CODEP-P

# Codeine 10 mg + Paracetamol 500 mg ## SHORT DESCRIPTION Codeine 10 mg + Paracetamol 500 mg is a **prescription combination painkiller** used for the short-term treatment of **moderate pain** when simpler painkillers such as paracetamol alone are not sufficient. Paracetamol provides analgesic and fever-reducing effects, while codeine is an opioid analgesic that enhances pain relief through its action on the central nervous system. ## KEY BENEFITS * Provides relief from **moderate pain** * Combines two pain-relieving medicines with different mechanisms * Paracetamol helps reduce pain and fever * Codeine provides additional opioid-mediated pain relief * May be useful when paracetamol alone does not provide adequate relief * Intended primarily for **short-term use** under medical supervision ## USES / INDICATIONS Codeine 10 mg + Paracetamol 500 mg may be prescribed for short-term relief of: * Moderate acute pain * Musculoskeletal pain * Dental pain * Pain following minor procedures or injuries * Other moderate pain when prescribed by a healthcare professional It should generally be used when alternative pain-relief options are inadequate or inappropriate. ## HOW IT WORKS ### Paracetamol Paracetamol acts primarily in the central nervous system to reduce the production of pain-signaling chemicals and helps reduce pain and fever. ### Codeine Codeine is an **opioid analgesic**. It is partially converted by the body into morphine and acts on opioid receptors in the central nervous system, changing the perception and response to pain. The combination can provide greater pain relief than either component alone in some patients. ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION * Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. * The appropriate dose depends on the severity of pain, age, medical condition and other medicines being used. * Do not take more tablets than prescribed. * Do not use this medicine for longer than recommended. * It can generally be taken with or without food. * Take with water. * Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. * **Do not take additional paracetamol-containing medicines** unless your doctor or pharmacist confirms that the total daily dose remains safe. * Because codeine can cause dependence and tolerance, use it for the shortest duration necessary. ### Missed Dose If taking it regularly, take the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose. ## SIDE EFFECTS Common side effects may include: * Drowsiness * Dizziness * Nausea * Vomiting * Constipation * Dry mouth * Stomach discomfort * Headache ### Serious Side Effects Seek immediate medical attention for: * Slow or difficult breathing * Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking * Confusion * Severe dizziness or fainting * Severe allergic reaction * Bluish lips or skin * Severe abdominal symptoms * Signs of liver injury, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes or unusually dark urine **Codeine overdose can cause life-threatening respiratory depression.** ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS * Codeine can cause **drowsiness, dependence, tolerance and addiction**. * Use only the prescribed dose. * Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. * Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel sleepy, dizzy or impaired. * Never share this medicine with another person. * Keep it securely stored and away from children. * Use extreme caution with other medicines that cause drowsiness. * Tell your doctor if you have breathing problems, asthma, sleep apnea or other respiratory disease. * Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. * Inform your doctor if you have a history of substance-use disorder. * Older adults may be more sensitive to opioid-related adverse effects. * Codeine may not provide adequate pain relief in some people because its conversion to morphine varies genetically. * **Codeine should not be given to children under 12 years of age.** * Codeine should generally be avoided in adolescents with breathing problems and after certain tonsil or adenoid surgeries. * Breastfeeding women should not use codeine because codeine and morphine can pass into breast milk and may cause serious respiratory depression in the infant. * Do not exceed the recommended paracetamol dose because excessive intake can cause serious liver damage. ## DRUG INTERACTIONS Codeine + paracetamol can interact with: * **Alcohol** — significantly increases the risk of sedation and respiratory depression and should be avoided. * **Benzodiazepines** such as diazepam, lorazepam or alprazolam — can greatly increase the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. * Other **opioids** — may increase respiratory depression and sedation. * Sleeping medicines and sedatives — may increase drowsiness and breathing problems. * Certain antidepressants and other medicines affecting the central nervous system — may increase sedation or alter codeine's effects. * **Warfarin** — regular or prolonged paracetamol use may affect anticoagulation in some patients. * Other medicines containing **paracetamol/acetaminophen** — increase the risk of accidental overdose and liver damage. * Medicines that affect **CYP2D6** may alter codeine's conversion to morphine and therefore change its effectiveness or adverse-effect profile. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements you use. ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep the medicine in its original packaging. * Store at the recommended room temperature. * Protect from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight. * Keep the container tightly closed. * **Store securely and out of reach of children and other people.** * Do not use after the expiry date. * Do not use tablets if the packaging is damaged. * Dispose of unused opioid-containing medicine according to local pharmacy or medication-disposal guidance. ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS **Prescription medicine / controlled medicine status may apply.