Saturday, 17 March 2012

Paracetamol and Codeine Caplets






Paracetamol & Codeine Caplets (Boots Company plc)



Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.


This medicine is available without prescription to treat minor conditions. However, you still need to take it carefully to get the best results from it.


  • This medicine can only be used for the short term treatment of acute moderate pain such as headache, period pain, neuralgia, toothache and rheumatic pain that is not relieved by aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol alone


  • You should only take this product for a maximum of 3 days at a time. If you need to take it for longer than 3 days you should see your doctor or pharmacist for advice


  • This medicine contains codeine which can cause addiction if you take it continuously for more than 3 days. This can give you withdrawal symptoms from the medicine when you stop taking it


  • If you take this medicine for headaches for more than 3 days it can make them worse

  • Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again

  • Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice




What this medicine is for


This medicine contains Codeine and Paracetamol which belong to a group of medicines called analgesics to relieve pain.


It can be used for the short term treatment of acute moderate pain such as headache, period pain, neuralgia, toothache and rheumatic pain that is not relieved by aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol alone.




Before you take this medicine



  • This medicine contains codeine which can cause addiction if you take it continuously for more than 3 days. This can give you withdrawal symptoms from the medicine when you stop taking it


  • If you take a painkiller for headaches for more than 3 days it can make them worse This medicine can be taken by adults and children aged 6 years and over. However, some people should not take this medicine or should seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor first.


Do not take:



  • If you are allergic to any of the ingredients


  • If you have severe liver disease


  • If you are pregnant



Talk to your pharmacist or doctor:


  • If you have kidney problems

  • If you have other liver problems (including a disease caused by drinking alcohol)

  • If you are breastfeeding



Other important information



Information about some of the ingredients in this medicine: Sodium metabisulphite (E223) may rarely cause severe allergic reactions, tightness of the chest or difficulty in breathing.




If you take other medicines



This medicine contains paracetamol. Do not take with any other paracetamol containing products.


Before you take these caplets, make sure that you tell your pharmacist about ANY other medicines you might be using at the same time, particularly the following:


  • Domperidone or metoclopramide, for nausea and vomiting (may increase the pain relief effect of paracetamol or the codeine in this medicine may reduce the effect of these medicines on the stomach)

  • Colestyramine, for lowering blood lipid levels (may reduce the pain relief effect of paracetamol)

  • Warfarin or other coumarins (for thinning the blood) – if you take warfarin you can take occasional doses of this medicine, but talk to your doctor first before you take it on a regular basis

  • Mexiletine (for heart rhythm problems) – codeine may reduce the effects of this medicine

  • Sleeping tablets, sedatives, tricylic antidepressants or phenothiazine tranquillisers (you may feel more sleepy if you take these medicines)


If you are unsure about interactions with any other medicines, talk to your pharmacist. This includes medicines prescribed by your doctor and medicine you have bought for yourself, including herbal and homeopathic remedies.




How to take this medicine


Check the foil is not broken before first use. If it is, do not take that caplet.


Adults and children of 12 years and over


Take one or two caplets


Every 4 to 6 hours if you need to.



Don't take more than 8 caplets in any 24 hours.


Children of 6 to 11 years


Take half to one caplet


Every 4 to 6 hours if you need to.



Don't take more than 4 caplets in any 24 hours.


Swallow each caplet whole with water.



Do not take for more than 3 days. If you need to use this medicine for more than 3 days you must speak to your doctor or pharmacist.


Do not give to children under 6 years.


Do not take more than the amount recommended above.


If symptoms persist consult your doctor.



If you take too many caplets: 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. Go to your nearest hospital casualty department. Take your medicine and this leaflet with you.




Possible withdrawal effects when stopping treatment



This medicine contains codeine and can cause addiction if you take it continuously for more than 3 days. When you stop taking it you may get withdrawal symptoms. You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you think you are suffering from withdrawal symptoms.




Possible side effects


Most people will not have problems, but some people may have side effects when taking this medicine. If you have any unwanted side effects you should seek advice from your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.


Also you can help to make sure that medicines remain as safe as possible by reporting any unwanted side effects via the internet at www.yellowcard.gov.uk; alternatively you can call Freephone 0808 100 3352 (available between 10 am – 2 pm Monday-Friday) or fill in a paper form available from your local pharmacy.



If you get any of these serious side effects, stop taking the caplets. See a doctor at once:


  • Difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, neck, tongue or throat (severe allergic reactions)



These other effects are less serious. If they bother you talk to a pharmacist:


  • Other allergic reactions (e.g. skin rash)

  • Feeling sick, being sick

  • Constipation, dry mouth, sweating

  • Unusual bruising, or infections such as sore throats – this may be a sign of very rare changes in the blood



If any side effect becomes severe, or you notice any side effect not listed here, please tell your pharmacist or doctor.




How do I know if I am addicted?


If you take the medicine according to the instructions on the pack it is unlikely that you will become addicted to the medicine. However, if the following apply to you it is important that you talk to your doctor:


  • You need to take the medicine for longer periods of time

  • You need to take more than the recommended amount

  • When you stop taking the medicine you feel very unwell but you feel better if you start taking the medicine again



How to store this medicine


Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard.


Use by the date on the end flap of the carton.




What is in this medicine


Each tablet contains Codeine Phosphate Hemihydrate 8 mg, Paracetamol 500 mg, which are the active ingredients.


As well as the active ingredients, the tablets also contain maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, sodium metabisulphite (E223)


This pack contains 32 white capsule shaped tablets.




Who makes this medicine



Manufactured for the Marketing Authorisation holder



The Boots Company PLC

Nottingham

NG2 3AA


by


Hamol Limited Nottingham

NG90 2DB




Leaflet prepared December 2009


P


If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact



The Boots Company PLC

Nottingham

NG2 3AA



Other formats


To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:


0800 198 5000 (UK only)


Please be ready to give the following information:


Product name: Boots Paracetamol & Codeine Caplets


Reference number: 00014/0251


This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.


BTC51565 vF 18/01/10





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