Always take co-dydramol as a doctor or pharmacist has told you. This is particularly important because it can be addictive.
Dosage and strength
Co-dydramol comes in 4 different strengths. Each tablet contains 500mg of paracetamol, the same as in a standard paracetamol tablet or capsule. But each strength contains different amounts of dihydrocodeine.
Co-dydramol tablets contain 7.46mg, 10mg, 20mg or 30mg of dihydrocodeine.
The strength of each tablet is shown on the packet as 2 numbers. These show the amount of dihydrocodeine followed by the amount of paracetamol. So, if it says 10/500 on the packet, this means the tablets contain 10mg of dihydrocodeine and 500mg of paracetamol.
You can buy the lowest strength of co-dydramol (7.46/500) without a prescription from a pharmacy. The higher strengths (10/500, 20/500 and 30/500) are only available on prescription.
Adults and young people aged 16 years old and over an usually take1 to 2 co-dydramol tablets, of any strength, up to 4 times in 24 hours. Always leave at least 4 hours between doses.
For children aged 12 to 15 years old, the maximum daily dose depends on the strength of the co-dydramol, where it's from (a shop or prescribed), and how old they are.
Important
Do not take more than the maximum dose of co-dydramol. The maximum dose for adults and young people aged 16 years old and over is 8 tablets over 24 hours. For children, if you’re unsure how much you should give them, ask your doctor or a pharmacist.
If this has been prescribed for you, follow your doctor's advice. If you bought this at a pharmacy, follow instructions provided.
How to take it
You can take co-dydramol with or without food.
Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not crush them.
Some tablets have a line down the middle to help you break them into 2 halves. If you have trouble swallowing medicines, break the tablet and then take each half separately.
It's important to leave a gap of at least 4 hours between doses of co-dydramol.
How long to take it for
If you buy co-dydramol from a pharmacy, do not take it for more than 3 days. If you still have pain, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
If you've been prescribed co-dydramol, take it for as long as your doctor tells you to.
Depending on why you're taking it, you may need to take it for a few days or weeks at most, for example, if you're in pain after an injury or operation.
Talk to your doctor if you're not sure how long you need to take co-dydramol for.
Important
If you've been taking prescribed co-dydramol for more than a few weeks and want to stop, speak to your doctor first.
If you forget to take it
If you take co-dydramol regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case skip the missed dose and take your next one at the usual time. Remember to leave at least 4 hours between doses.
Never take 2 doses of co-dydramol to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
For adults, taking 1 or 2 extra tablets is unlikely to be harmful, as long as you do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. A, child should not take more than their recommended dose in 24 hours.
It's important to leave a gap of at least 4 hours between doses of co-dydramol.
Taking too much can be very dangerous and you may need treatment because the paracetamol in it can cause liver damage.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you take more than 2 extra tablets of co-dydramol
- you take more than 8 tablets of co-dydramol in 24 hours
- a child has had more than their recommended dose in 24 hours
Call 111 if you have taken more than your recommended dose of co-dydramol, even if you feel well.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you take too much co-dydramol and are finding it difficult to breathe
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-dydramol box, or the leaflet inside the packet, plus any remaining medicine with you.