Co-codamol

What is Co-Codamol?

The medication has been approved by the Medications and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and has a legal status of POM (prescription only medication). Co-Codamol 8 / 500 mg is the lowest dose available and can be bought over the counter from your local chemist. Co-Codamol 15 / 500 mg or any doses stronger than this are available with a prescription from the National Health Service (NHS). If you are struggling to get a prescription from your GP however, you can buy Co-Codamol online from our UK-based pharmacy. We supply genuine, approved Co-Codamol in the UK for safe and discreet delivery.

What is Co-Codamol Used for Treating?

Co-Codamol is a compound opioid-based analgesic medication used to treat mild to moderate pain when other over-the-counter painkillers have not been sufficient as pain relief on their own. It can be used to treat acute pain, including after surgery or injury. Other types of acute pain include migraines or muscular aches and pains, with people in the UK most commonly using Co-Codamol for toothache or other dental pain. It can also be used for chronic conditions where pain is a major symptom, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. It is also occasionally used as a second-line treatment option for cancer-induced pain, however, results from clinical trials regarding the efficacy are mixed. Living with chronic pain can have severe consequences and negatively impact your ability to carry out daily activities. The mixture of codeine and paracetamol makes this medication more effective than taking either alone, increasing its pain-relieving properties and making it a popular choice for patients across the UK.

How Do Co-Codamol Tablets Work?

Co-Codamol has two active ingredients, which are paracetamol and codeine phosphate. Codeine phosphate is an opioid analgesic and is the more potent of the two. It targets the neuronal opioid receptors within the central nervous system, which belong to a complex family of G protein-coupled receptors. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, and the nerves from there extend to the peripheral nervous system found throughout the rest of the body. Nerve cells are called neurons and in between each cell is a minuscule gap called a synapse, where most neuronal receptors are found. Neurons primarily use electrical signals called action potentials to transmit information, and they can be regulated by, stimulate, or inhibit neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that regulate activity in the brain, and they can either be excitatory (increase electrical activity) or inhibitory (decrease electrical activity). This level of activity can relate to functions such as emotion regulation, alertness, sedation, and pain management. The action potentials associated with pain are transmitted by nociceptors, and the perception of pain is called nociception. When codeine is ingested, it is metabolised into morphine and binds to the opioid receptors, increasing your pain threshold and reducing pain perception. This makes Co-Codamol an effective painkiller for UK patients managing daily discomfort.

How Long Do Co-Codamol Tablets Last?

Firstly, how long does Co-Codamol take to work? The tablets are absorbed rapidly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and have a bioavailability of over 90%. This means that only up to 10% of the medication is lost through first-pass metabolism. The level of absorption and bioavailability is not affected by food. It takes about half an hour before you start to feel the effects of the medication, reaching peak plasma concentration after about one hour. This will vary slightly depending on metabolism, height, and weight. Co-Codamol has a duration of action of 4 to 6 hours. This is the period during which you will benefit from pain relief. UK patients often find that it provides steady relief through this time window without affecting daily routine.

Co-Codamol Dosage for Pain Relief

The exact Co-Codamol dosage will vary depending on what condition it treats and how severe the pain is. For mild pain, you can buy Co-Codamol over the counter, which contains the lowest dose available. For moderate pain, Co-Codamol 30 / 500 mg is the most commonly prescribed dose. For acute pain, you may take 1 to 2 tablets when pain becomes unmanageable, whereas for chronic conditions, you may need to take tablets throughout the day. Most people take 1 to 2 tablets in the morning and re-dose throughout the day, up to a maximum of 8 tablets daily. UK guidelines recommend spacing doses evenly throughout the day to avoid overconsumption, as too much paracetamol can harm your liver and too much codeine can cause respiratory issues. Starting on a lower dose is ideal to limit tolerance and maintain effectiveness over time.

Co-Codamol Side Effects

Before you buy Co-Codamol, it is important to be aware of potential side effects. Most are mild and resolve naturally. Some of the more common Co-Codamol side effects include:

• Feeling sick
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling sleepy or drowsy
• Dry mouth
• Constipation

These symptoms usually subside as your body adjusts. Staying hydrated can help manage them. In the UK, most users report few to no long-term side effects when following proper dosage instructions. Serious side effects such as hallucinations, difficulty breathing, or rashes are rare but require immediate medical attention.

Who Should Avoid Co-Codamol?

Co-Codamol is safe for most people over the age of 18, but some individuals should avoid it. Speak with a doctor before taking Co-Codamol if any of the following apply:

• Allergic reaction to ingredients
• History of addiction treatment
• Severe mental health conditions
• Severe liver or kidney problems
• Breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea
• Pregnant or breastfeeding

You should not take Co-Codamol alongside other opioid medications or benzodiazepines. Also, avoid combining Co-Codamol and paracetamol, as the medication already contains it. Co-Codamol and ibuprofen can safely be taken together for stronger pain relief. UK health authorities also advise avoiding alcohol while taking Co-Codamol to prevent adverse reactions.

More About Co-Codamol for Pain Relief

Co-Codamol 30 / 500 mg is an effective medication for managing mild to moderate pain. Ideally, it should be used short-term as tolerance increases with prolonged use. As Co-Codamol has habit-forming properties, it should be taken for less than 3 days per week and spaced evenly. Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, chills, or insomnia may occur if taken long term. Chronic pain patients in the UK using Co-Codamol long-term should do so under medical supervision, gradually adjusting the dose as necessary for safe and effective results.

Want to Buy Co-Codamol in the UK?

You can either get a prescription from your GP or buy Co-Codamol online if you are struggling to get a prescription. We understand that it is not always possible to get an appointment with your GP due to time constraints or discomfort discussing personal health. That is why we have made it easy to buy Co-Codamol 30 / 500 mg from our trusted UK-based online pharmacy. Visit www.bestsleepingtablets.com to explore our full range of medications. We offer fast delivery across the UK in discreet packaging to ensure privacy. If you have any questions, our friendly UK support team is available to help via our website. We look forward to assisting you!

Last Reviewed: 10th November 2025
Next Review Due: December 2026