The short answer: Paracodol combines paracetamol and codeine phosphate to relieve short-term moderate pain, including headaches, migraine, toothache, period pain and muscular aches, when paracetamol alone hasn't been enough. Adults generally take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours, with a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours, for no more than 3 consecutive days without medical advice.
Paracodol sits in the same family of medicines as co-codamol and Solpadeine - combination painkillers designed for pain that hasn't fully responded to a standard painkiller. Because it contains an opioid, it comes with additional precautions compared with paracetamol alone.
Paracodol isn't intended to replace paracetamol or ibuprofen as a first choice. It is generally used as a step up when simpler painkillers haven't provided sufficient relief. Using codeine-containing medicines for longer than recommended can increase the risk of dependence and other side effects.
What Is Paracodol Used For?
Paracodol tablets are used for the short-term treatment of acute moderate pain, including headaches, migraine, toothache, neuralgia, period pain, and muscular or rheumatic pain when standard painkillers have not provided enough relief.
Paracodol combines paracetamol with codeine phosphate, an opioid painkiller. The two ingredients provide pain relief through different mechanisms, making the combination useful for certain types of moderate pain.
Paracodol may be used for:
- Headaches and migraines
- Toothache and dental pain
- Neuralgia or nerve pain
- Period pain
- Muscular aches and pains
- Rheumatic pain
- Moderate pain that has not been relieved by standard painkillers alone
How Does Paracodol Work?
Paracodol combines the pain-relieving effects of paracetamol and codeine. Paracetamol helps reduce pain, while codeine acts on opioid receptors in the central nervous system to provide additional analgesic effects.
Codeine is converted by the body into morphine through an enzyme in the liver. The rate at which this happens differs between individuals, which means some people may experience stronger or weaker effects than others.
This variation is one reason why you should never increase the dose yourself if you feel that Paracodol isn't providing enough relief. Taking more than recommended can increase the risk of serious side effects without necessarily providing better pain relief.
Paracodol Dosage: How Much Should You Take?
Always follow the dosage instructions supplied with your specific Paracodol product. As a general guide, adults and children aged 12 years and over may take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours when required.
| Group | Dose | Frequency | Maximum in 24 Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults and children aged 12+ | 1–2 tablets | Every 4–6 hours | 8 tablets |
| Elderly | Lower end of the recommended dose may be appropriate | Every 4-6 hours | As advised by a pharmacist or GP |
Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours. Also avoid taking other medicines containing paracetamol or codeine unless a healthcare professional has confirmed that the combination is appropriate.
Paracodol should not generally be used for more than 3 consecutive days without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist. If your pain continues after this period, seek medical advice rather than simply continuing to take the medicine.
Who Should Avoid Paracodol?
Paracodol is not suitable for everyone. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor before taking it if you have any concerns about whether it is appropriate for you.
You should avoid Paracodol or seek medical advice if you:
- Are allergic to paracetamol, codeine or any other ingredient in the product.
- Are already taking another medicine containing paracetamol or codeine.
- Are taking cold, flu or other pain medicines that contain paracetamol.
- Have significant liver disease or other serious liver problems.
- Have serious breathing problems or respiratory disease.
- Have a history of alcohol dependence or heavy alcohol consumption.
- Are breastfeeding, because codeine can pass into breast milk.
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and have not discussed its use with a healthcare professional.
- Have a history of opioid dependence or misuse.
Always check the patient information leaflet before taking Paracodol, particularly if you take regular prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Possible Side Effects of Paracodol
Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and constipation. These effects are largely associated with the codeine component.
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or feeling sick
- Constipation
- Stomach discomfort
Because Paracodol contains codeine, avoid alcohol while taking it. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and may increase the risk of other adverse effects.
If you experience unusual or severe sleepiness, confusion, or slow or shallow breathing, particularly after taking more than the recommended amount, seek urgent medical attention.
If constipation occurs, maintaining adequate fluid intake and eating a fibre-rich diet may help. Speak to a pharmacist if it becomes persistent or uncomfortable.
Paracodol vs Co-Codamol: What's the Difference?
Paracodol is a branded paracetamol-and-codeine medicine, while co-codamol is the general name for medicines containing both paracetamol and codeine.
Co-codamol is available in different strengths, commonly identified by numbers such as 8/500 or 30/500, which refer to the amount of codeine and paracetamol in each tablet in milligrams.
Paracodol is formulated at the lower-strength end of paracetamol-and-codeine combinations available without a prescription. However, formulations and strengths can vary, so always check the packaging of the specific product you are using.
Paracodol vs Solpadeine: What's the Difference?
Paracodol and Solpadeine can both contain paracetamol and codeine, but some Solpadeine formulations also contain caffeine. This means the exact ingredients and strength can differ between products.
Always check the active ingredients and strength on the product packaging before taking either medicine, particularly if you are already using another painkiller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paracodol the same as Solpadeine?
Can I take Paracodol with ibuprofen?
Is Paracodol addictive?
Can I take Paracodol while pregnant?
How long does Paracodol take to work?
Why Is the 3-Day Limit Important?
The 3-day limit is particularly important because Paracodol contains codeine. Continued use of codeine-containing medicines can increase the risk of dependence and other unwanted effects.
Using Paracodol for longer than recommended can also mask an underlying cause of pain that may need medical assessment.
If your pain has not improved after 3 days, stop self-treating and speak to a doctor or pharmacist rather than continuing to increase or extend your dose.
Paracodol is a combination painkiller containing paracetamol and codeine phosphate, designed for short-term relief of moderate pain when simpler painkillers haven't provided enough relief.
The key safety points are simple: follow the recommended dosage, never combine it with other paracetamol-containing medicines unless advised by a healthcare professional, avoid alcohol, and do not use it for more than 3 consecutive days without medical advice.
Because Paracodol contains codeine, it isn't suitable for everyone. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver or breathing problems, take other medicines containing paracetamol or codeine, or have concerns about opioid dependence should speak to a healthcare professional before use.
Still unsure if Paracodol is right for you? Speak to your pharmacist before choosing a codeine-containing painkiller.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a pharmacist or doctor. Always read the patient information leaflet and product packaging before use. Do not exceed the recommended dose or combine Paracodol with other medicines containing paracetamol or codeine unless advised by a healthcare professional. If pain persists, worsens or is unexplained, seek medical advice.