Solpadeine Max Tablets
Pack of 24 tablets · Tablets
Pharmacy-only maximum-strength combination of paracetamol and codeine for short-term relief of moderate pain not eased by paracetamol or ibuprofen 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 + Paracetamol
Strength
12.8mg codeine / 500mg paracetamol
Form
Tablets
Pack size
Pack of 24 tablets
How it works
Combines standard paracetamol with the maximum OTC dose of codeine (12.8mg) for stronger short-term pain relief.
How to take
Adults aged 16 and over: one or two tablets every 4–6 hours, maximum 8 in 24 hours. Do not take for more than 3 days continuously.
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.
- Contains codeine — risk of addiction if used for more than 3 days. Stop and speak to a pharmacist if pain persists.
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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