Solpadeine Max Tablets for Moderate Pain Relief

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Solpadeine Max used for?

Solpadeine Max is used for the short-term treatment of acute moderate pain when standard painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone have not provided sufficient relief. It may be used for conditions including migraine, headache, dental pain, back pain, muscular pain, period pain and some nerve pain.

What does Solpadeine Max contain?

Each tablet contains:

• Paracetamol 500mg
• Codeine phosphate 12.8mg

The combination provides greater pain relief than paracetamol alone for some people.

How should I take Solpadeine Max?

Adults aged 18 years and over should take 1–2 tablets every 4–6 hours as required.

• Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.
• Do not take for more than 3 consecutive days unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Always read the patient information leaflet before use.

Why should I only take it for three days?

Solpadeine Max contains codeine, an opioid painkiller.

Taking codeine regularly for more than three days increases the risk of:

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

If your pain continues after three days, you should seek medical advice.

Can I take Solpadeine Max with paracetamol?

No.

Solpadeine Max already contains paracetamol.

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

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

Can I drink alcohol while taking Solpadeine Max?

It is best to avoid alcohol.

Alcohol can increase drowsiness caused by codeine and may also increase the risk of liver damage from paracetamol, particularly if taken in large amounts.

What are the most common side effects?

The most common side effects include:

• constipation
• feeling sleepy
• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting

Not everyone experiences side effects.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, facial swelling or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Who should not take Solpadeine Max?

Solpadeine Max is not suitable for everyone.

Do not take it if you:

• are under 18 years old
• have severe breathing problems
• are known to metabolise codeine very rapidly
• are breastfeeding
• are allergic to paracetamol or codeine

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

Can I drive while taking Solpadeine Max?

Possibly not.

Codeine can cause:

• drowsiness
• slower reaction times
• dizziness

Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel affected.

Driving while impaired by medication is illegal.

When should I seek medical advice?

Speak to a healthcare professional if:

• your pain lasts longer than three days
• your pain becomes worse
• you need pain relief regularly
• you develop new symptoms
• you think you may have become dependent on codeine

Seek urgent medical attention immediately if you take more than the recommended dose, even if you feel well, as paracetamol overdose can cause delayed but serious liver damage.

How will GoodCure supply Solpadeine Max?

Simply complete a short online suitability assessment.

Our pharmacy team will review your answers to ensure Solpadeine Max is appropriate for you before your order is supplied.

If suitable, your medication will be 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 Max Tablets Summary of Product Characteristics
• MHRA – Opioid medicines: risk of dependence and addiction