Co-codamol 8/500mg Tablets
Pack of 32 tablets · Tablets
Lower-strength combination of codeine and paracetamol for short-term relief of mild to moderate pain not eased by paracetamol alone.
Official medicine information
View the SmPC and Patient Information Leaflet on emc
electronic Medicines Compendium — the authoritative source for UK licensed medicine information.
Active ingredient
Codeine phosphate + Paracetamol
Strength
8mg codeine / 500mg paracetamol
Form
Tablets
Pack size
Pack of 32 tablets
How it works
Co-codamol combines paracetamol (which reduces pain and fever) with a small dose of codeine, a weak opioid that acts on the central nervous system to provide additional pain relief. The 8/500 strength is the lowest combination dose and is typically used as a step up from plain paracetamol.
How to take
Adults: usually one or two tablets every 4–6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take for more than 3 days continuously without pharmacist or doctor review. Always swallow with water.
Possible side effects
- Constipation (very common — drink fluids and eat fibre)
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Nausea, especially when first starting
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Less commonly: low mood, confusion or breathing changes
Important warnings
- Risk of dependence and tolerance — use for the shortest time possible.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy or impaired.
- Do not combine with alcohol or other sedating medicines.
- Not suitable in severe breathing problems, head injury or paralytic ileus.
- Use with caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver or kidney problems — speak to the pharmacist.
- Do not exceed the maximum daily paracetamol dose (4g in 24 hours) from any source.
Storage
Store below 25°C in the original packaging. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Important
This information is provided for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional clinical advice. Treatment is only supplied following a consultation, suitability checks and pharmacist review. If this medicine is not suitable for you, our pharmacist will discuss alternatives.
Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you have a medical emergency, call 999 immediately.
Suspected side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Reporting helps make medicines safer for everyone.
Last reviewed by our Superintendent Pharmacist: Jane Doe MRPharmS, April 2026.
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