What Is Solpadol (Co-Codamol)?

Solpadol (Co-Codamol) is a combination of 2 different medicines, codeine phosphate and paracetamol (this combination is also known as co-codamol). These medicines work together to help provide relief for severe pain.

How Much To Take 

The normal dose for pain in:

• teenagers aged 16 years to 18 years is 1 or 2 tablets (of any strength) up to 4 times in 24 hours. Always leave at least 6 hours between doses. The maximum dose is 8 co-codamol tablets in 24 hours.
• adults over the age of 18 is 2 co-codamol tablets (of any strength) up to 4 times in 24 hours. Always leave at least 4 hours between doses. The maximum dose is 8 co-codamol tablets in 24 hours.

It’s important to leave a gap between doses of co-codamol. Taking too much co-codamol can be very dangerous. That’s because the paracetamol in it can cause liver damage. Don’t increase the dose of co-codamol or take a double dose if your pain is very bad.

Who Can And Can’t Take Solpadol (co-codamol)

Co-codamol isn’t suitable for some people. Tell your doctor before starting the medicine if you:

● have lung problems or breathing difficulties

● have a head injury

● have adrenal gland problems

● have an illness which causes fits

● regularly drink more than the maximum recommended amount of alcohol (14 units a week)

● are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant or are breastfeeding – co-codamol is not usually recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding

● have liver problems

● are less than 18 years old and have had your tonsils or adenoids removed because of a sleep problem called obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

Side Effects of Solpadol (Co-Codamol)

Like all medicines, co-codamol can cause side effects although not everyone gets them. Many people have no side effects or only minor ones.

You are more likely to have side effects if you take the higher strengths of co-codamol.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people. Tell your doctor if the side effects bother you or don’t go away.

Common side effects include:

● constipation

● feeling sick or vomiting

● feeling sleepy

● headache

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 100 people.

Tell a doctor straight away if you have:

● a skin rash

● difficulty peeing

● changes in your eyesight

● dizziness