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Numark Co-codamol 8/500mg is a pharmacy-only (P) painkiller combining codeine phosphate 8mg with paracetamol 500mg per caplet, indicated for the short-term treatment of acute, moderate pain not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone. Supplied by Ways Pharmacy (UK) following a pharmacist's assessment.
Important — contains codeine. Can cause addiction. For three days use only. Do not take for more than 3 days continuously. If pain is not relieved after 3 days, stop and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Key facts
| Active ingredients | Codeine phosphate 8 mg + paracetamol 500 mg per caplet |
|---|---|
| Brand / supplier | Numark (UK pharmacy own-brand) |
| Drug classes | Weak opioid analgesic (codeine) + non-opioid analgesic (paracetamol) |
| Licensed indication | Short-term treatment of acute, moderate pain not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone |
| Maximum duration | 3 days continuous use — then stop and review |
| Adult dose | 1–2 caplets every 4–6 hours as needed; maximum 8 caplets in 24 hours — see PIL |
| Legal class | Pharmacy (P) medicine — sale subject to pharmacist's assessment |
| Minimum age | 12 years and over (codeine is contraindicated in under-12s) |
| Sold by | Ways Pharmacy, UK (GPhC-registered) |
Who it is for
- Adults and adolescents aged 12 and over with short-term moderate pain (e.g. headache, dental pain, period pain, back or muscular pain) not adequately controlled by paracetamol or ibuprofen alone
- Patients who have been advised by a pharmacist that a paracetamol-plus-codeine product is appropriate for them
Not suitable for: children under 12; breastfeeding mothers; people who are known or suspected codeine ultra-rapid metabolisers; anyone with a current or past opioid addiction; people with breathing problems, severe liver disease or who are taking another paracetamol-containing or codeine-containing medicine (risk of paracetamol overdose). Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
How to take
- Adults and adolescents aged 12 and over: take 1–2 caplets with water. Doses should be at least 4 hours apart; do not exceed 8 caplets in any 24-hour period.
- Do not take any other medicine containing paracetamol at the same time — an overdose of paracetamol can cause serious, delayed liver damage.
- Do not take for longer than 3 days. If the pain has not improved after 3 days, stop the caplets and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not combine with any other codeine-containing product, including cold and flu remedies.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel drowsy, and avoid alcohol.
Safety — please read before purchase
- Contains codeine, which can cause addiction. For three days use only. Taking a codeine-containing medicine regularly for more than 3 days can lead to physical dependence and a reduced effect — meaning more medicine is needed for the same pain relief.
- Maximum 3 days continuous use. If pain persists after 3 days, stop the medicine and arrange a GP appointment to investigate the cause of the pain.
- This medicine contains paracetamol. Never take more than the stated dose, and do not take it alongside any other paracetamol-containing product — paracetamol overdose can cause delayed but serious liver damage.
- Withdrawal symptoms after stopping (restlessness, irritability, sweating) may indicate dependence — speak to a pharmacist or GP.
- Do not take with alcohol, sedatives, or other opioid-containing medicines.
- Store below 25 degrees Celsius, in the original pack, out of reach and sight of children.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there a 3-day limit on Co-codamol 8/500mg?
Because codeine is an opioid, regular use beyond 3 days carries a risk of physical dependence and addiction. The MHRA introduced the 3-day rule to keep over-the-counter codeine use safe and short. If pain has not settled after 3 days, the cause needs investigating by a doctor, continuing the caplets is not the answer.
Can I buy Co-codamol 8/500mg without speaking to the pharmacist?
No. This is a Pharmacy (P) medicine, which means the pharmacy team will ask a few questions about your symptoms, other medicines you take, and whether codeine is suitable before supplying it. This is a legal requirement and a safety check, not a sales obstacle.
Can I take Co-codamol 8/500mg with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
These caplets already contain paracetamol, so do not take any additional paracetamol-containing product alongside them. Ibuprofen may be taken with co-codamol for extra relief if it is otherwise suitable for you, but check with the pharmacist first.
Can I take Co-codamol 8/500mg if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Codeine should not be used while breastfeeding, because it can pass into breast milk and cause breathing problems in the baby. If you are pregnant, speak to your GP or pharmacist before use, as codeine is generally avoided in pregnancy.
Will Co-codamol 8/500mg make me drowsy?
Codeine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medicine affects you, and avoid alcohol while taking it.
What should I do if my pain hasn't gone after 3 days?
Stop the caplets and book an appointment with your doctor. Pain that lasts longer than 3 days needs proper assessment to find the cause, continuing to take a codeine-containing painkiller risks dependence without solving the underlying problem.
References
- NHS — Co-codamol for adults
- Co-codamol 8/500 Patient Information Leaflet via emc
- MHRA — Drug Safety Update (codeine)
- Side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme
Numark Co-codamol 8/500mg is a Pharmacy (P) medicine containing codeine and paracetamol. Sale is subject to a short pharmacist-led suitability check. This page provides factual information and is not an advertisement. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before use. Suspected side effects can be reported to the MHRA via the Yellow Card Scheme.
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