IS IT HARMFUL TO TAKE CO-CODAMOL DAILY?

IS IT HARMFUL TO TAKE CO-CODAMOL DAILY (2)

INTRODUCTION:

The following article is regarding an analgesic medication known as co-codamol. All the physical and chemical aspects will be discussed in detail. Discussion regarding multiple purchasing options will be done. 

CO-CODAMOL:

Co-codamol medicine is an analgesic that is basically a mixture of two different types of painkillers that are:

  • paracetamol 
  • codeine 

 It is typically a more potent painkiller than ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol alone. Co-codamol is prescribed when those types of painkillers are not curing the pain.

MECHANISM OF ATION OF CO CODAMOL:

As co-codamol is a mixture of two different ingredients which provide pain relief, it works in 2 different ways to combat your pain. The two different mechanisms are as follows:

Mechanism of action of paracetamol:

Paracetamol works by blocking the cascade through which chemical messengers are generated which take the message of inflammation and pain to the brain. It also works by reducing fever as it is an anti-pyretic drug, chemical mediators are blocked in the area of the brain which regulates body temperature.

Mechanism of action of codeine:

Codeine acts by affecting the pain receptors in the central nervous system and the brain in order to block pain signals to the rest of the body.

INDICATIONS FOR USING CO CODAMOL:

Co-codamol can be use to treat pain that ranges from an average ache to a moderately severe form of pains such as:

  • muscular pains
  •  migraines 
  • toothaches 
  • headaches 
  • backaches

AVAILABLE PHYSICAL FORMS AND STRENGTHS OF CO CODAMOL:

The medicine is available in multiple forms such as capsules and tablets. one can swallow the medicine as whole with a glass of water. Co-codamol can be take with or without food as per the preference of the patient. Co-codamol is available in three different strengths such as:

  • 8 milligrams (8/500mg co-codamol)
  • 15 milligrams (15/500mg co-codamol)
  • 30milligrams (30/500mg co-codamol)

The lowest strength is readily available in the pharmacies, while the other two higher strengths are only available when prescribed by the physician, for example patients can buy co-codamol 30/500mg online on the provision of the receipt or prescription.

RECOMMENDED THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE OF CO CODAMOL:

ADULT DOSAGE:

Adults over the age of 18 years can take two tablets of co-codamol every four to six hours in a span of 24 hours. Minimum gap between consecutive dose should be four hours. A maximum of eight co-codamol tablets can be consume in a day. One should always consult a physician as taking too much co-codamol even in severe pain can be dangerous for health.

WHERE CAN ONE BUY CO CODAMOL?

Co-codamol is a common medicine prescribe for pain relief, which can be purchase from many over the counter pharmacy. Low potency medicine can be purchase as an over-the-counter option however to purchase the higher doses one needs to have a prescription duly signed by any consultant or physician. You can conclude two options to procure the medicine and those are:

    1. One can buy from the drug stores.
  • You can buy co-codamol online.

Online options to procure the medicine:

Different online websites such as buy sleeping pills UK are there which have wide range of medicines and one can order via their electronic gadgets and door step delivery of medicine is ensured but one need to be extra careful to opt for authentic sites otherwise a lot of fraudulent and bogus websites and online vendors are there that are playing with precious lives.

CONTRAINDICATIONS TO USE CO CODAMOL:

Under certain circumstances co-codamol is contraindicate, some of the conditions are as follows:

  • Pregnant women
  • Lactating mothers
  • Patients having end stage liver disease

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF CO CODAMOL:

Co-codamol can have both common side effects that are less harmful and then there are serious side effects that can be hazardous if left un-treated. Both types of adverse effects will be discuss in detail.

 Common adverse effects:

  1. Constipation
  2. Drowsiness
  3. Headaches
  4. Nausea
  5. Vomiting
  6. Shallow breathing
  7. Sluggish digestion

Serious side effects:

  1. Skin rash 
  2. Allergic reaction
  3. Difficult urination
  4. Eyesight changes
  5. Dizziness

In case of any side effect, one should seek medical help promptly to minimize any life-threatening complication.

CAN ONE TAKE CO-CODAMOL DAILY?

Co-codamol although very effective in curing the painful situations but it is not advisable to take it daily or on regular basis as it has its own sets of adverse effects. Paracetamol is toxic for liver if consumed in higher doses or if taken for too long. The codeine element can lead to addiction if consumed for longer than the prescribed duration. So, one can conclude that it highly discouraged to take co-codamol daily. It is often observed that patients buy sleeping tablets online to cure pain as it makes one drowsy but this practice should be highly discouraged.

Who can and cannot take co-codamol

Adults and children aged 12 years or over can take. However, it is only recommended for under-18s if other painkillers have not worked.

Co-codamol is not suitable for some people. Tell your doctor before starting the medicine if you:

  • have respiratory issues or lung issues
  • have head trauma
  • possess adrenal gland issues
  • possess a disease that results in fits or seizures
  • consistently consume more alcohol than is generally advise (14 units a week)
  • are breastfeeding, trying to conceive, or already pregnant