How does it work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients, paracetamol and dihydrocodeine tartrate. Paracetamol is a medicine used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. It is also useful for reducing fever. It is not fully understood how paracetamol produces these effects. It does not reduce swelling (inflammation) as well as some other pain relievers (such as aspirin or ibuprofen), but has fewer side effects than these medicines. Dihydrocodeine tartrate belongs to a group of medicines called opioids. Opioids mimic the effects of naturally occurring pain reducing chemicals (endorphins) that are found in the brain and spinal cord. They act on the opioid receptors in the brain and block the transmission of pain signals. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, the perception of the pain is changed. This medicine is used to relieve a wide variety of painful conditions such as back pain, strains, sprains, severe headaches, period pain sinus pain and nerve pain.

What is it used for?

Mild to moderate pain

Warning!

If symptoms persist despite treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

In cases of overdose, seek immediate advice from a doctor.

Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage that can occur if an overdose of paracetamol is taken. The hazards of paracetamol overdose are greater in persistant heavy drinkers and in people with alcoholic liver disease.

Use with caution in

Alcoholic liver disease

Breathing problems

Chronic liver disease

Elderly people

History of obstructive airways disease

Hypothyroidism

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function

Sudden asthma attack

Not to be used in

Children under 12 years of age

Head injury

Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy, as it may affect the growth and development of the foetus or have harmful effects on foetal tissues. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during any stage of pregnancy.

This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. The effect of this on the breastfed baby is unknown, therefore this medicine should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers. Discuss with your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not take more than 2 at any one time. Do not take more than 8 in 24 hours.

Do not take this medication with any other products containing paracetamol.

Take this medication with or after food.

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