Table of Contents
Introduction
Co-codamol 30mg/500mg دواء dosage – It is a very common medicine prescribed for pain relief and can be bought over the counter at many pharmacies. It has three diverse strengths, with the lowest strength available at pharmacies such as Wildrex Pharmacy. In comparison, the two higher powers are general only when prescribed to you.
However, before taking any medication, it is a good idea to understand what it is, why it is used, and its side effects. In this blog, we will learn about co-codamol so you can understand what the drug does and how to use it safely.
What is co-codamol?
Co-codamol contains two painkiller ingredients paracetamol and codeine. It is given to relieve short-term painful conditions where paracetamol alone is insufficient. There are three different strengths of co-codamol, one of which can be bought from a pharmacies without a prescription.
The three different strengths contain the same amount of paracetamol (500mg), but the amount of codeine varies, determining the preparation’s strength. Therefore, there are three main strengths of tablets: 8mg/500mg, 15mg/500mg, and 30mg/500mg, where the first number relates to the amount of codeine in the tablet and the second to the amount of paracetamol present.
What is co-codamol use for?
Co-codamol is often use to treat moderate aches and pains, including muscle aches, migraines, toothaches, and headaches. The medicine comes in a capsule or tablet that should be swallow whole with water. It can be taken with or without food.
Adults over 18 should take 2 co-codamol tablets of any strength up to 4 times in 24 hours. Always give upto 4 hours between each dose; the maximum is 8 co-codamol tablets. Taking too much co-codamol can be very dangerous, so it is essential that you leave a gap between your doses and do not increase your dose, even if you are in a lot of pain. Co-codamol is generally not recommend to be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What does co-codamol do?
Because co-codamol combines two ingredients that provide pain relief, it works in two ways to deal with pain. Paracetamol blocks chemical messengers in the brain that tell us when we are in pain. It also reduces fever by affecting chemical messengers in the area of the brain that controls body temperature. Codeine affects pain receptors in the central nervous system and brain to block pain signals to the rest of the body.
How to take co-codamol?
Before you start treatment, read the manufacturer’s information inside the pack. It will give you more info about co-codamol and provide a complete list of its side effects.
Take co-codamol accurately as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. The normal dose for adults is 1 tablet every 4-6 hours or 2 capsules if needed. Remember to give at least four hours between doses and never take more than two tablets or capsules or more than eight tablets or capsules at one time in any 24 hours. This maximum recommended dose for all strengths of co-codamol is due to the paracetamol content of the tablets/capsules.
You can take co-codamol before or after a meal, but taking your dose after a meal may help prevent the sick feeling that can occur with some amounts.
If you cannot remember to take a dose, take it the next time you need pain relief and then continue as before, taking your dose every four to six hours if needed. Do not take two doses simultaneously to make up for the forgotten dose.
Co-Codamol 30mg/500mg دواء Dosage for Adults and Children
About co-codamol for children
- Co-codamol is a combination of two different types of painkillers – paracetamol and codeine.
- It treats aches and pains like headaches, migraine, muscle pain, and toothache.
- Children aged 12 to 15 can take co-codamol, but only if daily painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, don’t work independently.
- Do not give co-codamol to children younger than 12 years old.
- This medicine arises in the form of tablets and capsules.
- For adults and children over 16, please read our information on co-codamol for adults.
About co-codamol for adults
- Co-codamol is a combination of two different types of painkillers – paracetamol and codeine. It treats aches and pains, including headaches, muscle pain, migraine, and toothache.
- It may be worth taking co-codamol if everyday painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol don’t work independently.
- This medicine comes in the form of tablets and capsules.
- For children under 16, please read our information about co-codamol for children.
What are the side effects of co-codamol?
Taking too much co-codamol can be incredibly harmful to the body, as the paracetamol component can damage the liver if taken in very high doses. In addition, the codeine component of co-codamol can also become addictive if taken continuously for too long.
Common side effects of co-codamol include constipation, sleepiness, headache, or feeling sick/vomiting. Codeine blocks pain receptors in the central nervous system, which can stimulate slow, shallow breathing. It can also low down digestion, which is why codeine can reason constipation as a common side effect.
More severe side effects include skin rash, difficulty urinating, vision changes, and dizziness. If you experience any severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Can I Take Co-Codamol 30mg/500mg When Pregnant?
Co-codamol contains Paracetamol and Codeine. Taking paracetamol during pregnancy is consider safe, although codeine may affect your baby, particularly towards the end of pregnancy.
Your baby may become addicted to codeine and may experience withdrawal symptoms at birth. In addition, there is a slightly higher risk of your baby having breathing problems. These are usually temporary, but your child may need more monitoring.
For these reasons, the use of co-codamol is generally not recommended. However, if you have pain that requires more vital pain relief than paracetamol, speak to your doctor. They may prescribe co-codamol if they think this is your best option.
Conclusion
This medication contains an opioid pain reliever (codeine). There is a significant risk of addiction when taking this drug, mainly if it is use for a long time. The MHRA has issue new guidance for people who are prescribe opioid painkillers. If you have questions about taking opioids safely, please talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have taken co-codamol from a medical agency, you should not take it for more than two days in a row. If you still have pain after this time, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.