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How and when to take co-codamol for adults

It's important to take co-codamol as your doctor has asked you to. This is particularly important because co-codamol can be addictive.

Different co-codamol strengths

Co-codamol tablets and capsules come in 3 different strengths, containing 8mg, 15mg or 30mg of codeine.

All 3 strengths contain 500mg of paracetamol – the same as in a standard paracetamol tablet or capsule.

The strength of co-codamol appears as 2 numbers on the packet. For example, 8/500 means each tablet or capsule contains 8mg of codeine and 500mg of paracetamol.

You can buy the lowest strength of co-codamol (8/500) without a prescription but only from a pharmacy. The higher strengths (15/500 and 30/500) are only available on prescription from a doctor.

Dosage

Adults can take 1 or 2 tablets (of any strength) up to 4 times in 24 hours. It's important to leave a gap of at least 4 to 6 hours between doses of co-codamol.

The maximum dose is 8 co-codamol tablets in 24 hours.

Taking too much co-codamol can be very dangerous. That's because the paracetamol in it can cause liver damage.

Do not increase the dose of co-codamol or take more than 2 tablets at once, even if your pain is very bad. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor if you think the dose is not enough to help your pain.

Important: Maximum dose of co-codamol

The maximum dose of co-codamol for adults is 8 tablets in 24 hours.

How to take it

Swallow co-codamol tablets or capsules whole with a drink of water.

Co-codamol also comes as soluble (effervescent) tablets that you dissolve in a glass of water to make a drink.

You can take co-codamol with or without food.

How long to take it for

If your doctor has prescribed co-codamol for you, they'll tell you how long to take it for.

For example, if you're in pain after an injury or operation you may need to take it for a few days or weeks. You may need to take it for longer if you have a long-term condition that causes pain.

If you've bought co-codamol from a pharmacy, do not take it for more than 3 days. If you still have pain after 3 days, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Important: Stopping co-codamol

If you've been taking co-codamol for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first.

If you take too much

Taking 1 or 2 extra tablets is unlikely to harm you. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Taking too much co-codamol can be dangerous and you may need treatment. Too much co-codamol can cause liver damage.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

  • you take more than the recommended dose of co-codamol and are finding it difficult to breathe

Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:

  • you take more than the recommended dose of co-codamol, even if you feel well

Go to 111 online or call 111

Information:

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the co-codamol packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Page last reviewed: 30 October 2023
Next review due: 30 October 2026