It's important to take co-codamol as your doctor has asked you to. This is particularly important because co-codamol can be addictive.
Different co-codamol strengths
Co-codamol tablets and capsules come in 3 different strengths, containing 8mg, 15mg or 30mg of codeine.
All 3 strengths contain 500mg of paracetamol – the same as in a standard paracetamol tablet or capsule.
The strength of co-codamol appears as 2 numbers on the packet. For example, 8/500 means each tablet or capsule contains 8mg of codeine and 500mg of paracetamol.
You can buy the lowest strength of co-codamol (8/500) without a prescription but only from a pharmacy. The higher strengths (15/500 and 30/500) are only available on prescription from a doctor.
Dosage
Adults can take 1 or 2 tablets (of any strength) up to 4 times in 24 hours. It's important to leave a gap of at least 4 to 6 hours between doses of co-codamol.
The maximum dose is 8 co-codamol tablets in 24 hours.
Taking too much co-codamol can be very dangerous. That's because the paracetamol in it can cause liver damage.
Do not increase the dose of co-codamol or take more than 2 tablets at once, even if your pain is very bad. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor if you think the dose is not enough to help your pain.
Important: Maximum dose of co-codamol
The maximum dose of co-codamol for adults is 8 tablets in 24 hours.
How to take it
Swallow co-codamol tablets or capsules whole with a drink of water.
Co-codamol also comes as soluble (effervescent) tablets that you dissolve in a glass of water to make a drink.
You can take co-codamol with or without food.
How long to take it for
If your doctor has prescribed co-codamol for you, they'll tell you how long to take it for.
For example, if you're in pain after an injury or operation you may need to take it for a few days or weeks. You may need to take it for longer if you have a long-term condition that causes pain.
If you've bought co-codamol from a pharmacy, do not take it for more than 3 days. If you still have pain after 3 days, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
Important: Stopping co-codamol
If you've been taking co-codamol for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first.
If you take too much
Taking 1 or 2 extra tablets is unlikely to harm you. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.
Taking too much co-codamol can be dangerous and you may need treatment. Too much co-codamol can cause liver damage.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you take more than the recommended dose of co-codamol and are finding it difficult to breathe
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you take more than the recommended dose of co-codamol, even if you feel well
Go to 111 online or call 111
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the co-codamol packet or leaflet inside it plus any remaining medicine with you.