The main use of Codeine + Paracetamol/Acetaminophen is for the relief of mild to moderate pain. It belongs to the group of analgesics, which are medicines designed to relieve pain. This medicine can be used for various types of pain, including headache, migraine, toothache, menstrual cramps, musculoskeletal pain, and pain from injury or surgery. It also plays a role in reducing fever.
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Codeine + Paracetamol/Acetaminophen is an analgesic combination.
Codeine is an opioid, and it works by binding to specific receptors in your brain and spinal cord. These are called mu-opioid receptors. When Codeine binds to these receptors, it helps to reduce the pain messages that your body sends to the brain. It also decreases your brain's responsive reaction to pain sensations, and it may induce feelings of relaxation or euphoria.
Paracetamol/Acetaminophen is a non-opioid medication. It is believed to work primarily by blocking the production of certain chemicals in your body known as prostaglandins. These chemicals can cause inflammation, pain, and fever. By inhibiting their synthesis, Paracetamol/Acetaminophen increases your body's tolerance level for pain and makes you less sensitive to changes in temperature.
Together, Codeine + Paracetamol/Acetaminophen work to effectively relieve mild to moderate pain by combining their unique mechanisms of action. This combined effect tends to be more effective than either medication taken individually.
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Codeine + Paracetamol/Acetaminophen is available in several oral dosage forms, like tablets, capsules, liquids/solutions, or effervescent tablets.
This combination can be used by adults and children, but specific age restrictions may apply, particularly for younger children. It is generally used in children over a certain age, as determined by a doctor based on individual health needs and risks.
This combination is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to codeine or paracetamol.
It is also contraindicated in those suffering from respiratory depression, acute asthma or hypercarbia, paralytic ileus, or diarrhoea caused by poisoning or antibiotic use.
This combination may interact with central nervous system depressants (such as opioids, sedatives, tranquillisers, hypnotics, and general anaesthetics), anticholinergics (including medications like atropine and scopolamine), anticoagulants (such as warfarin), certain antibiotics (like chloramphenicol), antiretrovirals (such as zidovudine), enzyme inducers (like barbiturates, carbamazepine, rifampin), and antiarrhythmics (such as quinidine).
Overdose symptoms include respiratory depression, stupor, coma, extreme drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, hypotension, and potential liver damage. Immediate medical attention is necessary.
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this combination. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.
To manage dizziness or drowsiness, it may help to adjust the timing of taking the medication to when you do not need to be most alert. Discuss it with your doctor before doing so.
For constipation, increasing water intake might be beneficial.
This combination may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. If experiencing drowsiness or dizziness after taking this medicine, avoid engaging in these activities.
Codeine + Paracetamol/Acetaminophen should be used during pregnancy and lactation only if prescribed by a doctor. The potential risks to the foetus or neonate should be weighed against the benefits to the mother.
Caution is advised when using this combination in patients with hepatic impairment as paracetamol can aggravate liver dysfunction.
Those with renal impairment should also use this combination cautiously as codeine and its metabolites may accumulate in such conditions.
Ensure adequate hydration to help reduce the risk of constipation associated with opioid use.
Consider increasing dietary fibre intake to manage gastrointestinal side effects effectively.
Frequently asked questions
No, Codeine + Paracetamol/Acetaminophen is not a steroid. It is a combination of an opioid pain reliever (codeine) and a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic (paracetamol/acetaminophen).
Yes, Codeine + Paracetamol/Acetaminophen can cause drowsiness and dizziness, potentially affecting sleep.
There is no specific information in the research data regarding the effects of this medicine on fertility. You should consult your doctor for personalised advice.
There are no specific diet restrictions mentioned in the research data while taking this medicine. However, it is advised to avoid alcohol as it may increase drowsiness and risk of liver damage.
It is safe to take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. However, it can be habit-forming with prolonged use and may cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly after long-term use.
The time for this medicine to start working can vary depending on individual factors, including the severity of pain. Always follow your doctor's guidance.
The best time to take this medicine is as prescribed by your doctor, and it is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain.
Codeine + Paracetamol/acetaminophen in other salts
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