Solpadeine Plus Soluble Tablets for Pain Relief

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Solpadeine Plus Soluble Tablets used for?

Solpadeine Plus Soluble Tablets are used for the short-term treatment of acute moderate pain when standard painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone have not provided enough relief. They may be used for headache, migraine, dental pain, back pain, muscular pain, rheumatic pain and period pain.

What do Solpadeine Plus Soluble Tablets contain?

Each soluble tablet contains:

• Paracetamol 500mg
• Codeine phosphate 8mg

The tablets dissolve in water before taking, making them easier for some people to swallow.

How do I take Solpadeine Plus Soluble Tablets?

Dissolve the recommended number of tablets completely in a glass of water before drinking.

Adults aged 18 years and over should take:

• 2 tablets every 4–6 hours if required
• Maximum 8 tablets in 24 hours

Do not take for more than 3 consecutive days unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Why can I only take Solpadeine Plus for three days?

Solpadeine Plus contains codeine, an opioid painkiller.

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

• dependence
• withdrawal symptoms
• medication overuse headache
• reduced effectiveness

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

Can I take Solpadeine Plus with paracetamol?

No.

Solpadeine Plus already contains paracetamol.

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

Always check the ingredients of any other medicines before taking them together.

Can I take Solpadeine Plus with ibuprofen?

Yes, in many cases Solpadeine Plus can be taken with ibuprofen because they work in different ways.

However, this may not be suitable for everyone. Speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you are unsure, particularly if you have stomach ulcers, kidney disease, asthma or are taking other medicines.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Solpadeine Plus?

It is best to avoid alcohol.

Alcohol may increase the drowsiness caused by codeine and can also increase the risk of liver damage associated with paracetamol.

What are the most common side effects?

Common side effects include:

• constipation
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting

Most side effects are mild and temporary.

Stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical attention if you develop difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Who should not take Solpadeine Plus?

Solpadeine Plus is not suitable if you:

• are under 18 years old
• are breastfeeding
• have severe breathing problems
• have an allergy to paracetamol, codeine or any of the ingredients
• are known to metabolise codeine unusually rapidly

It may also be unsuitable if you have severe liver disease or certain other medical conditions.

Can I drive while taking Solpadeine Plus?

Codeine may cause:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• blurred concentration

Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel sleepy or your ability to drive is affected.

Driving whilst impaired by medicines is an offence.

When should I seek medical advice?

Speak to a healthcare professional if:

• your pain lasts longer than three days
• your symptoms become worse
• you require pain relief regularly
• you think you may be becoming dependent on codeine

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you take more than the recommended dose, even if you feel well, as paracetamol overdose may not cause immediate symptoms but can result in serious liver damage.

How will Goodcure supply Solpadeine Plus?

Complete a short online suitability assessment before ordering.

Our pharmacy team will review your answers to ensure Solpadeine Plus is appropriate and safe for you. If suitable, your order will be dispensed and dispatched promptly in discreet packaging.

References

• NHS – Codeine: Uses, dosage and side effects
• NHS – Paracetamol: Uses and safe dosing
• BNF – Codeine phosphate
• BNF – Paracetamol
• Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) – Solpadeine Plus Soluble Tablets Summary of Product Characteristics
• MHRA – Codeine: Risk of dependence and addiction