Paracodeine Tablet 15 / 500 mg

About Paracodeine Tablet 15 / 500 mg

Paracodeine Tablet 15 / 500 mg Uses

• Moderate pain relief, including headache and body aches
• Dental pain
• Post operative pain
• Fever accompanied by pain

Paracodeine Tablet 15 / 500 mg Benefits

• Combines two pain relieving mechanisms for stronger relief
• Reduces fever alongside pain
• Works faster than paracetamol alone for moderate pain
• Useful when standard painkillers are not sufficiently effective

What Experts Say

Doctors in Pakistan prescribe codeine paracetamol combinations when plain paracetamol or NSAIDs fail to control moderate pain, since codeine adds a centrally acting analgesic effect that paracetamol alone cannot provide.

Physicians generally recommend the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration, because codeine carries a real risk of tolerance and dependence with repeated use. Combining it with paracetamol also means the total daily paracetamol dose from all sources must be tracked carefully to avoid liver toxicity.

Chronic pain conditions are widely undertreated in Pakistan, and opioid combination analgesics like this one remain useful short term options when used under medical supervision rather than for self managed long term pain control. Pharmacists are generally advised to counsel patients on the maximum safe daily paracetamol dose whenever this tablet is dispensed, since accidental double dosing with another paracetamol product is a common and preventable cause of liver injury.

Drug Class

• Opioid analgesic combined with a non opioid analgesic

Paracodeine Tablet 15 / 500 mg formula

• Codeine Phosphate + Paracetamol

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Paracodeine Tablet 15 / 500 mg?

• The usual dose is one to two tablets by mouth every four to six hours as needed for pain.
• The maximum dose stated on the pack should not be exceeded in 24 hours.
• Food or milk with the tablet can help if it upsets the stomach.
• Other paracetamol containing products should not be combined with this tablet.
• The shortest duration needed to control symptoms is recommended.

Drug Interactions

• Sedatives and benzodiazepines: Combined use increases the risk of severe drowsiness and slowed breathing.
• Alcohol: Alcohol taken with this tablet increases sedation and liver strain.
• Other paracetamol products: Additional paracetamol containing medicines raise the risk of liver damage.
• MAO inhibitors: These antidepressants can cause a dangerous interaction with codeine.
• Warfarin: Regular paracetamol use can enhance the blood thinning effect of warfarin.

Risks and warnings

• Dependence risk: Physical dependence can develop with prolonged or excessive codeine use.
• Breathing problems: This tablet is best avoided in people with severe asthma or breathing difficulties, since codeine can slow breathing.
• Liver damage: Doses above the recommended amount can cause serious liver injury due to the paracetamol content.
• Children: Children younger than 12 years are not advised to take this tablet, due to a higher risk of breathing problems.
• Driving and machinery: Drowsiness is a possible effect, so caution with driving is advised until its effect is known.

Paracodeine Tablet 15 / 500 mg Side Effects

• Drowsiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Slowed breathing at high doses
• Allergic skin reactions

Storage Conditions

• Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
• Keep tablets in their original blister pack.
• Keep out of reach of children, since codeine overdose is dangerous.
• Dispose of unused tablets safely rather than keeping them at home.