Co-dydramol (BAN) is a non-proprietary name used to denote a particular compound analgesic, a combination of dihydrocodeine tartrate and paracetamol. Co-dydramol tablets are used for the relief of moderate pain. Co-dydramol is part of a series of combination drugs available in the UK and other countries including co-codaprin (aspirin and codeine).
All formulations of co-dydramol contain 500 mg of paracetamol per tablet and may only be sold at a pharmacy as an over-the-counter item without prescription (a P medicine) if containing less than 7.5 mg of dihydrocodeine per tablet. Higher strengths are prescription only medicines. There are no GSL formulations of co-dydramol, as it is a Schedule 5 controlled drug. Four strengths of dihydrocodeine tartrate in each tablet are available:
7.46 mg dihydrocodeine as co-dydramol 7.46/500 (e.g. in the branded product Paramol).
10 mg dihydrocodeine as co-dydramol 10/500, this is also the preparation to be dispensed if no strength is specified on a prescription.
20 mg dihydrocodeine as co-dydramol 20/500 (e.g. branded products Paracod 500/20 and Remedeine).
30 mg dihydrocodeine as co-dydramol 30/500 (e.g. branded products Paracod 500/30 and Remedeine Forte).
Dihydrocodeine is metabolised by the CYP450 system isoenzyme 2D6 to dihydromorphine, which mediates the majority of its analgesic effects. Owing to the low oral bioavailibility of dihydrocodeine (20%), and its subsequent metabolism to active compounds, it is likely that doses below 30mg are sub therapeutic for analgesia.
Allergic reactions - skin rash or itchy skin, difficulty breathing, increased sweating, redness or flushed face, mucosal lesions (such as mouth ulcers), drug fever.
Abdominal pain - may be caused by spasm of the bile ducts and inflammation of the liver or pancreas.
Gastrointestinal system - stomach irritation (mild stomach pain, heartburn and feeling sick), constipation, feeling or being sick, loss of appetite, dry mouth, difficulty in passage of food through the gut.
Blood - anaemia, changes in numbers and types of blood cells, nose bleeds, increased risk of infection, bruising.
Urinary system - pain or difficulty in passing urine.
Nervous system - confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, 'spinning' sensation, mood changes, depression, hallucinations, restlessness, excitation, fits, increased pressure in the skull (painful eyes, changes in vision), headache, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, reduced alertness. Tolerance or dependence.
Eyes - blurred or double vision, extremely small pupils.
Other - trembling, unusual tiredness or weakness, malaise, low body temperature, breathing difficulties, muscle stiffness, changes in sex drive
