Chronic Conditions
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    How long does Co-codamol take to work?

    The drug Co-codamol can take up to one hour to work in the body. It will keep on continuously working for approximately five hours. Co-codamol is said to slow down digestion, and it can therefore cause constipation. If you do not want to be constipated, either do not take the medication or try a mild over-the-counter laxative with it.

    What kind of drug is Co-codamol?

    Co-codamol is a pain killer drug that has two main ingredients which are paracetamol and codeine. It is used to cure pains and aches in the body which regular painkillers like ibuprofen, paracetamol, and aspirin are unable to cure. It treats muscle pains, joint pains, toothaches, and throbbing headaches.

    How does Co-codamol work?

    This medication is both an analgesic and pain killer. It consists of two major ingredients which are paracetamol and codeine. Co-codamol can be bought in tablet and capsule variant and is available in three types.

    It works by actively inhibiting the pain receptors from communicating pain signals to the central nervous system especially the brain, making pain tolerable for patients.

    Co-codamol can be bought under several brands. Enquire with your doctor or pharmacist if you have a preferred brand.

    How to use Co-codamol

    This painkilling medication is sold in both tablet and capsule variant. You can use Co-codamol by swallowing the pill as a whole without breaking or chewing with a glass of water, with or without meals.

    Co-codamol painkiller is available in both capsule and tablet form. Use the tablet as a whole by mouth with a glass of water. Co-codamol tablet or capsule may be taken with or without meals.

    Take this drug strictly as prescribed by your doctor. If your health condition persists or where your symptoms become worse, ask your doctor about it.

    Dosage of Co-codamol

    Co-codamol is a prescription-only drug, which means you must first obtain one before being able to take the drug.

    The tablets are available in 30 milligrams and 500 milligrams which is 30 milligrams of codeine and 500 milligrams of paracetamol. The tablets are available in three strengths with 8 milligrams, 15 milligrams, and 30 milligrams codeine and all variants have 500 milligrams of paracetamol added.

    The recommended dosage for pain is -

    Patients aged 18 years and above must take 1 – 2 tablets up to 4 times a day. With an allowance of four hours each dose. The maximum dose for adult patients would be eight pills in a day or 24 hours.

    Adolescent patients below eighteen years old can take 1 – 2 pills The maximum dose for adult patients would be eight pills in a day or 24 hours. With an allowance of four hours each dose. The maximum dose for adolescent patients would be eight pills in a day or 24 hours.

    Always remember to place a window in between Co-codamol dose, because having excessive amounts can be dangerous. Prolonged use of paracetamol among patients can be harmful and lead to severe damage to the liver. Ask your doctor if you need to increase your dose or change your dosage of Co-codamol. Do not try to self medicate or prescribe different dosage from what is prescribed by your health care provider.

    Health benefits of Co-codamol

    Co-codamol is a pain killer drug that has two main ingredients which are paracetamol and codeine. It is used to cure pains and aches in the body which regular pain killers like ibuprofen, paracetamol, and aspirin are unable to cure. It treats muscle pains, joint pains, toothaches, and throbbing headaches.

    Co-codamol side effects

    Co-codamol can have some side effects, but not everyone is able to experience them. Here are the most common side effects of Co-codamol: feeling sick, sleepiness, and constipation.

    Taking too much of this drug can be harmful to the body. Do not attempt to increase the dose or take a double dosage if your pain is terrible. It is very likely to become addicted to codeine that is found in Co-codamol, however this is a rare scenario and will not occur if you are taking painkiller under medical supervision.

    Co-codamol is commercially available in various brand names. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the various brands and forms available.

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