It's important to give co-codamol as your child's 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
The normal dose for children aged 12 to 15 years old is 1 tablet or capsule of co-codamol (of any strength) up to 4 times in 24 hours.
The normal dose for young people aged 16 to 17 years old is 1 to 2 tablets or capsules (of any strength) up to 4 times in 24 hours.
Always leave at least 6 hours between doses.
Giving your child too much co-codamol can be very dangerous. That's because the paracetamol in it can cause liver damage.
Do not increase the dose or give 2 doses at once, even if their pain is very bad. Speak to a doctor if their pain is very bad or getting worse.
Important: Maximum doses of co-codamol
The maximum dose of co-codamol for children aged 12 to 15 years old is normally 4 tablets or capsules (of any strength) in 24 hours. The maximum dose for young people aged 16 to 17 years old is normally 8 tablets or capsules (of any strength) in 24 hours. Wait at least 6 hours between doses.
How to take it
Co-codamol tablets and capsules are swallowed whole with a drink of water. They can be taken with or without food.
If your child finds it difficult to swallow tablets or capsules, co-codamol also comes as soluble tablets that you dissolve in a glass of water to make a drink.
How long to give it for
If your child's doctor prescribes co-codamol, give it to your child for as long as they recommend.
If you've bought co-codamol from a pharmacy, do not give it to a child for more than 3 days. If they still have pain after 3 days, talk to a pharmacist or doctor.
Important: Stopping co-codamol
If your child has been taking co-codamol for more than a few weeks, it's important they do not stop taking it without speaking to a doctor first.
If they take too much
Taking more than the recommended dose of co-codamol can be dangerous.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
Your child has taken more than the recommended dose of co-codamol and:
- they're seeing things that are not there
- they're finding it hard to breathe
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- your child has taken more than the recommended dose of co-codamol
Go to 111 online or call 111.
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.