What is Solpadeine Max and when is it used?
Solpadeine Max is a combination painkiller containing paracetamol and codeine. Paracetamol helps reduce pain, while codeine is an opioid painkiller that changes how the body responds to pain signals.
It can be used for short-term relief of acute moderate pain, including migraine, headache, dental pain, period pain, backache, muscular pain, strains and sprains, when painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone have not provided enough relief. If pain is severe, keeps returning or has not improved after 3 days, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
How to buy Solpadeine Max tablets online
Solpadeine Max is a Pharmacy-only medicine. When you order from Hightown Pharmacy, you will complete a short online assessment for a pharmacist to review. If the medicine is suitable, your order can be supplied and dispatched using your selected delivery method. If it is not suitable, the pharmacy team will explain the next steps.
How to take Solpadeine Max tablets
Swallow the tablets with water and leave at least 6 hours between doses.
- Ages 12 to 15: one tablet when required, up to a maximum of four tablets in 24 hours.
- Ages 16 and over: one or two tablets when required, up to a maximum of eight tablets in 24 hours.
Do not give Solpadeine Max to a child under 12. Do not take more than the recommended dose or use it for longer than 3 days. Always follow the label and the patient leaflet supplied with the medicine.
Who can take Solpadeine Max?
Solpadeine Max is intended for short-term relief of acute moderate pain in people aged 12 and over when paracetamol or ibuprofen alone has not worked. It is not suitable for everyone.
Do not take it if
- You are under 12 years old.
- You are allergic to paracetamol, codeine or another ingredient.
- You are already taking another paracetamol- or codeine-containing medicine.
Ask a pharmacist or doctor first if
- You have liver or kidney problems.
- You have breathing difficulties, a head injury, seizures or bowel problems.
- You have a history of alcohol or medicine dependence, or use medicines that may cause drowsiness or interact with codeine.
Seek urgent medical help if you develop slow or shallow breathing, severe drowsiness, confusion, a serious allergic reaction or another severe symptom.
Do not take it if you are known to convert codeine into morphine very rapidly, or for pain after tonsil or adenoid removal for obstructive sleep apnoea in anyone under 18. Do not take it with another paracetamol- or codeine-containing medicine. The current leaflet also says not to use it in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, with respiratory depression or chronic constipation. Ask a pharmacist to check any other conditions and medicines.
Can you take Solpadeine Max during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Do not take Solpadeine Max if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Codeine can affect the baby and prolonged use can lead to dependence and withdrawal after birth. Ask a doctor about a suitable alternative if paracetamol alone is not enough.
Do not take Solpadeine Max while breastfeeding. Small amounts of codeine can pass into breast milk and may cause serious breathing problems in a baby. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about a more suitable painkiller.
Side effects and alcohol
Common side effects can include constipation, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and headache. Stop taking the medicine and seek advice if side effects are troublesome or do not settle.
Avoid alcohol while taking Solpadeine Max because it can increase drowsiness and the risk of serious side effects.
Can you drive after taking Solpadeine Max?
Codeine can make you sleepy, dizzy, clumsy, less alert or unable to concentrate. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you are affected. This can happen when you first take the medicine or after starting another medicine.
It is an offence to drive if a medicine impairs your ability to drive safely. If you are unsure whether you are safe to drive, do not drive and ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Codeine dependence and medication-overuse headache
Codeine can cause tolerance, dependence and addiction. Keep treatment as short as possible and do not use Solpadeine Max for longer than 3 days. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you feel you need to continue, need to take more than recommended, or feel unwell when you stop taking it.
Taking painkillers for headaches too often or for too long can make headaches worse. Seek medical advice if headaches become more frequent or persistent.
Taking Solpadeine Max with other medicines
Do not take Solpadeine Max with any other medicine containing paracetamol or codeine. Check cold and flu remedies carefully because many contain paracetamol.
Tell the pharmacist about all medicines, supplements and herbal remedies you use. This is especially important for sleeping tablets or sedatives, antidepressants, anti-sickness medicines, epilepsy treatments, blood thinners and other painkillers. Ibuprofen may sometimes be taken alongside co-codamol, but it is not suitable for everyone, so ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.
