Can you take co-codamol with amoxicillin?

Key Takeaways

1. Co-codamol and Amoxicillin Compatibility: You can safely take co-codamol with amoxicillin as there are no known harmful interactions between the two medications.

2. What They Treat: Co-codamol is used for pain relief, while amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.

3. Prescription Requirements: Both co-codamol and amoxicillin are prescription-only medications in the UK and must be purchased with a valid prescription, either from a GP or via an online consultation with PharmXtra.

When you're prescribed medications, it's important to understand how they might interact with each other. If you're taking co-codamol for pain and are also prescribed amoxicillin for an infection, you may wonder whether it's safe to take them together. In this article, we will answer your questions about the compatibility of co-codamol and amoxicillin, explain what each medication is used for, and how to purchase them safely in the UK.

What is Co-codamol?

Co-codamol is a combination painkiller made up of codeine (30mg) and paracetamol (500mg). Codeine is an opioid painkiller, and paracetamol is a non-opioid analgesic. Together, they provide effective pain relief for conditions such as muscular pain, headaches, toothaches, and migraines. Co-codamol is often prescribed when over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen are not enough to control pain.

How Does Co-codamol Work?

• Codeine: This opioid works by binding to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, altering how the body perceives pain. It also has sedative effects, making you feel more relaxed.

• Paracetamol: This works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the brain that cause pain and inflammation.

What is Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-based antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections, such as chest infections, dental abscesses, ear infections, and other similar conditions. It works by stopping the bacteria from spreading and helping to eliminate the infection from the body.

How Does Amoxicillin Work?

Amoxicillin works by attacking the cell walls of bacteria, preventing them from multiplying and spreading. This helps the body fight off the infection and restore normal health.

Can You Take Co-codamol with Amoxicillin?

Compatibility Between Co-codamol and Amoxicillin

The good news is that co-codamol and amoxicillin can be taken together safely, as there are no known harmful interactions between them.

• Co-codamol will help alleviate pain, while amoxicillin works to treat the bacterial infection causing the pain or discomfort.

• If you’re suffering from pain caused by a bacterial infection (such as a dental abscess or chest infection), taking both medications can be effective in treating both the infection and the associated pain.

What to Remember

• Paracetamol (found in co-codamol) does not interact negatively with amoxicillin.

• Codeine, the opioid in co-codamol, does not interact with amoxicillin either.

• It's crucial to always follow the prescribed dosage for both medications and ensure you complete your full course of amoxicillin to fully clear the infection.

Final Thoughts

If you have been prescribed both co-codamol for pain and amoxicillin for an infection, it is generally safe to take them together. Co-codamol helps manage pain, while amoxicillin addresses the infection, with no known harmful interactions between the two.

Always follow the dosage instructions given by your healthcare provider, and if you have any concerns or experience side effects, consult with your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Irfan Siddique MBBS
GMC reference no: 7694522
LinkedIn

Sources

• Co-codamol for Adults - NHS

• Co-codamol - BNF

• Amoxicillin - BNF

• Amoxicillin - NHS

• Amoxicillin - BBC Bitesize