For these reasons, before you start taking co-codamol, it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:. Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with co-codamol. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice. Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty. This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you. Dated June Hi, new to the site and was looking for some opinions. Ever since then I have The type of painkiller that's best depends on what type of pain you have.
If codeine doesn't get rid of your pain or becomes less effective, talk to your doctor. Codeine is a controlled medicine. This means there are extra rules on how it's prescribed and dispensed to make sure it's not given to the wrong person or misused. However, this doesn't affect you as a patient. The rules only apply to the pharmacy that dispenses it. When you first take codeine, you'll probably feel sleepy for a few days. But the sleepiness will wear off as your body gets used to the medicine.
You might notice you're less alert. In this case, you might choose to have less than perfect pain relief as a trade-off. Do not drive a car or ride a bike if codeine makes you sleepy during the daytime, gives you blurred vision or makes you feel dizzy, clumsy or unable to concentrate or make decisions. This may be more likely when you first start taking codeine but could happen at any time - for example when starting another medicine. It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected.
It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive. Even if your ability to drive is not affected, the police have the right to request a saliva sample to check how much codeine is in your body. UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking codeine. Codeine doesn't affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
But, if you are taking codeine because you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Look on the pill packet to find out what to do. If you take recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin while you're taking codeine, you're more likely to get the serious side effects of codeine including breathing difficulties, heart problems, seizures and even go into a coma.
Some recreational drugs, such as cannabis, will also increase codeine side effects such as sleepiness and dizziness. Taking heroin while you're on prescribed codeine is especially dangerous.
You're more likely to get all the side effects of codeine, including addiction. Tell your doctor if you think you may take recreational drugs while you're on codeine.
Page last reviewed: 27 November Next review due: 27 November Codeine On this page About codeine Key facts Who can and can't take codeine How and when to take it Taking codeine with other painkillers Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions. About codeine Codeine is a painkiller. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today?
Codeine works by stopping pain signals from travelling along the nerves to the brain. The most common side effects of codeine are constipation, feeling sick nausea and feeling sleepy. It's possible to become addicted to codeine, but your doctor will explain how to reduce the risks of becoming addicted. If you need to take codeine for more than a few weeks, your treatment plan may include details of how and when to stop taking this medicine. It may be best not to drink alcohol while taking codeine as you're more likely to get side effects like feeling sleepy.
Do not give codeine to children under 12 years old. Only give codeine to children aged 12 to 18 years if everyday painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen haven't worked. Codeine can be taken by adults and children aged 12 years and older. Tell your doctor before starting the medicine if you have: had an allergic reaction to codeine or any other medicines in the past a lung problem a head injury adrenal gland problems an illness which causes seizures an addiction to alcohol an underactive thyroid gland kidney or liver problems gallstones an enlarged prostate low blood pressure myasthenia gravis a rare illness that causes muscle weakness symptoms of ulcerative colitis a bowel condition Do not give codeine to children who are under 18 years old and have had their tonsils or adenoids removed because of a sleep problem called obstructive sleep apnoea.
Different types of codeine Codeine comes as: tablets - these contain 15mg, 30mg or 60mg of codeine a liquid that you swallow - this contains 25mg of codeine in a 5ml spoonful cough syrup - this contains 15mg of codeine in a 5ml spoonful an injection usually given in hospital If you're taking codeine as a liquid, it will come with a plastic spoon or syringe to help you measure the correct amount. Dosage The usual dose of codeine is 15mg to 60mg. The usual dose for treating pain: adults usually take one or two 30mg tablets every 4 hours, up to a maximum of 8 tablets mg in 24 hours children aged 12 to 17 years usually take one or two 30mg tablets or one or two 5ml spoonfuls of liquid every 6 hours elderly people or people with kidney or liver problems usually take a 15mg tablet every 4 hours The usual dose for treating diarrhoea: adults usually take one or two 30mg tablets or one or two 5ml spoonfuls of liquid children aged 12 to 17 years usually take one or two 30mg tablets or one or two 5ml spoonfuls of liquid elderly people or people with kidney or liver problems usually take a 15mg tablet You can take this dose 3 or 4 times a day.
The usual dose for treating a cough: adults and children usually take one or two 5ml spoonfuls of cough syrup 3 or 4 times a day. Important: Overdose warning It's important not to take more than your prescribed dose. Do not take more than 4 doses of codeine in 24 hours if you're: a child aged 12 to 17 years taking a 60mg dose. Will my dose go up or down? If you get side effects your dose may go down.
How long will I take it for? You might only need to take codeine for a few days. What if I forget to take it? Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one. What will happen if I stop taking it? If you stop taking it suddenly it can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as: feeling agitated feeling anxious shaking sweating.
Important If you have been taking codeine for more than a few weeks do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first. What if I take too much? Taking too much codeine can be dangerous. Urgent advice: Contact for advice now if:.
Storing codeine If you've been prescribed codeine, it's particularly important that you: store it properly and safely at home keep it out of the sight and reach of children never give your medicine to anyone else Return any unused codeine to your pharmacist. They will dispose of it. Common side effects Common side effects happen in more than 1 in people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the side effects bother you or don't go away: constipation feeling or being sick nausea or vomiting feeling sleepy confusion, feeling dizzy and vertigo a sensation of spinning dry mouth headaches Serious side effects Serious side effects happen in less than 1 in people.
Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to codeine.
Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information. What to do about: constipation - try to get more fibre into your diet such as fresh fruit and vegetables and cereals. Try to drink several glasses of water or other non-alcoholic liquid each day.
If you can, it may also help to do some gentle exercise. It's safe to use a laxative if your constipation doesn't go away. For example, your side effects could be worse if you are also having other drugs or radiotherapy. Your doctor or nurse will go through the possible side effects.
They will monitor you closely during treatment and check how you are at your appointments. Contact your advice line as soon as possible if:. This is due to a drop in the number of platelets in your blood. These blood cells help the blood to clot when we cut ourselves. You may have nosebleeds or bleeding gums after brushing your teeth. Or you may have lots of tiny red spots or bruises on your arms or legs known as petechiae. Increased risk of getting an infection is due to a drop in white blood cells.
Symptoms include a change in temperature, aching muscles, headaches, feeling cold and shivery and generally unwell. You might have other symptoms depending on where the infection is. Infections can sometimes be life threatening. You should contact your advice line urgently if you think you have an infection. You might have a mild allergic reaction during or shortly after your treatment. This could be a rash, itching or a red face. Mood changes can include feeling very sad or very happy.
They can arrange for you to talk to someone and give treatment if necessary. You might have some hearing loss, especially with high pitched sounds. Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any changes. You may have difficulty breathing with wheezing and coughing. Let your doctor or nurse know straight away if this happens. Feeling or being sick is usually well controlled with anti sickness medicines. Avoiding fatty or fried foods, eating small meals and snacks, drinking plenty of water, and relaxation techniques can all help.
It is easier to prevent sickness rather than treating it once it has started. Constipation is easier to sort out if you treat it early. Drink plenty of fluids and eat as much fresh fruit and vegetables as you can. Try to take gentle exercise, such as walking.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you are constipated for more than 3 days. They can prescribe a laxative.
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