Boots Paracetamol and Codeine Tablets
Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.
This medicine is available without prescription to treat minor conditions. However, you still need to take it carefully to get the best results from it.
- This medicine can only be used for the short term treatment of acute moderate pain such as headache, migraine, toothache, period pain and rheumatic pains including muscle pains and backache that is not relieved by aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol alone
- You should only take this product for a maximum of 3 days at a time. If you need to take it for longer than 3 days you should see your doctor or pharmacist for advice
- 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
- If you take this medicine for headaches for more than 3 days it can make them worse
- Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again
- Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice
What this medicine is for
This medicine contains two painkillers, Paracetamol and Codeine, which act to relieve pain.
It can be used for the short term treatment of acute moderate pain such as headache, migraine, toothache, period pain and rheumatic pains including muscle pains and backache that is not relieved by aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol alone.
Before you take this medicine
- 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
- If you take a painkiller for headaches from more than 3 days it can make them worse
This medicine can be taken by adults and children aged 12 years and over. However, some people should not take this medicine or should seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor first.
Do not take:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients
- If you are having an asthma attack
- If you have liver disease
- If you have a head injury or a condition where there is raised pressure to the head
- If you have problems with your metabolism, or stomach problems
- If you suffer from alcoholism
- If you are under 12 years of age
- If you are pregnant
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor:
- If you have kidney or other liver problems (including alcoholic liver disease)
- If you have asthma or other breathing problems (see above)
- If you have low blood pressure, underactive thyroid, hormone imbalance
- If you are in shock, or have convulsive disorders
- If you have difficulty in passing urine
- If you are addicted to drugs, or have been in the past
- If you have difficulty moving around
- If you are a man with prostate problems
You can take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Other important information
If you are having any blood tests, stomach tests, or go into hospital, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Driving and using machines: Do not drive or use machines if you feel drowsy or dizzy after taking this medicine.
Do not drink alcohol (wine, beer, spirits) whilst taking this medicine.
Information about some of the ingredients: Ethyl hydroxybenzoate (E214), methyl hydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl hydroxybenzoate (E216) in this medicine may cause allergic reactions.
If you take other medicines
This medicine contains paracetamol.
Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products.
Before you take these tablets, make sure that you tell your pharmacist about ANY other medicines you might be using at the same time, particularly the following:
- Diflunisal (another painkiller)
- Metoclopramide or domperidone (for feeling sick)
- Colestyramine (to reduce blood fat levels)
- Warfarin or other blood thinners
- Oral contraceptives
- Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin or primidone (for epilepsy)
- Probenecid (for gout), isoniazid (an antibiotic), mexiletine or quinidine (for heart rhythm problems)
- Tricyclic antidepressants, tranquillisers, anxiolytics, sleeping tablets
- Medicines for diarrhoea (e.g. loperamide), cimetidine (for stomach ulcers)
If you are unsure about interactions with any other medicines, talk to your pharmacist. This includes medicines prescribed by your doctor and medicine you have bought for yourself, including herbal and homeopathic remedies.
How to take this medicine
Check the foil is not broken before use. If it is, do not take that tablet.
Adults and children of 12 years and over: Take one or two tablets every 4 to 6 hours.
Don’t take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.
If you have liver or kidney problems your doctor may tell you to take fewer tablets. If this applies to you follow your doctor’s instructions.
Swallow each tablet with water.
Do not take for more than 3 days. If you need to use this medicine for more than 3 days you must speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not give to children under 12 years.
Do not take more than the amount recommended above.
If symptoms do not go away talk to your doctor.
If you take too many tablets: Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage. Go to your nearest hospital casualty department. Take your medicine and this leaflet with you.
Possible withdrawal effects when stopping treatment
This medicine contains codeine and can cause addiction if you take it continuously for more than 3 days. When you stop taking it you may get withdrawal symptoms. You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you think you are suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
Possible side effects
Most people will not have problems, but some people may have side effects when taking this medicine. If you have any unwanted side effects you should seek advice from your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
Also you can help to make sure that medicines remain as safe as possible by reporting any unwanted side effects via the internet at www.yellowcard.gov.uk; alternatively you can call Freephone 0800 100 3352 (available between 10 am until 2 pm Monday to Friday) or fill in a paper form available from your local pharmacy.
If you get any of these serious side effects, stop taking the tablets. See a doctor at once:
- Difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, neck, tongue or throat (severe allergic reactions)
These other effects are less serious. If they bother you talk to a pharmacist:
- Skin rash, red itchy skin
- Constipation, feeling sick, being sick
- Sweating, facial flushing
- Blurred vision, double vision, other changes in vision
- Confusion, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, vertigo
- Mood changes such as depression or feeling very happy
- Rigid muscles, uncontrolled muscle movements, hallucinations, nightmares
- Dry mouth, stomach spasms, convulsions, reduced appetite
- Low blood pressure, fast, slow or irregular heart rate
- Kidney problems, difficulty in breathing
- Difficulty in passing urine, increased frequency in urination, pain when passing urine, spasms in the bladder
- Inability to have or maintain an erection (in men)
If any side effect becomes severe, or you notice any side effect not listed here, please tell your pharmacist or doctor.
How do I know if I am addicted?
If you take this medicine according to the instructions on the pack it is unlikely that you will become addicted to the medicine. However, if the following apply to you it is important that you talk to your doctor:
- You need to take the medicine for longer periods of time
- You need to take more than the recommended amount
- When you stop taking the medicine you feel unwell but you feel better if you start taking the medicine again
How to store this medicine
Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package.
Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard.
Use by the date on the end flap of the carton.
What is in this medicine
Each tablet contains Codeine Phosphate 8 mg, Paracetamol 500 mg, which are the active ingredients.
As well as the active ingredients, the tablets also contain potato starch, maize starch, talc, povidone, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, Nipasept (containing ethyl parahydroxybenzoate (E214), methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216)).
The pack contains 32 white tablets, with a broken breakline on one side and AB on the other side.
Who makes this medicine
Manufactured for
by the Marketing Authorisation holder
Leaflet prepared December 2009
If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact
Other formats
To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call free of charge:
0800198 5000 (UK only)
Please be ready to give the following information:
Product name: Boots Paracetamol and Codeine Tablets
Reference number: 17907/0162
This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
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