Co-Efferalgan is a combination medicine containing paracetamol (acetaminophen) and codeine, used for short-term relief of moderate acute pain in patients older than about 12 years when pain is not adequately managed by non-opioid analgesics alone. It is typically prescribed for short durations due to the inclusion of codeine, an opioid, which carries risks of sedation, dependence, and respiratory effects. Key points to know
- Indications: Short-term treatment of moderate acute pain that does not respond to non-opioid analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone, in patients aged 12 years and older (weight-based guidelines may apply for some formulations) [web results indicate age threshold and purpose].
- Dosing: Usually 1–2 tablets per dose, 1–3 times daily, with at least 6-hour intervals between doses; total daily dose and maximum duration are constrained to minimize risks of opioid-related adverse effects and dependence. Consult the specific product leaflet for exact dosing and maximum daily limits.
- Important cautions:
- Do not use if under 12 years old or if you have conditions that increase risk with codeine (e.g., certain respiratory issues or enzyme variants that affect codeine metabolism).
* Use with caution in people with asthma, chronic lung disease, or obese sleep apnea, as codeine can worsen respiratory status.
* Not recommended for prolonged use or beyond a few days without medical supervision due to risk of addiction and withdrawal symptoms after stopping (codeine dependency potential).
* Avoid use during pregnancy unless explicitly advised by a clinician; prompt discussions with a healthcare professional are recommended if pregnancy is possible. Breastfeeding is generally cautioned against because codeine and its metabolites can pass into breast milk.
- Common side effects: Nausea, drowsiness, constipation, dizziness, and in some cases respiratory depression or allergic reactions; constipation and nausea are among the more frequent issues. Monitor for signs of excessive sedation, slowed breathing, confusion, or rash.
- Interactions: May interact with alcohol, other central nervous system depressants, and certain enzyme inhibitors or inducers that affect codeine metabolism; discuss all current medications with a prescriber.
- Alternatives: Paracetamol alone (or ibuprofen) can often control mild to moderate pain with fewer opioid-related risks; non-opioid options may be preferable when appropriate. For pain that persists or worsens, a clinician may adjust therapy or consider non-opioid alternatives or different opioid-containing formulations under supervision.
Practical considerations
- Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration; if pain persists for more than a few days or if fever accompanies the pain, seek medical advice.
- If any signs of an adverse reaction occur (e.g., severe rash, breathing difficulties, severe dizziness, fainting), discontinue and seek urgent medical attention.
- Keep out of reach of children and store at room temperature, following the label instructions.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific country’s product labeling or provide a side-by-side dosing comparison with a non-codeine paracetamol product.
