamol. This is the normal size of Paracetamol.
One strength of Co-Codamol contains 8mg of Codeine Phosphate and the other contains 30mg of Codeine Phosphate. Hence the two strengths Co-Codamol 8/500 and Co-Codamol 30/500.
Co-Codamol 8/500 is available without a prescription, "over-the-counter". The stronger Co-Codamol 30/500 is only available on prescription.
Co-Codamol is used as a painkiller and the dose will vary according to the condition being treated. The 30/500 strength is often used in hospitals after operations and is given to patients as they leave hospital following surgery as a painkiller to use "as and when". It is commonly used in General Practice for back pain and sciatica
There are two very important comments to make about Co-Codamol. The first is that ordinary Paracetamol must not be combined with Co-Codamol. Why? There is a danger of accidental overdose of Paracetamol.
In 24 hours a patient should not take any more than 4000mg of Paracetamol. So taking two Co-Codamol 4 times a day would reach that limit, if you add in further Paracetamol you would exceed the recommended limit. So be very careful only to take the medication advised by your doctor, do not self medicate.
The second comment to make is that painkillers of any variety can cause constipation. Codeine can be used to treat diarrhoea, so in combination with Paracetamol as a painkiller, the most common side effect is constipation. So when taking Co-Codamol, drink plenty of fluid.
Useful links
The contents of this web page were created by easygp.net and do not necessarily represent the views or policy of this practice. Any medical or health information on this page is provided by medically trained & qualified professionals, unless a statement to the contrary is displayed. This practice and easygp.net are not liable for the contents of any external Internet sites. Links to other web sites are provided for information and convenience and we do not endorse any services or commercial products mentioned on these sites.
Always consult your own GP if you are concerned about your health
