Boots Paracetamol and Codeine Effervescent Tablets
(Co-Codamol)
Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.
This medicine is available without prescription to treat minor conditions. However, you still need to take it carefully to get the best results from it.
- This medicine can only be used for the short term treatment of acute moderate pain such as headache, migraine, rheumatic pain, neuralgia, toothache and period pain that is not relieved by aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol alone
You should only take this product for a maximum of 3 days at a time. If you need to take it for longer than 3 days you should see your doctor or pharmacist for advice
This medicine contains codeine which can cause addiction if you take it continuously for more than 3 days. This can give you withdrawal symptoms from the medicine when you stop taking it
If you take this medicine for headaches for more than 3 days it can make them worse- Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again
- Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice
What this medicine is for
This medicine contains Codeine and Paracetamol which belong to a group of medicines called analgesics which act to relieve pain.
It can be used for the short term treatment of acute moderate pain such as headache, migraine, rheumatic pain, neuralgia, toothache and period pain that is not relieved by aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol alone.
Before you take this medicine
This medicine contains codeine which can cause addiction if you take it continuously for more than 3 days. This can give you withdrawal symptoms from the medicine when you stop taking it
If you take a painkiller for headaches for more than 3 days it can make them worse
This medicine can be taken by adults and children aged 12 years and over. However, some people should not take this medicine or should seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor first.
Do not take:
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients
If you have an intolerance to some sugars, unless your doctor tells you to (this medicine contains sorbitol)
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor:
- If you have severe kidney problems
- If you have severe liver problems (including a disease caused by drinking alcohol)
- If you are on a low salt (sodium) diet (each tablet contains 388 mg of sodium, which may be harmful to you)
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you take other medicines
This medicine contains paracetamol.
Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products.
Before you take these tablets, make sure that you tell your pharmacist about ANY other medicines you might be using at the same time, particularly the following:
- Domperidone or metoclopramide for feeling sick or being sick (may increase the pain relief effect of paracetamol)
- Colestyramine for reducing blood fat levels (may reduce the pain relief effect of paracetamol)
- Warfarin or other blood thinners - if you take warfarin you can take occasional amounts of this medicine, but talk to your doctor first before you take it on a regular basis
If you are unsure about interactions with any other medicines, talk to your pharmacist. This includes medicines prescribed by your doctor and medicine you have bought for yourself, including herbal and homeopathic remedies.
How to take this medicine
Check the foil is not broken before use. If it is, do not take that tablet.
Dissolve the tablets in a glass of water and then drink the solution.
Adults and children of 12 years and over: Take two tablets dissolved in water every 4 hours, if you need to, up to 4 times in 24 hours. Don’t take more than 8 tablets in any 24 hours.
Do not take for more than 3 days. If you need to use this medicine for more than 3 days you must speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not give to children under 12 years.
Do not take more than the amount recommended.
If your symptoms persist for more than 3 days or worsen at any time you should see your doctor.
If you take too many tablets:
Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage. Go to your nearest hospital casualty department. Take your medicine and the leaflet with you.
Possible withdrawal effects when stopping treatment
This medicine contains codeine and can cause addiction if you take it continuously for more than 3 days. When you stop taking it you may get withdrawal symptoms. You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you think you are suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
Possible side effects
Most people will not have problems, but some people may have side effects when taking this medicine. If you have any unwanted side effects you should seek advice from your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
Also you can help to make sure that medicines remain as safe as possible by reporting any unwanted side effects via the internet at www.yellowcard.gov.uk; alternatively you can call Freephone 0808 100 3352 (available between 10 am – 2 pm Monday-Friday) or fill in a paper form available from your local pharmacy.
If you get any of these serious side effects, stop taking the tablets. See a doctor at once:
- Difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, neck, tongue or throat (severe allergic reactions)
- Severe stomach pain, which may reach through to the back. This may be a sign of pancreatitis, which is very rare
These other effects are less serious.
If they bother you talk to a pharmacist:
- Constipation, feeling sick, being sick
- Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, feeling light headed - do not drive or use machines if you feel drowsy or dizzy
- Difficulty in passing urine
- Other allergic reactions (e.g. skin rash)
- Unusual bruising, or infections such as sore throats - this may be a sign of very rare changes in the blood
If any side effect becomes severe, or you notice any side effect not listed here, please tell your pharmacist or doctor.
How do I know if I am addicted?
If you take the medicine according to the instructions on the pack it is unlikely that you will become addicted to the medicine. However, if the following apply to you it is important that you talk to your doctor:
- You need to take the medicine for longer periods of time
- You need to take more than the recommended amount
- When you stop taking the medicine you feel very unwell but you feel better if you start taking the medicine again
How to store this medicine
Store in the original package to help protect from moisture.
Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard.
Use by the date on the end flap of the carton.
What is in this medicine
Each effervescent tablet contains Codeine Phosphate 8 mg, Paracetamol 500 mg which are the active ingredients.
As well as the active ingredients, the tablets also contain sodium bicarbonate, citric acid anhydrous, sodium carbonate, sorbitol (E420), saccharin sodium, povidone, dimeticone, sodium laurilsulfate.
This pack contains 32 tablets.
Who makes this medicine
Manufactured for
by
Marketing Authorisation held by
Leaflet prepared December 2009
If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact
Other formats
To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:
0800 198 5000 (UK only)
Please be ready to give the following information:
Product name: Boots Paracetamol and Codeine Effervescent Tablets (Co-Codamol)
Reference number: 17780/0072
This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
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