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CO-CODAMOL PRODUCT FACTFILE as at 13th Sept. 2006
Co-codamol contains a combination of two pain-killing ingredients paracetamol and codeine. It is used to stop pain and reduce inflammation and fever (high temperature). Over-the-Counter strength is 500mg Paracetamol, with 8mg Codeine Phosphate. Prescription-only strength is normally 500mg Paracetamol with 30mg Codeine Phosphate. Co-codamol can be used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by rheumatic and muscular pain, sprains, strains, backache, headache, sore throat, toothache and period pain. It is also useful in treating cold and 'flu-like' symptoms and reducing fever (high temperature). Co-codamol is available in tablet, capsule and soluble tablet form. It is also sometimes known as: Kapake; Medocodene; Paracodol; Solpadol; Tylex; Zapain; Codipar. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine. BEFORE TAKING CO-CODAMOL : make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows: · if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding · if you suffer from liver, kidney or respiratory (breathing) problems · if you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure), prostate problems or have an underactive thyroid gland · if you suffer from Addison's disease (a condition affecting the adrenal glands) · if you drink a lot of alcohol · if you have recently suffered a serious head injury · if you suffer from bowel problems such as constipation · if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine · if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines WARNINGS ABOUT USING CO-CODAMOL : · If your symptoms do not begin to improve after taking Co-codamol, speak with your pharmacist or doctor. · Do not take any other paracetamol products while taking Co-codamol. Many over the counter products, including cold and flu preparations, contain paracetamol. Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Co-codamol. · Co-codamol can cause drowsiness, make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. · Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effects on you. Better still, avoid alcohol completely. · Dizziness, light-headedness or faintness may occur when getting up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. If the problem continues or gets worse, speak with your doctor. · Co-codamol can occasionally cause dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If dry mouth becomes a problem speak with your doctor or pharmacist. · Co-codamol can cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes, bran etc. and drinking plenty of water. If you continue to suffer from constipation, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist. COMMONLY REPORTED SIDE EFFECTS WHILST TAKING CO-CODAMOL : Along with their needed effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome. Feeling or being sick, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, rash. Clinical Addiction may occur with prolonged use, or over-use of the product. If you experience any other symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.
Information Correct as written at 13th September, 2005. “Over-Count Drugs Information Agency” |