Medically reviewed by Dr Fatimah Khan, registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC no. 104595-P). Editorial medical reviewer; does not prescribe or review patient assessments.
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What is co-codamol used for?
Co-codamol combines codeine and paracetamol. It may be considered for pain when simpler painkillers have not helped, but adding codeine also adds opioid risks. The NHS adult guide explains the combination.
This article concerns adult products. Children's eligibility and instructions require separate assessment.
What do the two strength numbers mean?
The order is codeine/paracetamol, not paracetamol/codeine. The NHS strength guide gives these amounts per tablet or capsule:
| Label | Codeine | Paracetamol |
|---|---|---|
| 8/500 | 8 mg | 500 mg |
| 15/500 | 15 mg | 500 mg |
| 30/500 | 30 mg | 500 mg |
A higher first number increases codeine, while the paracetamol amount stays the same. Always check the actual pack. These product examples and pharmacy-access descriptions are UK guidance, not a country-by-country European availability map.
Avoid duplicate paracetamol
Cold-and-flu products and other painkillers may also contain paracetamol. Combining them with co-codamol can cause an overdose. Ask a pharmacist to check all medicines before combining treatments.
Follow the prescribed or labelled amount. If you have taken more than directed, seek urgent medical advice even if you feel well; paracetamol-related liver harm may not be immediately apparent. Breathing difficulty requires emergency help.
Duration and opioid risks
For co-codamol bought from a UK pharmacy, NHS guidance says not to use it for more than three days without advice. A prescribed course can differ. This is not a universal three-day “safe window”: dependence and other risks require individual review.
The NHS side-effect guidance discusses constipation, nausea, sleepiness, tolerance and addiction. Do not drive if sleepy or dizzy. Alcohol and other sedating medicines need particular caution.
If treatment has continued for weeks, discuss a stopping plan with the prescriber rather than stopping abruptly or increasing the dose.
Co-codamol versus codeine alone
Codeine alone does not include paracetamol; co-codamol does. That distinction changes duplication risks and what another pain medicine may add. Neither formulation is automatically the right choice because it is described as stronger.
Before review, list every pain and cold remedy you use, the strength and how often you take it.
See our online medicine safety guide. Prescrivia is an intermediary, not a medicine seller. Independent clinicians determine suitability; a prescription, access or pain outcome is not guaranteed.
General information only, not medical advice. Follow the leaflet for your actual product and discuss decisions with a qualified clinician. See the current clinical, legal and language review statuses for this edition.
Sources
- NHS adult co-codamol guidance: combination pain relief, common effects and addiction risk.
- NHS UK guidance: strength order is codeine/paracetamol, pharmacy versus prescribed duration and overdose advice.
- NHS adverse-effect guidance: sedation, breathing emergencies, tolerance, addiction and monitored discontinuation.
Sources checked online on 6 October 2026. Country-specific guidance does not establish availability or prescribing rules throughout Europe.