What, No Chocolate? (Co-codamol tablets)

Member Name: zoe_page_1

Product:	Co-codamol tablets
Date:	07/02/02 (1882 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: in op

Disadvantages: in op

When I started university, the first thing I did was register with a doctor – not really because I’m all that sensible, but just because my knee was playing up and I wanted someone to have a look at it. Along I trotted to a rather run little surgery in Moss Side – you know, the kind where people queue up outside offering to buy your prescriptions from you – and after 5 minutes of painful pushing and prodding, Doc decided I just needed some strong painkillers and to stop winging.

I ended up with Co-codamol because I don’t *do* swallowing tablets, his first suggestion, and these were the soluble ones the chemist had in. I went home and took some, and a few hours later, kneeling down to ferret for something under my bed, I realised that I wasn’t in agony as I had been at the same point yesterday. I continued taking them for a week or so and then for some reason missed a few days. The pain didn’t return and so I stopped. Since then I’ve taken them as normal painkillers when I run out of Disprin Direct – my preferred brand.


~~ What Do They Contain? ~~

Co-codamol tablets contain two pain killers: paracetamol and codeine, so if you’re taking anything else, you need to let the Dr know do you don’t OD.


~~ What’s The Recommended Dosage? ~~

Usual dosage is one to two tablets every four to six hours as needed for adults in pain, but no more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. For children,
1/2 –1 tablet no more frequently than once every 4 hours is suggested, with not more than 4 doses to be taken in 24 hours. You should also through away the half tablet that is left over, rather than keeping it for the next dosage. They are not recommended for children under 6 years. I usually dissolve 2 tablets in a mug of water, swishing it around to make sure all the grainy bits are gone before drinking the solution.


~~ What Are The Side Effec
ts? ~~

The tablets can occasionally cause drowsiness and as the box so cleverly puts it “Do not drive if you feel sleepy”. You should also limit your alcohol intake while taking these. Other side effects include :

Constipation

Urinary retention

Confusion

Addiction

Blood disorders

Skin rashes

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Light-headedness

Allergic reactions

Stomach cramps


~~ What Sort Of Pain Can They Kill ? ~~

Good for muscular and rheumatic pains, headache, migraine, neuralgia, toothache, sore throat, period pain and general aches
and pains. They also help to relieve the symptoms of colds and flu. From a personal experience viewpoint, I’d say they’re most good for when you’ve fallen mid somersault onto your neck, and bounced a few times. A couple of these and some crispy M and Ms imported from the USA, and I was back to normal in no time.


~~ Where Can I Get Them? ~~

You can buy them without prescription from pharmacies and supermarkets – I got mine from the Doc because I get free prescriptions and otherwise I’d have had to pay. They come in packs ranging from 12 to 32+ tablets, but the larger boxes can’t be bought without prescription.


~~ How can the tablets affect other medicines? ~~

It can have a sedative effect if taken with OTC medicines such as sleeping pills or anti-depressants. Taking Cholestyramine containing medicines at the same time may reduce the absorption of paracetamol from the gut, but those containing Metaclopramide may increase the effects.



~~ Anything Else I Need To Know? ~~

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, over 60 or have recurrent Asthma, then you should check with your Dr first. Once obtained, they should be stored below 25c in a dry place away from light (and prying fingers if yo
u have young children).

They contain Sodium, so if you’re on a restricted diet, check with you doctor first. If you suffer from any of the following, co-codamol might also not be for you:

alcoholic liver disease

bowel obstruction

enlarged prostate

inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

severely decreased kidney function

severely decreased liver function

They are definitely not suitable for alcoholics who continue to drink, or in cases of head injury or immediately following an asthma attack or other event which is causing you to have difficulty breathing.


~~ Verdict ? ~~

I’ll carry on using them until my box runs out of they get past their best before date, and I wouldn’t rule out their use in the future. My only gripe? I really think that something that is (at least phonetically) similar to “cocoa” should contain some chocolate…..

Summary: