co codamol over the counter is a mixture of 2 different painkillers – paracetamol and codeine. It’s used to treat aches and pains including headaches, muscular pain, migraines and toothache. It’s usually prescribed by doctors. It’s often taken when everyday painkillers such as ibuprofen don’t work. It comes in tablets and capsules that you swallow whole or as soluble tablets that dissolve in water to make a drink. It comes in 3 strengths – 8mg, 15mg or 30mg of codeine and 500mg of paracetamol. It takes up to 1 hour for the medicine to start working and it should last up to 5 hours. Common side effects include constipation and feeling sick (nausea) or drowsy. In very rare cases, it can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. If you have a rash that’s swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling or any other serious reaction, get emergency medical treatment straight away.

Co-Codamol: Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter Options

You shouldn’t take it for more than a few days or weeks at a time. It’s not recommended for pregnant women as small amounts of the codeine in co-codamol can pass into breast milk and can cause breathing problems in your baby when they’re born. It’s also not suitable for anyone who’s breastfeeding or taking the anti-cancer drug methotrexate.

It can interact with certain other medicines, particularly those that affect the brain or nervous system, such as aripiprazole, cyproheptadine, levothyroxine, Levothroid, lisinopril, nefazodone and phenytoin. You should tell your doctor if you’re taking these medicines. Suddenly stopping this medication may cause withdrawal symptoms, especially if you’ve been taking it for a long time or in high doses.