Can You Take Paracetamol with Codeine?

Managing pain effectively while limiting the risk of side effects is a cornerstone of clinical care. To achieve this, combination treatments are often used; the paracetamol and codeine combination is one of the most common analgesic (painkiller) formulations. This combination benefits from the dual action of drug mechanisms targeting different pain pathways in addition to the anti-pyretic (fever-reducing) effect from paracetamol. The addition of codeine is particularly helpful in cases where paracetamol alone has not relieved the pain. Read on as we answer some commonly asked questions such as “can you take codeine with paracetamol?” and discuss this painkiller combination in more detail.

What Are Paracetamol and Codeine?

Paracetamol and Codeine are types of medications for pain relief (analgesic) that can help relieve mild to moderate pain such as headaches. Let’s go through each one individually first. Paracetamol is a non-opioid painkiller that also has antipyretic (or fever-reducing) properties. It is a very commonly used and widely available painkiller that is good for treating mild-to-moderate pain, but sometimes paracetamol alone may not be strong enough. Therefore, a different type of painkiller called Codeine is sometimes combined with paracetamol to target more severe pain. Codeine is an opiate painkiller medication that is stronger than paracetamol, it can also be used in the management of diarrhoea.

How Paracetamol and Codeine Work Together

Taking codeine and paracetamol together provide a dual-action approach to treating pain. This is because paracetamol is believed to reduce the production of chemicals (called prostaglandins) that increase pain signals while codeine acts on opioid receptors in your nervous system to help block the transmission of pain signals. By acting on different receptors, the combined medications produce a stronger and more comprehensive pain relief effect. This double action combination has shown success in treating both acute and chronic pain.

Can You Take Paracetamol and Codeine at the Same Time?

So can you take paracetamol with codeine at the same time? Yes, this combination can be more effective at managing pain that isn’t treated by Paracetamol alone. This is because they relieve pain through different mechanisms i.e Paracetamol reduces the production of chemicals that amplify pain signals and Codeine blocks pain receptors from transmitting pain signals. However, it is still important to follow your doctor’s instructions or the instructions in the medication package carefully. This is because there can be risks to taking Paracetamol and Codeine at the same time.

Benefits of Combining Paracetamol with Codeine

There are several benefits to combining Paracetamol with Codeine. For example:

• Increased effectiveness: Paracetamol and Codeine provides pain relief through two different mechanisms. This creates a more comprehensive and stronger painkiller effect.
• Treating different types of pain: Due to the different mechanisms of action by both medications, different types of pain can be treated including acute pain, chronic pain, musculoskeletal pain and more. Read on if you want to explore more General Health Medicines.
• Alternative option: For some people, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are not appropriate. In this case, the paracetamol and codeine combination can be helpful in providing stronger pain relief.
• Lower dose: The combination of paracetamol and codeine means that lower doses of each medication can be given. This is good because it can reduce the risks of dependency and liver problems.
• Convenience: By combining paracetamol and codeine into one pill, the treatment is more convenient to take and may improve patient concordance or adherence to the treatment plan. We build on this here at Meds for Less by delivering your medication quickly and discreetly.

Paracetamol and Codeine Side Effects and Risks

So now that we have discussed “is it safe to take paracetamol with codeine?”, let’s talk through some of the safety precautions. Like all medications, there are some paracetamol and codeine side effects and risks to be aware of. More common side effects include:

• Feeling drowsy or dizzy
• Constipation
• Headache
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Dry mouth

If these persist or start to affect your day to day activities, please consult your healthcare provider. Additionally, some rare but serious side effects include:

• Liver problems: This is because a paracetamol overdose, especially if combined with alcohol, can result in acute liver failure.
• Breathing problems: Dangerous respiratory depression can happen in codeine overdoses or when codeine is combined with alcohol or certain antidepressants.
• Addiction: As codeine is an opioid medication, there is a risk of dependence or addiction if used for longer than prescribed.

If you have any concerns or further questions, please consult your healthcare provider or a pharmacist.

Is It Safe to Take Paracetamol with Codeine Long Term?

So can you mix paracetamol and codeine and take it long term? Generally no, the paracetamol and codeine combination is not meant to be taken for a prolonged period of time due to risks especially from codeine (an opioid medication). If long term paracetamol with codeine is deemed absolutely necessary, it should be taken under guidance from a medical professional and carefully monitored to ensure it is safe. Usually, other pain management strategies will be trialled first.

When to Avoid Mixing Paracetamol and Codeine

Paracetamol and Codeine are effective at treating pain but associated safety concerns mean that in some cases, this combination should be avoided or used carefully under the guidance of a medical professional. Some examples include:

• People who have previously had an allergic reaction to paracetamol or codeine
• Children under the age of 12
• People with breathing problems and lung conditions (e.g asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder)
• People with liver disease
• People with alcohol dependency or drug abuse problems
• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• People taking certain medications including certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, or even antihistamines.
• People who have bowel obstruction
• People who experience seizures

Alternatives for Pain Relief

Aside from paracetamol with codeine, there are several alternative pain relief options. More common and easily available painkillers include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Depending on the type of pain you are trying to treat, other painkillers such as topical painkiller creams (good for localised muscle or joint pain) or medications for nerve pain (e.g Gabapentin) can be considered. It is advised that you speak to your healthcare provider about the pain you are trying to manage so they can assess the situation and recommend alternatives to paracetamol with codeine for pain relief.

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