Quick answer
What is co-codamol used for?
Co-codamol is paracetamol plus codeine for moderate pain when simpler painkillers are not enough. Use the shortest course possible. Never exceed 4g of paracetamol a day from all products combined. Codeine can cause constipation and dependence with prolonged use.
What co-codamol is
Co-codamol combines paracetamol and codeine in one tablet. It is used for moderate pain when paracetamol or ibuprofen alone have not been enough — for example musculoskeletal pain, dental pain or period pain.
It is intended for short courses. It is not a long-term treatment for chronic pain.
Strengths and how to take it
Tablets usually contain 500 mg of paracetamol with 8 mg, 15 mg or 30 mg of codeine. Follow the pack or prescription exactly. Leave the recommended gap between doses and do not exceed the maximum number of tablets in 24 hours.
Check every other medicine you take for hidden paracetamol. Overdose can cause serious liver damage, and early symptoms can be mild.
Risks and side effects
Codeine commonly causes constipation and drowsiness. Nausea can occur. With continued use, tolerance and dependence can develop.
Combining co-codamol with alcohol, sleeping tablets or other opioids increases sedation and breathing risk. Do not “stack” extra codeine on top.
Who should not take it
Co-codamol is not for children under 12, and is restricted in many teenagers. It is usually avoided when breastfeeding. People with severe breathing problems, or who already take sedating medicines, need medical advice before use.
Alternatives and next steps
For many pains, regular paracetamol and/or ibuprofen (if suitable), heat or cold packs, gentle movement and treating the cause work better than escalating opioids. If pain is chronic, ask a GP about physiotherapy, neuropathic pain options, or referral rather than staying on co-codamol for weeks.
Common questions about co-codamol
- How long can I take co-codamol for?
- Use it for the shortest time that controls pain — often just a few days. If you still need it after that, see a GP to treat the cause rather than continuing combination opioids on your own.
- Can I take co-codamol with other paracetamol products?
- No — not without carefully adding up the total. Many cold and flu remedies contain paracetamol. Adults should not take more than 4g (usually eight 500 mg tablets) in 24 hours from all sources combined.
- Is it safe to drive after co-codamol?
- Codeine can impair concentration and reaction times. Do not drive if you feel drowsy or unwell. It can be illegal to drive when unfit because of medication.
- Can I take co-codamol while breastfeeding?
- Codeine is generally avoided when breastfeeding because infants can be sensitive to the morphine produced from it. Ask a GP or pharmacist about safer pain relief such as paracetamol alone, if suitable.
- What is the difference between pharmacy and prescription co-codamol?
- Pharmacy packs usually contain the lowest codeine strength (8/500). Stronger 15/500 and 30/500 tablets are prescription-only because of greater opioid effects and risks.