Solpadeine Max UK: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Safety Information

Solpadeine Max UK is a combination pain relief medicine containing codeine phosphate and paracetamol. It is designed for the short-term treatment of acute moderate pain in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and over when simpler painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone have not provided sufficient relief.

Solpadeine Max tablets contain 12.8mg of codeine phosphate and 500mg of paracetamol per tablet. Because the medicine contains codeine, it should only be used for the recommended short treatment period and according to the instructions supplied with the product.

For reliable UK information about Solpadeine Max, patients should also consult the NHS information on co-codamol and the product’s official patient information.

What Is Solpadeine Max?

Solpadeine Max is a combination analgesic containing two active ingredients:

• 12.8mg codeine phosphate
• 500mg paracetamol

Codeine is an opioid analgesic that changes the way the nervous system perceives pain. Paracetamol provides additional pain-relieving effects.

The combination is intended to provide stronger pain relief than either ingredient alone for appropriate cases of acute moderate pain.

It is important not to confuse Solpadeine Max with higher-strength prescription co-codamol products. Solpadeine Max contains 12.8mg of codeine per tablet, whereas prescription Co-codamol 30/500mg contains 30mg of codeine phosphate per tablet.

What Is Solpadeine Max Used For?

Solpadeine Max is intended for the short-term treatment of acute moderate pain when other painkillers have not provided adequate relief.

It may be used for pain such as:

• Headaches
• Migraine
• Dental pain
• Muscular aches and pains
• Period pain
• Other short-term moderate pain

The medicine should not be used simply because stronger pain relief is preferred. It is intended for situations where other analgesics have not provided sufficient relief.

If pain persists or becomes worse, speak with a doctor or pharmacist rather than continuing to take Solpadeine Max for longer than recommended.

How Does Solpadeine Max Work?

Solpadeine Max combines the effects of paracetamol and codeine.

Paracetamol provides analgesic and antipyretic effects, helping to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Codeine is an opioid that acts on the central nervous system and alters the way pain signals are perceived.

Together, these ingredients provide combined pain relief. Codeine-containing medicines can cause drowsiness and other opioid-related effects, which is why Solpadeine Max should be used carefully and only for the recommended duration.

Solpadeine Max Dosage

Always follow the dosage instructions supplied with your Solpadeine Max product.

For adults and adolescents aged 16 years and over, the UK patient information states that the usual dose is:

• 1 to 2 tablets
• Leave at least 4 to 6 hours between doses
• Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours
• Do not use for longer than 3 days without speaking to a doctor

The medicine should be taken only when necessary for pain relief. Do not take more than the recommended amount.

Important Paracetamol Warning

Each Solpadeine Max tablet contains 500mg of paracetamol.

Do not take it together with other medicines containing paracetamol or codeine unless a healthcare professional has advised you to do so. Taking too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage.

If you accidentally take more than the recommended dose, seek medical advice immediately, even if you feel well.

How to Take Solpadeine Max

Swallow the tablets with water.

Follow the instructions on the packaging and do not exceed the recommended dose.

Solpadeine Max is intended for short-term use. If you still need pain relief after three days, speak with a doctor or pharmacist rather than continuing treatment without medical advice.

Do not give Solpadeine Max to anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.

Solpadeine Max Side Effects

Like all medicines, Solpadeine Max can cause side effects.

Possible side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Headache

Codeine can cause sleepiness and reduced alertness, particularly in some people who are more sensitive to its effects.

If side effects are severe, persistent or concerning, stop and seek appropriate medical advice.

Serious Side Effects

Although serious reactions are uncommon, opioid medicines can cause potentially dangerous breathing problems, particularly when taken in excessive amounts or combined with other sedating substances.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing
• Severe or unusual drowsiness
• Loss of consciousness
• A serious allergic reaction
• Symptoms following an overdose

A paracetamol overdose can cause severe liver damage even when a person initially feels well.

If too much Solpadeine Max has been taken, seek urgent medical advice.

Solpadeine Max and Dependence

Solpadeine Max contains codeine, which can cause dependence if it is used repeatedly or for longer than recommended.

For this reason, Solpadeine Max should only be used for the recommended short period.

Do not increase the dose if the medicine becomes less effective. If you find that you need to use it more frequently or for longer than recommended, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Long-term or excessive use of codeine-containing painkillers can also result in medication-overuse headaches.

Solpadeine Max and Other Medicines

Before taking Solpadeine Max, tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines you are using.

Particular care may be required if you take:

• Other medicines containing paracetamol
• Other opioid painkillers
• Sleeping medicines
• Sedatives or tranquillisers
• Medicines that cause drowsiness
• Certain medicines used to treat anxiety or depression

Taking several medicines containing paracetamol can result in an accidental overdose.

Combining codeine with other medicines that cause sedation can also increase drowsiness and potentially affect breathing.

