caffeine + codeine + doxylamine succinate + paracetamol at a glance
Medicine class
Combination analgesic containing an opioid, a sedating antihistamine and caffeine.
Drowsiness
Codeine and doxylamine can impair alertness, coordination and driving.
Age restriction
Not for children under 12; further restrictions apply after tonsil or adenoid surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea.
What is caffeine + codeine + doxylamine succinate + paracetamol used for?
Licensed for acute moderate pain not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone.
Headache, tension headache and migraine
Neuralgia and toothache
Period pain
Muscular and rheumatic aches and pains
Pain following surgical or dental procedures
How does caffeine + codeine + doxylamine succinate + paracetamol work?
Paracetamol reduces pain signalling and fever. Codeine is converted by CYP2D6 to morphine, producing variable effects and toxicity. Doxylamine has sedating antihistamine and antimuscarinic effects. Caffeine is a mild stimulant but does not prevent sedation.
How to take caffeine + codeine + doxylamine succinate + paracetamol
Take by mouth. Do not combine it with another paracetamol- or codeine-containing product.
The scoreline may make swallowing easier but does not divide the tablet into equal portions.
Avoid alcohol because sedation and breathing suppression may increase.
Do not drive or operate machinery if drowsy, dizzy, confused or affected by blurred vision.
caffeine + codeine + doxylamine succinate + paracetamol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Drowsiness or impaired coordination
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Stomach or bowel disturbance
- Nausea or vomiting
Get urgent medical advice
- Slow or difficult breathing, profound drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling
- Severe or widespread skin reaction
- Convulsions, marked confusion or hallucinations
- Inability to pass urine or severe constipation with abdominal swelling
- Dependence, withdrawal symptoms or worsening medication-overuse headache
caffeine + codeine + doxylamine succinate + paracetamol in pregnancy
Avoid this combination during pregnancy where possible and seek medical or pharmacy advice. Codeine exposure can cause neonatal dependence, and use around labour can suppress newborn breathing.
caffeine + codeine + doxylamine succinate + paracetamol while breastfeeding
Do not use while breastfeeding. Codeine and morphine can enter breast milk and may cause dangerous sedation and breathing suppression in the infant.
caffeine + codeine + doxylamine succinate + paracetamol interactions
Check prescription, pharmacy and complementary products before use, particularly painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants.
Other paracetamol- or codeine-containing products
Increased risk of paracetamol overdose or opioid toxicity.
Alcohol, benzodiazepines and other sedatives
Can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Use during treatment or the specified washout period is contraindicated because severe reactions may occur.
Common questions about caffeine + codeine + doxylamine succinate + paracetamol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is this combination used for?
Acute moderate pain that has not responded adequately to paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone.
Can it make me sleepy?
Yes. Codeine and doxylamine can cause drowsiness and impaired coordination.
Can it cause addiction?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.