Do not drive until you know how it affects you. Co-codamol contains two painkilling ingredients: paracetamol and codeine. It is given to relieve short-lasting painful conditions where paracetamol alone is not sufficient.
There are three different strengths of co-codamol available, one of which can be bought without a prescription at a pharmacy. The amount of paracetamol in the three different strengths is the same mg , but the amount of codeine differs and this determines the strength of the preparation.
Combination painkillers like co-codamol can be useful to reduce the total number of tablets that need to be taken in a day, but they may not always offer the best pain control.
This is because it is difficult to adjust the dose to suit the level of your pain without increasing the risk of side-effects. Consequently, many doctors prefer not to prescribe combination painkillers. Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken.
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. You are viewing BNF.
Acute ulcerative colitis ; antibiotic-associated colitis ; conditions where abdominal distention develops ; conditions where inhibition of peristalsis should be avoided ; known ultra-rapid codeine metabolisers. Acute abdomen ; alcohol dependence ; avoid abrupt withdrawal after long-term treatment ; cardiac arrhythmias ; chronic alcoholism ; chronic dehydration ; chronic malnutrition ; not recommended for adolescents aged 12—18 years with breathing problems. The capacity to metabolise codeine to morphine can vary considerably between individuals; there is a marked increase in morphine toxicity in patients who are ultra-rapid codeine metabolisers CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolisers and a reduced therapeutic effect in poor codeine metabolisers.
Abdominal pain ; addiction ; agranulocytosis ; blood disorder ; irritability ; pancreatitis ; restlessness ; severe cutaneous adverse reactions SCARs ; thrombocytopenia. Manufacturer advises avoid recommendation also supported by MHRA and specialist sources. Present in milk and mothers vary considerably in their capacity to metabolise codeine; risk of opioid toxicity in infant. 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. Tell your treatment team if you have this. They can check the cause and give you medicine to help. This drug can cause inflammation of the pancreas pancreatitis. Tell your doctor straight away if you have sudden and severe pain in your tummy abdomen. Skin problems include a skin rash, dry skin and itching. This usually goes back to normal when your treatment finishes.
Your nurse will tell you what products you can use on your skin to help. Cancer drugs can interact with some other medicines and herbal products. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medicines you are taking. This includes vitamins, herbal supplements and over the counter remedies.
It is unknown whether treatment may or may not harm a baby developing in the womb. It is important not to become pregnant or father a child while you are having treatment. Talk to your doctor or nurse about effective contraception you can use during treatment.
Ask how long you should use it before starting treatment and after treatment has finished. Taking codeine regularly for a long period of time can lead to addiction, which might cause you to feel restless and irritable when you stop taking the tablets.
For further information about this treatment go to the electronic Medicines Compendium eMC website. Not all cancers cause pain and it can affect you in different ways. If you have pain, it is important to tell your doctor or nurse so it can be managed.
0コメント