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How long does Co-codamol stay in your system?
Key Takeaways
Factors Affecting Co-codamol’s Duration in the System: The time co-codamol stays in your body varies based on factors such as dosage, metabolism, age, liver function, and other medications.
Detection Windows: Co-codamol can be detected in different bodily fluids for different periods. In urine, it lasts about 2-3 days; in blood, 24-48 hours; in saliva, 1-4 days; and in hair follicles, up to 90 days.
Safe Use: Always follow the prescribed dosage, as misuse of co-codamol can lead to dependency and serious side effects.
Co-codamol is a combination medication containing codeine and paracetamol, used to treat moderate to severe pain. Understanding how long co-codamol stays in your system is important for managing safe intervals between doses, and for avoiding interactions with other medications. In this guide, we’ll explore how long co-codamol remains in different parts of the body and the factors influencing its clearance.
What Does Co-codamol Consist Of?
Co-codamol combines paracetamol (500mg) and codeine (30mg) to help relieve pain. Paracetamol is a common pain reliever that works by blocking pain signals, while codeine is an opioid that modifies how the brain processes pain, offering stronger relief for more severe discomfort.
Co-codamol is typically used for short-term relief, especially after surgeries, dental work, or to manage severe headaches. However, because codeine is an opioid, co-codamol can be addictive, and prolonged use can lead to dependence.
How Does the Body Process Co-codamol?
Co-codamol works through a series of processes in your body:
Absorption: After ingestion, co-codamol is absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract.
Metabolism:
Codeine is processed in the liver, where it’s converted into its active form (morphine), which provides pain relief. Some people metabolise codeine faster than others, a phenomenon known as ultra-rapid metabolism.
Paracetamol is metabolised in the liver as well, where it is broken down into a compound called NAPQI.
Elimination: Both codeine and paracetamol are primarily eliminated through the kidneys, where they are excreted in urine.
What Factors Affect How Long Co-codamol Stays in Your System?
Several factors influence how long co-codamol stays in your system, including:
Dosage: Higher doses take longer to clear from the body.
Metabolism: Faster metabolism means the drug is cleared more quickly.
Liver Function: Impaired liver function can slow down drug elimination.
Age and Weight: These factors also play a role in how the body processes the medication.
Other Medications: Some drugs can interfere with how co-codamol is metabolised, potentially extending its presence in your system.
How Long Does Co-codamol Stay in Your Urine?
Co-codamol is typically detectable in urine for 2-3 days after use. The exact detection window depends on your dosage, frequency of use, and metabolism. A standard drug test for co-codamol may pick up traces of codeine during this time, especially if you’ve taken the medication in higher doses or regularly.
How Long Does Co-codamol Stay in Your Blood?
Co-codamol and its metabolites (such as codeine) can generally be detected in your blood for 24 to 48 hours. The presence of co-codamol in the blood does not necessarily indicate that the drug is still effective, but it does reflect its presence in the body for a limited period.
How Long Does Co-codamol Stay in Your Saliva?
Saliva tests can detect co-codamol for around 1-4 days after use. This makes it easier for authorities or medical professionals to assess recent use, especially when drug testing is required in situations like driving or employment.
How Long Does Co-codamol Stay in Your Hair Follicles?
Hair follicle tests can detect the presence of co-codamol for a significantly longer period—up to 90 days or more. Substances like codeine remain trapped in the hair as it grows, offering a long detection window. This type of test is less common but can be used in certain circumstances like monitoring long-term drug use.
What Are the Symptoms of Co-codamol Use?
Co-codamol can cause side effects, especially when used improperly or for extended periods. Common side effects include:
Drowsiness
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Dry mouth
Itching or skin rashes
Severe side effects, such as respiratory depression (slowed breathing), are rare but can occur when co-codamol is mixed with alcohol or taken in high doses.
Can Co-codamol Be Habit-Forming?
Yes, codeine, one of the active ingredients in co-codamol, is an opioid and carries a risk of dependence or addiction if misused. That’s why it is important to only use co-codamol for short-term pain relief and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts
Co-codamol is an effective medication for managing moderate to severe pain, combining the pain-relieving properties of paracetamol with the stronger effects of codeine. However, it is important to understand how long the medication stays in your system, particularly when considering its interactions with other substances like alcohol or other medications. Always follow your doctor’s advice and prescription guidelines to ensure the safe use of co-codamol, and if you experience any adverse effects, consult with a healthcare professional immediately.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Irfan Siddique MBBS
GMC reference no: 7694522
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