Co-Dydramol Tablets
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Co-dydramol Tablets
Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to take your tablets. It contains important information. If you are not sure about anything or you want to know more, ask your doctor or a pharmacist.
About your tablets
Your tablets are called Co-dydramol Tablets. They are a mixture of two drugs - paracetamol and dihydrocodeine tartrate. They are part of a group of drugs known as analgesics (pain killers).
What is in your tablets
Each tablet contains:
• Paracetamol BP 500 milligrams (mg) and Dihydrocodeine Tartrate BP 10mg (active ingredients); and
• Maize starch, povidone, pregelatinised starch, sodium starch glycolate, nipasept sodium and magnesium stearate (inactive ingredients).
Co-dydramol tablets are white with CO-DYD on one side and a twin triangle logo on reverse. They come in pack of 30 and 100.
Who makes your tablets
Your tablets are made by Norton (Waterford) Ltd, Waterford Ireland. The marketing authorisation holder is Norton Healthcare Ltd, Royal Docks, London E16 2QJ.
What your tablets do
Co-dydramol tablets are used to treat pain.
Before you take your tablets Do not take your tablets if you:
• have ever had a bad reaction to any of the ingredients listed in the “what is in your tablets” section or to other pain killers;
• have ever had any problems with your kidneys or liver, or have breathing problems that are caused by bronchitis or asthma;
Tell your doctor before you start to take your tablets if you:
• are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breast-feeding;
• have an underactive thyroid gland;
• suffer from allergies, for example to food, cosmetics, dust or drugs;
• are taking anticoagulants (to stop your blood clotting), hypnotics, antiphyscotics, tranquillizers or medicines for anxiety;
• are already taking pain killers which contain paracetamol;
• are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, for depression;
• have kidney or liver disease;
• are taking cholestyramine (to lower blood fat), metopramide or domperidone (to stop you feeling or being sick) or mexiletine (for irregular heart rhythm); or
• are taking other medicines including ones that you have bought for your self without a prescription.
Driving and using machines
The medicine can affect your ability to drive as it may make you sleepy or dizzy.
• Do not drive while taking this medicine until you know how it affects you.
• It is an offence to drive if this medicine affects your ability to drive.
However, you would not be committing an offence if:
• The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem and
• You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber or in the information provided with the medicine and
• It was not affecting your ability to drive safely
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether it is safe for you to drive while taking this medicine.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking these tablets.
You should not take these tablets during an asthma attack.
If you take large doses of Co-dydramol tablets you may become dependent on them.
Do not take for longer than directed by your prescriber
Taking dihydrocodeine regularly for a long time can lead to addiction, which might cause you to feel restless and irritable when you stop the tablets.
Taking a painkiller for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse.
If you see another doctor or visit a hospital, remember to tell them what medicines you are already taking.
How to take your tablets For oral use.
You must take your tablets as your doctor has told you to. The label will tell you how many to take and how often to take the,. The number of tablets you take is called the “dose”. The most common dose for adults and children over 12 is one tablet every four hours as you need them. This may be increased to 2 tablets four times a day if necessary. Children under 12 years old should not take Co-dydramol tablets. If you are elderly, your doctor will probably tell you to take a lower dose that the one normally recommended for adults.
Swallow the tablets with water.
If you forget to take a dose at the right time, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses together. If it is almost time to take the next dose, wait until then and then carry on as before.
What to do if you take too many tablets
It is important not to take to many tablets.
Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.
Take this leaflet, and any tablets that you still have to show the doctor.
After taking your tablets
You may have some side effects while you are taking your tablets.
• Tell your doctor if you suffer from any of the following for more than a few days.
• Constipation, feeling and being sick, headache, dizziness, giddiness and skin rashes.
Rarely, Co-dydramol Tablets can lead to the following:
• blood disorders which can cause fever or chills.
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these.
If you fell unwell in any other way, tell your doctor as soon as you can.
Looking after your tablets
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool dry place. Store your tablets in the original container. Do not take the tablets after the “use by” date. You should take any tablets that are out of date or which you no longer need back to your pharmacist. Never give them to anyone else. This information only applies to Norton Healthcare’s Co-dydramol Tablets.
This leaflet was rewritten in June 2014
PL 0530/0228