Co-Codamol tablet 30/500 mg tablets

(Codeine phosphate 30mg + Paracetamol 500mg) tablets What Co-codamol tablet is and what is it used for?

Co-codamol tablet is a combination of Codeine phosphate (30mg) and Paracetamol (500mg) that is an analgesic medication used to relieve severe pain.

Codeine phosphate belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics while paracetamol (acetaminophen) also has analgesic properties. This combination medication is used in such pain conditions in which other analgesic medications are not useful.

How Co-codamol tablet works?

Paracetamol works by inhibiting the chemical signals and thus we don’t feel pain. Whereas codeine works by binding with the mu-opioid receptors in CNS and interrupt the chemical signals of pain between body and brain and hence we don’t feel pain.

Liver enzymes convert codeine to morphine and morphine is the substance that relives pain.

What do you need to know before taking Co-codamol tablets?

Do not take co-codamol tablet

·         if you are allergic to any of the API i.e.; paracetamol or codeine or other opioids.

·         If you have severe renal or hepatic issues

·         If you are suffering from asthma or some other lung infection

·         If you are a drug addict or history of drug abuse

·         If you are on therapy with MAO inhibitors

·         If you have a habit of alcoholism

·         If you have recently been through a surgery of gall bladder

·         If you are less than 12 years of age

·         If you are already on a therapy containing either paracetamol or codeine You must consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you:

·         Are suffering from myasthenia gravis

·         Are suffering from low blood pressure

·         Have problem with your thyroid or adrenal gland

·         Are suffering from mild problems of kidney or liver

Interaction of co-codamol tablet with other medications

You must consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking co-codamol tablet if you’re using any of the following medications:

Any of the antipsychotics, antidepressants, sedatives, hypnotics, antihistamine, medicines for high BP or atropine, warfarin, cimetidine, loperamide, isoniazid, naloxone, cisapride etc.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Do not take co-codamol tablets without consent of your doctor if you are pregnant or a breastfeeding mother.

Effect of Co-codamol tablet on your ability to drive or operating machines

Co-codamol tablets causes drowsiness and also affect your vision e.g., blurred vision or double vision. Therefore, do not drive or operate any machinery if you are on therapy with co-codamol tablets o unless you become aware how your body is responding to this treatment.

How to take co-codamol tablets?

Always take co-codamol tablet in manner told by your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage: Take one to two tablets of co-codamol 30/500 mg tablet at an interval of 4-6 hours but make sure that you do not to take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

What if you take more tablets of Co-codamol tablets than prescribed?

If you take too many Co-codamol tablets then you must immediately contact your doctor or visit the nearby hospital or emergency department as the overdose of paracetamol causes liver damage and the overdose of codeine causes drowsiness.

What if you missed a dose of Co-codamol tablet?

If you missed your dose of co-codamol tablet then take it as soon as you remind it but make sure that there must be an interval of at least 4 hours before taking your next dose.

Side effects associated with use of Co-codamol tablets

Stop taking Co-codamol tablets and talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects:

Any blood disorder (e.g., thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, leucopenia, pancytopenia), any allergic skin reaction (e.g., swelling of lips, face, neck, skin rash etc.), blisters on the skin, pancreatic inflammation.

You must stop taking co-codamol tablets and consult your doctor if any of the following side effect persists longer than usual:

Constipation, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, skin rash, flushing, vertigo, convulsions, hallucinations, restlessness etc.

How to store Co-codamol tablets?

Keep Co-codamol tablets out of reach and sight of children. Store Co-codamol tablets below 25^oC.

Do not take Co-codamol tablets after the expiry date mentioned on the pack and blister strip.