** Because it contains **codeine, an opioid**, dispensing and prescription requirements vary by country and formulation. Use only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE For safe and genuine Codeine 10 mg + Paracetamol 500 mg: * Purchase only from a licensed and reputable pharmacy. * Check the medicine name and strength. * Verify the manufacturer's details. * Check the batch number and expiry date. * Ensure the packaging and seal are intact. * Avoid products with damaged or suspicious packaging. * Never purchase opioid medicines from unauthorized sources. * Do not use expired medicine. * Keep the medicine securely stored. * Consult a pharmacist if you have concerns about product authenticity. ## FAQ ### What is Codeine 10 mg + Paracetamol 500 mg used for? It is used for the **short-term treatment of moderate pain** when paracetamol or other simpler painkillers do not provide sufficient relief. ### Is Codeine + Paracetamol a strong painkiller? It can provide stronger pain relief than paracetamol alone because it combines paracetamol with the opioid analgesic codeine. It should be used only as prescribed. ### How does Codeine + Paracetamol work? Paracetamol reduces pain through central analgesic mechanisms, while codeine acts on opioid receptors and changes how the brain and nervous system perceive pain. ### Can Codeine + Paracetamol be used for toothache? It may be prescribed for moderate dental pain when appropriate. Dental pain should also be assessed and treated at its underlying cause. ### Can Codeine + Paracetamol be used for back pain? It may provide short-term relief for some types of moderate back or musculoskeletal pain, but prolonged opioid use is generally avoided unless specifically indicated. ### Does Codeine cause drowsiness? Yes. **Drowsiness, dizziness and impaired alertness** are common effects. Avoid driving or operating machinery if affected. ### Can I drink alcohol while taking Codeine + Paracetamol? **No. Avoid alcohol.** Combining alcohol with codeine can increase sedation and potentially cause dangerous respiratory depression. ### Can I take sleeping tablets with Codeine? Do not combine codeine with sleeping medicines, benzodiazepines or other sedatives unless specifically instructed by your doctor. The combination can cause severe sedation and potentially life-threatening breathing problems. ### Can I take additional Paracetamol with this medicine? This medicine already contains **500 mg of paracetamol per dose unit**. Taking additional paracetamol-containing products can cause accidental overdose and liver damage. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before combining them. ### Can Codeine + Paracetamol cause constipation? Yes. **Constipation is a common opioid side effect.** Adequate fluids, dietary fiber and appropriate measures recommended by your healthcare professional may help. ### Can Codeine cause addiction? Yes. Codeine is an opioid and can cause **tolerance, dependence and addiction**, particularly with prolonged or inappropriate use. ### How long should I take Codeine + Paracetamol? It should generally be used for the **shortest period necessary** to control acute pain. Follow your doctor's instructions and do not continue treatment longer than prescribed. ### Can Codeine + Paracetamol be used during pregnancy? Codeine should only be used during pregnancy when specifically recommended by a healthcare professional after assessing the potential benefits and risks. ### Can I take Codeine while breastfeeding? **Codeine is generally not recommended during breastfeeding** because infants can be exposed to morphine through breast milk and may develop serious breathing problems. ### Can children take Codeine + Paracetamol? Codeine **must not be given to children under 12 years of age**. It is also not recommended for certain adolescents with respiratory risk factors. Always follow age-specific medical advice. ### What happens if I take too much Codeine + Paracetamol? An overdose can be a medical emergency. Codeine can cause severe respiratory depression, while excessive paracetamol can cause potentially fatal liver damage. **Seek emergency medical attention immediately** if an overdose is suspected, even if the person initially feels well. ### What are the signs of a Codeine overdose? Possible signs include extreme sleepiness, inability to wake, slow or shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, confusion, loss of consciousness and bluish lips or skin. Emergency treatment is required. ### What are the signs of Paracetamol overdose? Early symptoms may be mild or absent. Later symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, sweating, confusion and signs of liver injury. Any suspected overdose requires immediate medical evaluation. ### Can I drive after taking Codeine + Paracetamol? Do not drive if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, slowed reactions or impaired concentration. Codeine can reduce alertness even when you feel accustomed to it. ### What should I do if I miss a dose? Take it when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not take two doses together to compensate. ### How should Codeine + Paracetamol be stored? Store according to the manufacturer's instructions, generally at room temperature away from excessive heat and moisture. Because it contains an opioid, keep it **securely stored and out of reach of children and unauthorized users**. ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. **Codeine 10 mg + Paracetamol 500 mg contains an opioid and should be used only as prescribed.** Codeine can cause drowsiness, respiratory depression, tolerance, dependence and addiction. Avoid alcohol and combining it with sedatives unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take additional paracetamol-containing medicines without professional advice. Codeine should not be given to children under 12 years and should generally be avoided during breastfeeding. Suspected overdose requires immediate emergency medical attention because both opioid toxicity and paracetamol-related liver injury can be life-threatening. Always follow the specific product label and your healthcare professional's instructions.