dihydrocodeine tartrate + paracetamol at a glance
Medicine class
Combination analgesic containing paracetamol and an opioid.
Main role
Acute moderate pain not adequately relieved by suitable non-opioid painkillers alone.
Paracetamol safety
Do not combine with another paracetamol-containing product.
Driving
It may cause sleepiness, dizziness or impaired thinking; do not drive if affected.
What is dihydrocodeine tartrate + paracetamol used for?
The selected Paramol tablets are licensed for acute moderate pain not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone, and may also reduce fever.
Headache and migraine
Period pain
Toothache and other dental pain
Back pain
Muscular and joint pain
Neuralgia
How does dihydrocodeine tartrate + paracetamol work?
Dihydrocodeine activates opioid pathways in the brain and spinal cord, reducing pain signals and their perception. Paracetamol acts mainly within the central nervous system to reduce pain and fever, although its precise analgesic mechanism is not fully established.
How to take dihydrocodeine tartrate + paracetamol
Follow the instructions for the exact product supplied. Take the tablets by mouth with water; selected Paramol tablets should preferably be taken during or after food. Check other products for paracetamol and do not take another paracetamol-containing product at the same time.
Food may help if nausea occurs.
Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery when sleepy, dizzy or unable to concentrate.
Do not share opioid-containing tablets.
dihydrocodeine tartrate + paracetamol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Constipation
- Feeling or being sick
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
Get urgent medical advice
- Slow, shallow or difficult breathing, marked confusion or inability to wake
- Swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, or other signs of anaphylaxis
- A blistering, peeling or otherwise severe skin reaction
- Difficulty passing urine or significant visual changes
- Suspected overdose, even without symptoms
dihydrocodeine tartrate + paracetamol in pregnancy
The selected Paramol product is contraindicated throughout pregnancy because opioid exposure can cause neonatal respiratory depression. Some other co-dydramol products may occasionally be considered, so clinicians should verify the exact preparation and assess maternal and fetal risks.
dihydrocodeine tartrate + paracetamol while breastfeeding
The selected Paramol product is contraindicated during breastfeeding. Separate UK specialist guidance considers dihydrocodeine potentially usable in selected situations with caution and infant monitoring for unusual sleepiness, breathing difficulty or poor feeding. This requires individual assessment.
dihydrocodeine tartrate + paracetamol interactions
Check prescribed, pharmacy and recreational substances because opioid sedation and total paracetamol exposure are clinically important.
Other paracetamol-containing products
Combining products can cause unintended overdose and serious liver injury.
Benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets, sedatives and other opioids
Additive central nervous system depression can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death.
Alcohol
Alcohol can increase sleepiness and respiratory impairment and may increase paracetamol-related liver risk.
Common questions about dihydrocodeine tartrate + paracetamol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this the same as co-dydramol?
Yes. Co-dydramol is the usual name for tablets combining dihydrocodeine with paracetamol, although products contain different amounts of dihydrocodeine.
Does it already contain paracetamol?
Yes. Taking another paracetamol-containing product at the same time can cause accidental overdose and liver injury.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.