What Are the Active Ingredients in Paramol Tablets?
Each Paramol tablet contains:
- 500mg of paracetamol
- 7.46mg of dihydrocodeine tartrate
What Is Paramol Used For?
Paramol is a painkiller meant for short-term use (up to 3 days) to manage moderate pain when paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin are not enough.
Paramol is effective for pain relief related to:
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Period pain
- Toothaches
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Nerve pain
Dosage Instructions for Paramol Tablets
Adults and Adolescents (16 years and over):
- Take one or two tablets every 4 to 6 hours.
- Do not exceed 8 tablets in a 24-hour period.
Adolescents (12–15 years old):
- Take one tablet every 4 to 6 hours.
- Do not exceed 4 tablets in a 24-hour period.
Children under 12 years:
- Not suitable for children under 12 years old.
Special Considerations:
- It’s best to take Paramol tablets with or after meals.
- Elderly patients should be cautious when adjusting the dose.
- If symptoms continue or worsen, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not use this medicine for more than 3 consecutive days without consulting a doctor. If longer use is needed, speak with your healthcare provider.
- Paramol contains dihydrocodeine, which can lead to addiction if used continuously for over three days. Stopping the medication suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you think you are experiencing withdrawal.
Overdose Instructions:
- If you take too many tablets, seek immediate medical advice, even if you feel fine, as there may be a delayed risk of severe liver damage.
Who Should Not Take Paramol?
Paramol contains dihydrocodeine, which can lead to addiction if used for more than three days. Prolonged use can also cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped suddenly.
Using a painkiller for headaches for longer than three days can actually worsen the condition.
Do not take Paramol if you:
- Are allergic to paracetamol, dihydrocodeine, or any of the other ingredients in the product (check section 6 for a full list).
- Have diarrhea caused by poisoning or severe watery diarrhea, particularly if accompanied by blood or if you've been on antibiotics (pseudomembranous colitis).
- Have an alcohol dependence.
- Have increased pressure inside the head, suffer from seizures, or have acute abdominal conditions.
- Are taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken them in the last 14 days.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have breathing difficulties.
- Suffer from delayed stomach emptying or reduced bowel movement.
- Are under 18 and have had tonsil or adenoid removal for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome.
- Rapidly metabolize codeine into morphine.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Paramol if you:
- Have any allergies.
- Have asthma (do not take during an asthma attack).
- Have liver or kidney issues.
- Have an underactive thyroid.
- Experience low blood pressure or adrenal problems.
- Have an enlarged prostate, bowel issues, recent surgery, gallstones, or difficulty urinating.
- Have myasthenia gravis, a history of irregular heartbeats, or seizures.
- Have a history of drug use or mood changes.
- Are elderly.
- Are considering giving this medicine to a child with any breathing problems.
Drug Interactions:
Be cautious if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., Pethidine), warfarin (blood thinners), or medications like domperidone or metoclopramide (for nausea).
- Hydroxyzine (for anxiety), central nervous system depressants, alcohol, anesthetics, or sedatives.
- Phenothiazines (antipsychotics), diuretics, and high blood pressure medications.
- Loperamide or kaolin (for diarrhea).
- Antimuscarinic drugs (e.g., atropine) or neuromuscular blockers (e.g., tracrium).
- Quinidine (for malaria), mexiletine (for high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat), cisapride, or cimetidine (for reflux).
- Naloxone (opioid addiction treatment) or naltrexone (used for alcohol addiction).
- Benzodiazepines or related sedative medications.
- Flucloxacillin (antibiotic), especially in cases of severe kidney impairment, sepsis, malnutrition, or chronic alcoholism, which can lead to a serious metabolic acidosis.
Special Considerations:
- If you take a painkiller for headaches for over three days, it could make your headaches worse.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
- Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Driving and Operating Machinery:
- Paramol may cause drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, or even hallucinations. It can impair your ability to drive or use machinery.
- Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Driving under the influence of this medication can be an offense. However, it’s not considered an offense if:
- The medicine was taken for a medical or dental issue.
- You’ve followed the usage instructions.
- It does not impair your ability to drive safely.
For more details on UK drug driving laws, refer to the UK Drug Driving Law.
Paramol FAQs
What is Paramol?
Paramol is a pain relief medication that contains a combination of paracetamol and dihydrocodeine. It is designed for short-term relief of moderate pain when other painkillers like paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin are not enough.
What conditions can Paramol treat?
Paramol can help with moderate pain from a variety of conditions, including:
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Period pain
- Dental pain
- Back pain
- Muscular pain
- Joint pain
- Nerve pain
How should I take Paramol?
- Adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older: Take 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours.
- Adolescents aged 12-15: Take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 4 tablets in 24 hours.
- Not suitable for children under 12 years.
Can I take Paramol if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, Paramol is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for alternative pain relief options.
What are the possible side effects of Paramol?
Common side effects include:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
Serious side effects may include:
- Allergic reactions
- Breathing problems
- Dizziness
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
If you experience any severe side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
Can I drive or operate machinery while taking Paramol?
Paramol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. It is not recommended to drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Can Paramol cause addiction?
Yes, Paramol contains dihydrocodeine, which is an opioid and can be addictive if used for longer than recommended. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and avoid using it for more than 3 days.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Paramol?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Do not double the dose.
What should I do if I take too much Paramol?
If you overdose on Paramol, seek medical help immediately, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Excessive paracetamol intake can cause serious liver and kidney damage.
Can I take Paramol with other medications?
Always inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications, especially:
- MAOIs (e.g., Pethidine)
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
- Anti-nausea medicines (e.g., domperidone)
- Antidepressants
- Sedatives
Some medications can interact with Paramol and increase side effects.
Can I take Paramol with Ibuprofen?
Yes, it is safe to take Paramol with Ibuprofen or Aspirin. However, do not take Paramol with other paracetamol-containing products to avoid exceeding the recommended dose.
Can I take Paramol with Amoxicillin?
Yes, it is safe to take Paramol with amoxicillin. However, avoid combining it with other medications unless advised by your doctor.
What should I do if I overdose on Paramol?
If you think you have taken too much Paramol, stop taking it and seek medical advice immediately. Overdose symptoms may include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Unconsciousness
Can I drink alcohol while taking Paramol?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Paramol, as alcohol can increase drowsiness and the risk of serious side effects.
How long can I take Paramol?
Paramol should only be used for up to 3 days. If your pain continues after this period, consult your doctor or pharmacist for alternative treatment options.
For more information or to purchase Paramol, visit courierpharmacy.co.uk after completing the online consultation form.