What to do if you take too much
Get medical advice immediately if you take more than the recommended dose, even if you feel well. Too much paracetamol can cause serious, delayed liver damage. Contact NHS 111 or a doctor straight away. Call 999 if someone has severe breathing difficulty, cannot be woken or has another life-threatening symptom.
Ingredients and storage
Each tablet contains paracetamol 500mg and codeine phosphate hemihydrate 12.8mg. The tablets also contain inactive ingredients; check the patient leaflet if you have an allergy or intolerance.
Keep the tablets in their original packaging, below 25°C, out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use them after the expiry date. Return unwanted or expired medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Solpadeine Max vs Plus: how does the Solpadeine range compare?
The main differences are the amount of codeine, whether the product contains caffeine and whether it is swallowed or dissolved in water. The amounts below are per tablet.
| Product | Paracetamol | Codeine | Caffeine | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solpadeine Max tablets | 500mg | 12.8mg | None | Swallow with water |
| Solpadeine Plus Soluble | 500mg | 8mg | 30mg | Dissolve in water |
| Solpadeine Max Soluble | 500mg | 12.8mg | 30mg | Dissolve in water |
| Solpadeine Headache Soluble | 500mg | None | 65mg | Dissolve in water |
Max contains more codeine per tablet than Plus. The soluble Max and Plus products also contain caffeine, while regular Max tablets do not. Solpadeine Headache contains caffeine but no codeine.
All four products contain paracetamol, so they must not be combined with one another or another paracetamol-containing medicine. Other options may include paracetamol, ibuprofen, co-codamol tablets, soluble co-codamol or Paramol. Ask a pharmacist which option is most suitable for you.
Sources and further information
This page is based on current NHS, MHRA and manufacturer information. Always read the patient leaflet supplied with your medicine.
- Solpadeine Max tablets: patient leaflet
- NHS: About co-codamol for adults
- NHS: How and when to take co-codamol
- NHS: Co-codamol in pregnancy and breastfeeding
- NHS: Co-codamol and driving
- GOV.UK: Drugs and driving law
- MHRA: Safety advice for painkillers containing codeine
- Solpadeine: Max manufacturer information
- Solpadeine: Plus manufacturer information
- Solpadeine: Headache manufacturer information
Solpadeine Max FAQs
How many Solpadeine Max tablets can I take in one day?
People aged 16 and over must not take more than eight tablets in 24 hours. Those aged 12 to 15 must not take more than four tablets in 24 hours. Leave at least 6 hours between doses and follow the label.
How long can I take Solpadeine Max for?
Use Solpadeine Max for no longer than 3 days. If pain has not improved, speak to a doctor or pharmacist rather than continuing treatment.
How long does Solpadeine Max take to work?
Co-codamol usually takes up to 1 hour to work. Do not take another dose early if relief is not immediate.
Can I take Solpadeine Max with paracetamol?
No. Solpadeine Max already contains paracetamol. Taking another paracetamol-containing medicine at the same time could cause an overdose.
Can I take Solpadeine Max with ibuprofen?
Co-codamol and ibuprofen can sometimes be taken together, but ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone. Check with a pharmacist if you have a stomach ulcer, asthma, kidney or heart problems, take blood thinners, or are unsure.
What is the difference between Solpadeine Max tablets and soluble tablets?
Both contain paracetamol 500mg and codeine 12.8mg per tablet. Solpadeine Max soluble tablets also contain caffeine 30mg and must be dissolved in water; regular Solpadeine Max tablets do not contain caffeine and are swallowed with water. Do not combine the two formulations.
Can I drive after taking Solpadeine Max?
Codeine may cause sleepiness, dizziness or reduced alertness. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you are affected. It is an offence to drive if this medicine impairs your ability to drive.
Can Solpadeine Max be addictive?
Yes. Codeine can cause tolerance, dependence and addiction. Use Solpadeine Max for no longer than 3 days. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you feel you need to continue taking it, need more than the recommended dose or feel unwell when you stop.
Can Solpadeine Max be used for migraine?
It can be used for short-term relief of acute moderate migraine pain when paracetamol or ibuprofen alone has not worked, if it is suitable for you. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about frequent or recurring headaches because using painkillers too often can make headaches worse.
