Co-codamol 30/500mg UK: Uses, Dosage and Safety Information

Co-codamol 30/500mg UK is a prescription painkiller containing two active ingredients: codeine phosphate and paracetamol. It may be prescribed for moderate to severe pain when other painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone, have not provided sufficient relief.

Each Co-codamol 30/500mg tablet contains 30mg of codeine phosphate and 500mg of paracetamol. Codeine is an opioid painkiller, while paracetamol provides additional pain-relieving effects.

Because Co-codamol contains codeine, it can cause drowsiness, constipation, tolerance and dependence. It should therefore be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor or advised by your pharmacist.

For general information about co-codamol, see the NHS guide to co-codamol for adults.

What Is Co-codamol 30/500mg?

Co-codamol is a combination medicine containing codeine and paracetamol.

The 30/500 strength contains:

• 30mg codeine phosphate
• 500mg paracetamol

Codeine belongs to a group of medicines known as opioid analgesics. It changes how the nervous system responds to pain. Paracetamol works through a different mechanism to provide additional pain relief.

The combination can provide stronger analgesia than either ingredient alone in appropriate circumstances.

In the UK, the 30/500mg strength is available on prescription. The NHS lists 30mg as one of the higher strengths of co-codamol that require a prescription.

What Is Co-codamol 30/500mg Used For?

Co-codamol may be prescribed for pain when standard painkillers have not provided enough relief.

Depending on the individual’s circumstances, it may be used for conditions involving:

• Moderate or severe acute pain
• Dental pain
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Pain following an injury
• Pain following surgery or other medical procedures

The appropriate treatment depends on the cause, severity and duration of the pain. Your doctor will determine whether Co-codamol 30/500mg is suitable for you.

Current UK product information describes 30/500mg co-codamol products as being used for the relief of severe pain and for acute moderate pain that has not been adequately relieved by other analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone.

How Does Co-codamol Work?

Co-codamol combines the effects of two pain-relieving medicines.

Codeine is an opioid analgesic that acts on opioid receptors and changes the way the brain and nervous system perceive pain.

Paracetamol provides additional analgesic effects and can help reduce fever.

The combination can provide effective pain relief when prescribed appropriately. NHS guidance notes that co-codamol can take up to around an hour to work and may continue providing pain relief for several hours.

Co-codamol 30/500mg Dosage

Always take Co-codamol 30/500mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

For adults, current NHS guidance states that co-codamol can generally be taken as one or two tablets up to four times in 24 hours, with at least 4 to 6 hours between doses. The maximum is 8 tablets in 24 hours.

For relevant UK 30/500mg tablet products, the product information also specifies a maximum of 8 tablets within 24 hours.

Do not:

• Take more than the prescribed amount.
• Take more than two tablets at one time.
• Take doses closer together than recommended.
• Take additional paracetamol without checking first.
• Give your medicine to another person.
• Increase your dose because your pain has become worse.

Taking too much Co-codamol can be dangerous because excessive paracetamol can cause serious liver damage.

How to Take Co-codamol 30/500mg

Swallow Co-codamol tablets whole with water and follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

Co-codamol can generally be taken with or without food. If you are unsure about when or how to take your medicine, speak with a pharmacist or healthcare professional.

Do not take additional paracetamol-containing medicines unless a healthcare professional confirms that it is safe to do so.

Co-codamol 30/500mg Side Effects

Like all medicines, Co-codamol can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects can include:

• Constipation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth

Higher strengths of Co-codamol may be more likely to cause side effects because they contain more codeine.

If side effects are severe, persistent or interfere with your daily activities, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious Side Effects

Co-codamol can cause serious side effects, particularly if too much is taken or if it is combined with other medicines that cause significant sedation.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience serious symptoms such as:

• Severe difficulty breathing
• Extreme drowsiness or confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• A serious allergic reaction
• Symptoms following a suspected overdose

If you think you or someone else has taken too much Co-codamol, seek urgent medical advice even if the person appears to feel well. Paracetamol overdose can cause serious liver damage without obvious early symptoms.

Co-codamol and Dependence

Because Co-codamol contains codeine, regular or prolonged use can lead to tolerance, physical dependence and addiction.

