Co-dydramol is a mixture of 2 different painkillers: paracetamol and dihydrocodeine. Dihydrocodeine belongs to a group of medicines called opiates.
It's used to treat aches and pains, including headaches, migraines, muscle and joint pain, period pain and toothache.
Paracetamol and dihydrocodeine work by blocking messengers in the nerves and brain that tell your body that you're in pain.
You'll usually take co-dydramol when everyday painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol have not worked on their own.
Co-dydramol comes in 4 different strengths. You can buy lower-strength tablets from pharmacies. Higher-strength tablets are only available on prescription.
Co-dydramol usually comes as tablets.
Key facts
- Co-dydramol takes up to 1 hour to work and keeps working for about 5 hours.
- The most common side effects of co-dydramol are constipation and feeling sick or sleepy.
- If you've bought co-dydramol from a pharmacy, do not use it for more than 3 days without talking to your doctor.
- It's possible to become addicted to the dihydrocodeine in co-dydramol, but your doctor will explain how to reduce the risks of becoming addicted.
- If you need to take co-dydramol for more than a few weeks, your treatment plan may include details of how and when to stop taking this medicine.