Co-codamol 8mg/500mg Tablets for Pain Relief

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Co-codamol used for?

Co-codamol is used for the short-term treatment of moderate pain when standard painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone have not provided enough relief.

It may be suitable for conditions including:

• Toothache
• Back pain
• Muscle pain
• Sprains and strains
• Joint pain
• Period pain
• Headache
• Migraine

What does Co-codamol contain?

Each tablet contains:

• Paracetamol 500mg
• Codeine phosphate 8mg

Paracetamol helps relieve pain and reduce fever, while codeine is an opioid painkiller that provides additional pain relief.

How should I take Co-codamol?

Adults aged 18 years and over should usually take:

• 2 tablets every 4–6 hours when needed
• Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
• Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Co-codamol should not normally be taken for more than 3 consecutive days unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Always follow the instructions supplied with your medicine.

Why can I only take Co-codamol for three days?

Co-codamol contains codeine, which can cause dependence if taken regularly.

Using codeine for longer than three days increases the risk of:

• dependence
• withdrawal symptoms
• medication overuse headache
• reduced pain relief over time

If your pain continues after three days, you should seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and discuss alternative treatment options.

Can I take Co-codamol with paracetamol?

No.

Co-codamol already contains paracetamol.

Taking additional paracetamol at the same time may exceed the maximum recommended daily dose and could cause serious liver damage.

Always check the ingredients of any cold, flu or pain medicines before taking them together.

Can I take Co-codamol with ibuprofen?

Often, yes.

Paracetamol/codeine and ibuprofen work in different ways and may sometimes be used together.

However, ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone, particularly if you have:

• stomach ulcers
• kidney disease
• certain types of asthma
• inflammatory bowel disease

If you're unsure, ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional before combining treatments.

Can I drive after taking Co-codamol?

Possibly not.

Codeine may cause:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• blurred vision
• slower reaction times

Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel affected.

Driving while impaired by medication is an offence.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Co-codamol?

It is best to avoid alcohol.

Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of codeine and may increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.

Heavy alcohol consumption may also increase the risk of liver damage associated with paracetamol.

What are the most common side effects?

Common side effects include:

• constipation
• feeling sleepy
• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting

Drinking plenty of fluids, eating a fibre-rich diet and remaining active may help reduce constipation.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• difficulty breathing
• facial swelling
• severe allergic reactions
• confusion or extreme drowsiness

Can I use Co-codamol for back pain?

Yes.

Co-codamol may help relieve short-term moderate back pain, particularly if simple painkillers alone have not been effective.

However, medicines are only one part of treatment. Remaining active where possible and following appropriate exercises are often important for recovery.

If back pain lasts longer than a few weeks, becomes progressively worse, or is associated with numbness, weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, seek urgent medical assessment.

Can I use Co-codamol for period pain?

Yes.

Co-codamol may be used for moderate period pain when paracetamol or ibuprofen alone has not provided enough relief.

If your periods are consistently very painful, becoming worse, or interfering with your daily life, you should speak to your GP or one of Goodcure's clinicians, as an underlying condition such as endometriosis or adenomyosis may need to be considered.

When should I seek medical advice about my pain?

Arrange a medical review if:

• your pain lasts longer than 3 days despite treatment
• your pain becomes progressively worse
• you require regular opioid pain relief
• your pain repeatedly returns
• you develop new symptoms such as weakness, numbness, unexplained weight loss or fever

Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe chest pain, sudden weakness, difficulty breathing or signs of a paracetamol overdose.

How will Goodcure supply Co-codamol?

Complete a short online suitability assessment before ordering.

Our pharmacy team will review your answers to ensure Co-codamol is appropriate and safe for you. If suitable, your medication will be professionally checked and dispatched promptly in discreet packaging.

References

• NHS: Codeine; Paracetamol; Back pain; Period pain
• BNF: Co-codamol; Codeine phosphate; Paracetamol
• NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries: Analgesia – mild to moderate pain; Low back pain and sciatica; Dysmenorrhoea
• Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC): Co-codamol 8mg/500mg Tablets Summary of Product Characteristics
• MHRA: Opioid medicines – risk of dependence and addiction