For this reason, treatment should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration. Current UK product information also recommends discussing treatment duration and stopping treatment when opioid therapy is started.

If you have been taking Co-codamol regularly, do not stop treatment suddenly without speaking to your doctor. Your healthcare professional can advise whether the dose should be reduced gradually.

If you are concerned that you are becoming dependent on Co-codamol, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Co-codamol and Other Medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you currently take before using Co-codamol.

Particular care may be required if you use:

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

Combining codeine with other medicines that cause sedation can increase the risk of excessive sleepiness and breathing difficulties.

Always check the ingredients of other painkillers before taking them alongside Co-codamol.

Co-codamol and Alcohol

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

Avoid alcohol while taking Co-codamol unless your doctor or pharmacist has specifically advised that it is appropriate.

Co-codamol and Driving

Co-codamol can cause drowsiness, dizziness and reduced alertness.

Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if you feel sleepy, dizzy, confused or otherwise impaired after taking the medicine.

Take particular care when starting treatment or after a dose change, as you may not yet know how the medicine affects you.

Who Should Take Care With Co-codamol?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist before taking Co-codamol if you have:

• Breathing problems
• Liver or kidney problems
• A history of dependence or addiction
• Problems with alcohol use
• A head injury
• A condition that causes excessive drowsiness
• Other medical conditions that could affect opioid treatment

Your healthcare professional will assess your medical history and other medicines before deciding whether Co-codamol is appropriate.

Co-codamol 30/500mg in the UK

Co-codamol 30/500mg is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. The NHS states that the higher co-codamol strengths containing 15mg or 30mg of codeine are available only on prescription.

UK medicines information published through the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) includes several authorised 30/500mg co-codamol products containing 30mg codeine phosphate and 500mg paracetamol.

For professional product information, dosage details and prescribing information, consult the relevant eMC Co-codamol information.

Choosing Medicines Responsibly

Prescription medicines containing codeine should be obtained through appropriate regulated healthcare channels and used only by the person for whom they have been prescribed.

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

Always follow the instructions supplied with your medicine and speak with a doctor or pharmacist if you are uncertain about your treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Co-codamol 30/500mg?

Co-codamol 30/500mg is a combination painkiller containing 30mg of codeine phosphate and 500mg of paracetamol per tablet. It is a prescription medicine used for pain when other analgesics may not provide sufficient relief.

How many Co-codamol 30/500mg tablets can adults take?

NHS guidance states that adults can generally take one or two co-codamol tablets up to four times in 24 hours, leaving at least 4 to 6 hours between doses. The maximum is 8 tablets in 24 hours. Always follow your own prescription.

Can I take paracetamol with Co-codamol?

Co-codamol already contains 500mg of paracetamol per tablet. Taking additional paracetamol could result in an excessive total dose and increase the risk of serious liver damage.

Check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicine containing paracetamol.

Can Co-codamol cause addiction?

Yes. Co-codamol contains codeine, an opioid that can cause dependence and addiction when used regularly or for prolonged periods. Use it exactly as prescribed and speak with your doctor if you have concerns about dependence.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Co-codamol?

Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of codeine. It is safest to avoid alcohol while taking Co-codamol unless your healthcare professional advises otherwise.

Can I drive after taking Co-codamol?

Co-codamol can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you are affected by the medicine.

What happens if I take too much Co-codamol?

Taking too much Co-codamol can be dangerous. The paracetamol component can cause serious liver damage, while excessive codeine can cause severe drowsiness and breathing difficulties.

If you suspect an overdose, seek urgent medical assistance immediately, even if there are no obvious symptoms.

Summary

Co-codamol 30/500mg contains 30mg of codeine phosphate and 500mg of paracetamol and is a prescription painkiller used when stronger pain relief is required.

The medicine can be effective when used appropriately, but because it contains codeine, it can also cause drowsiness, constipation, tolerance, dependence and addiction. It is therefore important to follow your prescription carefully and never exceed the recommended dose.

Taking too much Co-codamol can cause serious harm because of its paracetamol content. If you have questions about your dose, side effects, interactions or stopping treatment, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

For reliable patient information, see the NHS Co-codamol guide or consult the relevant eMC product information.