Solpadeine Max and Alcohol

Avoid alcohol while taking Solpadeine Max.

Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of codeine and may make you more sleepy or impaired.

Combining alcohol with opioid medicines can also increase the risk of serious adverse effects.

Solpadeine Max and Driving

Solpadeine Max may cause dizziness, drowsiness or reduced alertness.

Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel affected by the medicine.

Some people may be more sensitive to codeine than others. Take particular care when using the medicine for the first time.

Who Should Not Take Solpadeine Max?

Solpadeine Max is not suitable for everyone.

Before using it, check the product information and speak with a healthcare professional if you have:

• Breathing difficulties
• Liver or kidney problems
• A history of dependence or addiction
• Problems with alcohol use
• Certain respiratory conditions
• Other medical conditions requiring regular medication

Solpadeine Max should not be given to children under 16 years of age. Codeine-containing medicines also have specific restrictions relating to breastfeeding and certain people who metabolise codeine particularly rapidly.

Solpadeine Max During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Speak with a doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional before taking Solpadeine Max during pregnancy.

Codeine can pass into breast milk and may cause serious adverse effects in a breastfed infant. The UK product information states that Solpadeine Max should not be used during breastfeeding.

Always seek professional advice if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Solpadeine Max in the UK

Solpadeine Max is available in the UK as a pharmacy medicine for short-term treatment of acute moderate pain in people aged 16 years and over.

Because it contains codeine, there are important restrictions concerning its duration of use, age, dosage and suitability.

When considering whether to buy Solpadeine Max UK, make sure you obtain it through an appropriate regulated pharmacy and follow the product instructions carefully.

If you’re looking for other medicines and healthcare products available through MedTrust, you can browse our full range of products.

Solpadeine Max vs Co-codamol 30/500mg

Although both medicines contain codeine and paracetamol, they are not the same strength.

Solpadeine Max contains:

• 12.8mg codeine phosphate
• 500mg paracetamol

Co-codamol 30/500mg contains:

• 30mg codeine phosphate
• 500mg paracetamol

This difference is important when considering dosage and treatment. Never substitute one product for another without checking with a healthcare professional.

You can also read our Co-codamol 30/500mg information for more information about the higher-strength prescription combination.

Other Pain Relief Options

Different pain conditions may require different medicines. If you are researching other prescription pain-relief options, you can also learn more about Codeine Phosphate 30mg or read about Dihydrocodeine Continus 90mg.

These medicines contain different formulations and strengths, so they should not be substituted for Solpadeine Max without appropriate medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Solpadeine Max?

Solpadeine Max is a combination painkiller containing 12.8mg codeine phosphate and 500mg paracetamol per tablet. It is used for short-term treatment of acute moderate pain in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and over.

How many Solpadeine Max tablets can I take?

The usual adult and adolescent dose is one or two tablets, with at least 4 to 6 hours between doses. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours. Do not use the medicine for longer than three days without speaking to a doctor.

Does Solpadeine Max contain codeine?

Yes. Each Solpadeine Max tablet contains 12.8mg of codeine phosphate as well as 500mg of paracetamol.

Can I take paracetamol with Solpadeine Max?

No, not unless a doctor or pharmacist specifically advises you to do so. Solpadeine Max already contains 500mg of paracetamol per tablet, and additional paracetamol could result in an excessive dose.

Can Solpadeine Max cause addiction?

Yes. Because it contains codeine, repeated or prolonged use can cause dependence and addiction. Use the medicine only as directed and for the recommended duration.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Solpadeine Max?

It is best to avoid alcohol while taking Solpadeine Max because alcohol can increase the sedative effects of codeine.

Can I drive after taking Solpadeine Max?

Solpadeine Max can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you are affected by the medicine.

How long can I take Solpadeine Max?

Solpadeine Max should not normally be used for more than three days without medical advice. If your pain continues, speak with a doctor or pharmacist.

What happens if I take too much Solpadeine Max?

Taking too much Solpadeine Max can be dangerous. Excessive paracetamol can cause serious liver damage, while excessive codeine can cause severe drowsiness and breathing problems.

Seek urgent medical advice following a suspected overdose, even if you feel well.

Summary

Solpadeine Max is a combination painkiller containing 12.8mg codeine phosphate and 500mg paracetamol per tablet. In the UK, it is intended for the short-term treatment of acute moderate pain in people aged 16 years and over when other painkillers have not provided adequate relief.

Because it contains codeine, Solpadeine Max can cause drowsiness, constipation, dependence and addiction. It should be used only as directed and for no longer than the recommended treatment period without medical advice.

Never combine it with additional paracetamol-containing medicines unless advised by a healthcare professional, and seek urgent medical attention if you suspect an overdose.

For additional information about medicines available through MedTrust, you can browse our full product range.