Introduction
Co Codamol is a compound analgesic medication consisting of a combination of codeine phosphate and Paracetamol or acetaminophen. Paracetamol controls pain by interfering with substances the body makes in response to injury, while Codeine controls pain by blocking pain messages to the brain. Co Codamol is available in capsule, tablet and soluble form and is a potent analgesic for short-term pain management of acute and chronic conditions.
Working
Codeine is a selective agonist for the mu-opioid receptor but with a weaker affinity to this receptor than morphine, a more potent opioid drug. Codeine binds to mu-opioid receptors, which are involved in the transmission of pain throughout the body and central nervous system. Paracetamol has a central analgesic effect that is mediated through the activation of descending serotonergic pathways. Co Codamol works through a combined effect of Codeine and Pracetamol to achieve its therapeutic effects.
Side effects
- Mild side effects- constipation, nausea, sleepiness.
- Moderate side effects- bleeding from gums, skin rashes, hypersensitivity reactions, abdominal pain, itchiness, dry mouth.
- Severe side effects- dizziness, changes in blood, vivid dreams, addiction.
Side effects of CoCodamol are usually rare and reversible through diet changes and a healthy lifestyle. In case the side effects persist or increase in intensity, discontinue the use of the drug and get urgent medical attention.
Faq
What is Co Codamol?
Co Codamol is a combination medication containing Dihydrocodeine and Paracetamol that provides effective analgesic relief to the individual. Conditions of moderate pain, including muscular pain, migraines and toothaches not responding satisfactorily to NSAIDs or inflammatory drugs, have demonstrated an effective response to using Co Codamol. The compound nature of the analgesic makes it an effective option for acute and chronic pain conditions impacting the individual. It is available in both over-the-counter and prescription versions.
How often can you take Co Codamol?
The frequency of using Co Codamol depends on the pain condition for which you have been advised, the medication and the treatment plan of your medical practitioner. You can take one or two tablets of any strength up to four times in 24 hours. But ensure that you leave a gap of four to six hours between each dose. The maximum amount of the medication should be at most eight tablets in 24 hours. Co Codamol dosage needs to be further regulated in people below 18 years of age, elderly patients and those with hepatic dysfunctions.
Can you take Co Codamol and Pracetamol together?
You should not take Co Codamol with Paracetamol as the drug is in itself a Paracetamol derivative, and combining the two can lead to overdose symptoms of the drug. Should the need arise, you can take the two medications under the supervision of the medical practitioner taking care to keep a minimum interval of four hours between the medicines. You can take Co codamol or Paracetamol in children but avoid taking them together.
Can you take Co Codamol with Ibuprofen?
It is safe to take Co Codamol with Ibuprofen together. The combination of Ibuprofen 400 mg and codeine 25.6 mg to 60 mg demonstrates good analgesic efficacy compared to using either individually for pain relief. Research has proved that the combination is suitable for use on a wide range of populations and unaccompanied by major side effects or adverse reactions. You can take Co Codamol with or without food, but Ibuprofen must be taken with or after meals to obtain optimum results.
Where can I buy Co Codamol?
Co Codamol in the UK is a prescription medication and not readily available. You can procure the drug from a registered pharmacy dealing with dispensing and distribution of the drug or obtain it from physician’s clinics licensed to dispense Co Codamol through in-clinic counters. The medication is under NHS and can be obtained from NHS counters at a reduced cost. Additionally, you can order it online, delivering the drug to your doorstep quickly and easily.
Can you buy Co Codamol over the counter?
Co Codamol is a combination medication with strengths of 7.5mg, 10mg, 20mg or 30mg of Dihydrocodeine and 500mg of Paracetamol, irrespective of the Dihydrocodeine strength. The strength is shown as two numbers on the packet. You can buy the lowest strength of Co Codamol, i.e. Co Codamol 7.5/500 over the counter or without a prescription from pharmacies. The higher strengths of the medication, i.e. Co Codamol 10/500, 20/500 and 30/500, are available only by prescription.
Is Co Codamol effective for back pain?
Co Codamol is effective for back pain only if antiinflammatories or other treatment options fail to provide effective results or are unsatisfactory in giving relief from pain. Studies regarding the use of the medication in chronic back pain cases have proved it effective on a short-term basis. Using it for a more extended time can result in adverse reactions, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. Constipation is one of the chief side effects recorded with Co Codamol for back pain, and to mitigate the effects of which, physicians advise a fibrous diet and sufficient water during its use.
Can I use Co Codamol for toothache?
Co Codamol is regarded as one of the most effective medications in relief from toothache and is used by several dental surgeons during and after dental extraction procedures. Being a Codeine-based medication, Co codamol contains both Codeine and Paracetamol that provides relief from inflammation and pus collection as an aftereffect of inflamed roots and canals. The dosage of Co Codamol in tooth pain conditions varies from person to person keeping in mind their dental problem and tolerance to Co Codamol. Still, 8/500 mg is the most widely used dose.
Can you overdose on Co Codamol?
Co Codamol contains both Codeine and Paracetamol, which can prove fatal if taken in more than the regulated amount. Co Codamol overdose can cause symptoms of bluish lips and fingernails, severe muscle weakness, cold and clammy skin, breathlessness or very shallow breathing, unconsciousness, extreme drowsiness, weakness or fatigue, small or pinpoint pupils with a weak pulse and slurred words. Combined with opiates or alcohol, Co Codamol can severely damage the respiratory system and cause rapid brain cell death that can prove fatal.
How long do Co Codamol withdrawals last
Co Codamol withdrawal is not common but occurs only with long-term or frequent drug use. Withdrawal symptoms usually begin around eight to twenty-four hours after the user has taken the drug, with the withdrawal period starting much later in others. The severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and depend on the age, tolerance to the medication and use of other drugs concomitantly with Co Codamol. Also, pregnant ladies experience more intense withdrawal symptoms and an increased risk of pregnancy complications or stillbirth.
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