Co-codamol

Can you buy Co-Codamol online in the UK?

Yes, you can safely buy Co-codamol online from PharmXtra. Our ordering process ensures you receive the correct prescription and a partner pharmacy will dispense your medication. To begin, add the product to your basket and follow the consultation steps.

Where can I buy Co-codamol online?

You can buy Co-codamol online from PharmXtra. Our process includes a consultation to ensure you receive the right prescription, with medication supplied by a partner pharmacy.

Can I buy co-codamol at a pharmacy?

Yes the lowest strength of Co-codamol (8/500mg) is available over the counter for minor conditions such as sore throats. However, higher strengths (15/500mg and 30/500mg) require a prescription from a doctor. A healthcare professional will assess whether Co-codamol is suitable for you before use.

What is Co-codamol?

Co-codamol UK

• Co-codamol is a pain relief medication that combines paracetamol and codeine.
• It is prescribed when other pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, has not worked.
• Low-dose co-codamol is available over the counter, but higher strengths require a prescription.
• Codeine can be addictive, so it's important to limit use and consider alternative pain relief when possible.
• Co-codamol is available under brand names such as Solpadol, Kapake and Zapain.
• Always read the patient information leaflet for full details on side effects and cautions.

How does Co-codamol work?

Co-codamol tablets contain both paracetamol and codeine.

Paracetamol works by blocking pain signals, reducing discomfort.

Codeine is an opioid that prevents pain messages from reaching the brain.

Combining these two ingredients can provide more effective pain relief while reducing the number of tablets needed.

Every person’s experience with co-codamol is unique.

User Reviews for Co-codamol

To read real user experiences, visit iwantgreatcare.org.

Before taking co-codamol, consult a doctor or healthcare provider to determine whether it is suitable for you.

For detailed information, refer to the official Co-codamol patient information leaflet

How is Co-codamol taken?

Co-codamol Tablets

Available in tablet or capsule form, with or without food.

Some people prefer soluble tablets, which dissolve in water.

What is the dosage of Co-codamol?

Co-Codamol 30/500mg

Co-codamol comes in three strengths:

1. 8mg codeine / 500mg paracetamol
2. 15mg codeine / 500mg paracetamol
3. 330mg codeine / 500mg paracetamol

The usual dose is 1 or 2 tablets up to 4 times a day, with at least 6 hours between doses.

Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Avoid other paracetamol-containing medicines while taking co-codamol.

Long-term use may lead to dependence, so follow your prescriber’s advice.

Are there any side effects to Co-codamol?

Like all medications, co-codamol can cause some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting (feeling sick and being sick)
• Feeling sleepy (avoid driving or operating machinery if this is the case)
• Headache
• Withdrawal symptoms - including sweating, shaking, shivering, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, feeling queasy, high blood pressure, anxiety and struggling to sleep.

If these side effects are do not settle after time you should speak to a doctor or healthcare professional for advice.

Occasionally, more serious side effects can occur when taking co-codamol. Serious side effects include:

• Skin rashes
• Change in your vision
• Feeling dizzy
• Difficulty passing urine (peeing)
• Difficulty breathing (respiratory depression) - more profound in those with COPD and respiratory conditions, children, patients with liver and kidney impairment and binge drinkers

Seek medical attention if you experience severe side effects or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

What warnings come with Co-codamol?

Co-codamol may not be suitable for people with:

• Lung problems or breathing difficulties including asthma
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Liver or kidney disease
• A head injury
• Seizures (fits)
• Problems with your adrenal glands
• Alcohol or drug addiction, or if you drink more than 14 units of alcohol each week.

Co-codamol is sometimes used in pregnancy but should be avoided when breastfeeding due to the risks of codeine passing to the baby.

Co-codamol is often the best painkiller for pregnant women. If you are breastfeeding then codeine must be avoided (NHS, 2022). Dihydrocodeine and co-dydramol which we retail may be suitable due to their alternative chemical structure but similar pain relief results. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider to choose what treatment is suitable for you and your baby.

Some medications can interact with co-codamol. You may be told to avoid co-codamol if you already take:

• Another medication that contains paracetamol
• Another medication that contains codeine
• Anti-sickness medications
• Blood-thinners including warfarin or heparin
• Sleeping pills
• Benzodiazepines including diazepam
• Antidepressants
• Certain antibiotics
• Medications for epilepsy.

Always tell your prescriber about any other medicines or supplements you take.

Is Co-codamol an opioid?

Yes, co-codamol contains codeine, which is an opioid. If you are going to be travelling abroad with it, check the regulations of your destination country.

Can you take Co-codamol for period pain?

Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen (a type of NSAID) are commonly used to relieve period pain by reducing prostaglandin production. However, paracetamol may be a better option for those with stomach ulcers or asthma. Co-codamol, which combines codeine and paracetamol, may be prescribed for stronger pain relief but should only be used short-term due to the risk of addiction. It should not be taken for more than three days at a time (EMC, 2023). A doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider can advise on the most suitable pain relief for your needs.

Does co-codamol affect sexual health?

A study by Wong et al (2011) found that while opioid painkillers can suppress male gonadal function, their use in men and women does not appear to be linked to sexual dysfunction.

Is Co-codamol the same as Zapain?

Yes, Co-codamol and Zapain are the same medication. Zapain is a brand name for Co-codamol.

Is there a link between co-codamol usage and respiratory depression?

Like all opioids, Co-codamol carries a risk of opioid toxicity. In severe cases, this can lead to respiratory and circulatory depression, which can be life-threatening (GOV.UK, 2021). However, this is rare as patients are carefully assessed beforehand. To minimise risk, it’s important to disclose any other medications, medical conditions (such as liver or kidney impairment), and alcohol intake. You should also only take Co-codamol as prescribed. If you have recent liver and kidney blood test results, these can be helpful but are not always required.

Additionally, a study by Heppell and Isbister (2017) found that overdoses involving paracetamol-codeine combinations are rarely linked to severe respiratory depression.

• NHS - Co-codamol for Adults
• Cancer Research UK - Co-codamol
• Medicines.org.uk - Co-codamol Summary of Product Characteristics
• BNF - Co-codamol
• Patient.info - Co-codamol for Pain Relief
• Bupa - Over-the-counter Painkillers
• Medicines.org.uk - Co-codamol Patient Information Leaflet (PDF)
• Talk to Frank - Codeine

• How Long Does Co-Codamol Stay in Your System? - Learn how long Co-Codamol stays in your system after taking it and how it can affect you.
• Is Solpadol the Same as Co-Codamol? - Find out if Solpadol and Co-Codamol are the same, and what the differences are between these two medications.
• How Long After Taking Co-Codamol Can I Drink Alcohol? - Understand how long you should wait after taking Co-Codamol before drinking alcohol to avoid any harmful effects.
• Co-Codamol Price: What to Know About the Cost of Co-Codamol - Find out about the cost of Co-Codamol and what you need to know before purchasing it.
• Can You Take Co-Codamol with Amoxicillin? - Learn if it's safe to take Co-Codamol along with Amoxicillin, and what to consider before combining them.
• Is Dihydrocodeine Stronger Than Codeine? - Discover if Dihydrocodeine is stronger than Codeine and how they compare in terms of effectiveness for pain relief.
• What is Zapain? - Learn about Zapain, a medication used for pain relief, and how it compares to other painkillers like Co-Codamol.