DO NOT TAKE THESE TABLETS IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR BREAST FEEDING.

Co-codamol can be used effectively for mild to severe pain.

Co-codamol is available in two doses 8/500 (8mg of codeine phosphate and 500mg paracetamol) and 30/500 (30mg of codeine phosphate and 500mg of paracetamol).

The 8/500 co-codamol is available in tablets, dispersible (effervescent) or capsule form.
The dose for an adult is 1 ? 2 tablets every 4 ? 6 hours; a maximum of 8 tablets daily. The dose for a child 6 ? 12 years is ½ - 1 tablet, every 4 ? 6 hours; a maximum of 4 tablets daily.
This analgesia is appropriate for mild ? moderate pain. If pain persists for over three days, you must contact your general practitioner.
These tablets are available over the counter at pharmacies and some supermarkets.

?May be sold to the public provided packs contain no more than 32 capsules or tablets; pharmacists can sell multiple packs up to a total quantity of 100 capsules or tablets in justifiable circumstances? (taken from the British National Formulary ?BNF?)

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The 30/500 co-codamol is available in tablets, dispersible (effervescent) or capsule form.
The dose for an adult is 1 ? 2 tablets every 4 ? 6 hours; a maximum of 8 tablets daily. NOT recommended for children.
This analgesia is appropriate for severe pain.
This is prescription only analgesia.

There are alot of stipulations that restrict many people from taking this analgesia. The appropriateness of these tablets is decided by an assessment of your current health situation and past medical history, by your doctor.
(I personally am not any kind of medical professional, I am not prepared to go into these stipulations as diagnoses by ones self or any one that is not a medical could be dangerous)

?May be sold to the public provided packs contain no more than 32 capsules or tablets; pharmacists can sell multiple packs up to a total quantity of
100 capsules or tablets in justifiable circumstances? (taken from the British National Formulary ?BNF?)

SIDE EFFECTS.

Unwanted side effects can be; constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and in some cases light-headedness or drowsiness. Your doctor should be told as soon as possible.

Rarely an allergic reaction can occur, causing a skin rash or itching. Your doctor should be told immediately.
Usage of co-codamol could lead to tolerance and dependence. If you have been using co ? codamol regularly over a long period of time DO NOT suddenly stop treatment; consult your doctor.


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My PERSONAL opinion;

Everyone has varying pain thresholds, mine is really quite low. However my tolerance to painkillers is quite high.
This is the reason co-codamol works best for me. I find for myself it a very effective pain relief for mild to severe pain.

It isn?t appropriate for me to advise the effect of co ?codamol; due to the vast differing pain thresholds and analgesia tolerance each individual has.

I find that if you are taking co ? codamol regularly for a length of time; Constipation is an issue; taking a mild laxative alongside could be beneficial. (This can be bought over the counter at any pharmacy. If taking my advice PLEASE discuss with pharmacist first. )

I consider this to be the best and most effective pain relief available. However, it does just hide the pain and does not treat the cause. It is very addictive therefore if pain relief were required for a length of time ? I?d advise to look for an alternative analgesia.

The price of co-codamol varies on the dosage, the quantity and differs depending what company is providing them. For this reason, I have not detailed prices.

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, CONTACT PATIENT INFORMATION LINES, SUCH AS NHS DIRECT.