A medicine cupboard must-have, these Co-codamol tablets provide fast and effective pain relief.

Benefits:

• Painkillers containing codeine phosphate and paracetamol
• Effective relief for the short term treatment of all types of acute to moderate pain
• Co-codamol can be used in children over 12 years of age
• 500mg of Paracetamol in each tablet
• Easy-to-take tablets that dissolve in water
• Can be taken alongside other painkillers (4 hours apart)

The active substances are codeine phosphate and paracetamol.

Don't take more than the recommended dose.

Dissolve these effervescent tablets in a glass of water before taking them.

Adults and the elderly: 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours when necessary up to a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Children aged 16 to 18 years: 1 to 2 tablets every 6 hours when necessary up to a maximum of four doses in 24 hours.

Children aged 12 to 15 years: 1 tablet every 6 hours when necessary to a maximum of four doses in 24 hours.

This medicine should not be taken for more than 3 days. If the pain does not improve after 3 days, talk to your doctor for advice.

Children under 12 years: Co-codamol should not be given to children under 12 years of age due to the risk of severe breathing problems.

Don't take with any other paracetamol - containing products.

Don't take more than the stated dose and don't take every day for more than 3 days unless told to do so by your doctor. This medicine contains codeine which can cause addiction if you take it continuously for more than 3 days.

Contains codeine: regular use for long periods of time may result in symptoms such as restlessness and irritability when you stop taking this medicine. If you need to use this product all the time, see your doctor straight away.

Don't take if you're sensitive to paracetamol, codeine or to any of the other ingredients listed above.

Please see your doctor before you take Co-Codamol 8mg/500mg if:

You're taking drugs prescribed for depression (MAOIs).

You're taking metoclopramide or domperidone - used to treat nausea and vomiting.

You're taking colestyramine - used to treat high cholesterol.

You have severe liver or kidney disease.

You're taking anti-coagulants (drugs to thin the blood e.g. warfarin) and you need to take a painkiller on a daily basis over a long period. However, you can take occasional doses of Solpadeine Max.

The tablets contain lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

If your headaches become persistent, see your doctor.

Please see your doctor before you take Co-Codamol 8mg/500mg if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.

Don't give to children under 12 years of age.

This medicine contains codeine which can cause addiction if you take it continuously for more than 3 days. This can give you withdrawal symptoms from the medicine when you stop taking it.

Some of the side effects associated with this medication:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Allergic reactions, such as skin rash.
• Dizziness or drowsiness. If affected by dizziness or drowsiness you must not drive or operate machinery.

If you're concerned about these effects, stop taking them and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.