Codalgin Forte (Paracetamol And Codeine Phosphate Hemihydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Codalgin Forte Used For?
Codalgin Forte is a prescription pain medication that combines two active ingredients to provide relief from severe pain when other treatments haven’t been effective.
Primary Uses
Codalgin Forte is used for the short-term management of severe pain when all other pain management options have not worked, are contraindicated, not tolerated, or are otherwise inappropriate to provide sufficient management of pain.
How It Works
Paracetamol and codeine phosphate hemihydrate work together to stop the pain messages from getting through to the brain.
Limitations of Use: You should only take Codalgin Forte when your doctor decides that other treatment options are not able to effectively manage your pain, or you cannot tolerate them.
How to Take Codalgin Forte
Take Codalgin Forte exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets with water and follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Dosage Instructions
Adults: 1 or 2 tablets for severe pain. This dosage may be repeated in 4-6 hours if necessary. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take more than the recommended dose as this may cause liver damage.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed as this may increase the chance of unwanted side effects.
Important: Never take more than the recommended dose unless your doctor tells you to. Taking more than recommended can cause liver damage.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts
- Skin rash, itching or hives
- Bleeding or bruising more easily
- Blurred vision
- Unusual mood swings
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Fast heartbeat
- Mouth ulcers, fever and sore throat
- Hepatitis symptoms (loss of appetite, yellowing of skin/eyes, light colored bowel motions, dark urine)
- Severe skin reactions with blisters and peeling
- Problems passing urine
- Dark colored urine
Important Warnings
Codalgin Forte carries serious risks including addiction, dependence, and life-threatening breathing problems. It’s crucial to understand these warnings before taking this medication.
Who Should Not Take Codalgin Forte
Do not take if you: are allergic to paracetamol or codeine; have acute breathing difficulties such as bronchitis, unstable asthma or emphysema; have Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency; are a CYP 2D6 ultra-rapid metaboliser; have diarrhea caused by antibiotics or poisoning; have liver failure; have a history of drug dependence including alcohol dependence; have experienced systemic allergy to morphine or oxycodone; are under 18 years and have had tonsils or adenoids removed to treat sleep apnea; are in the third trimester of pregnancy; are in labor especially if baby is premature; are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: lung, heart, liver or kidney problems; pancreas problems; low blood pressure; breathing difficulties, asthma, or chronic breathing conditions; sleep problems such as sleep apnea; history of drug or alcohol dependence; liver conditions like Gilbert’s syndrome; gall bladder problems; multiple sclerosis; recent surgery; bowel problems; prostate problems; thyroid or adrenal gland problems; seizures; head injury; brain tumors.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Codalgin Forte during the third trimester of pregnancy or during labor, especially if the baby is premature. Codalgin Forte can cause breathing problems and withdrawal effects in newborn babies. Do not take if you are breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk and may affect the baby.
Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression: Codalgin Forte can cause life-threatening or fatal breathing problems even when taken as recommended. The risk is higher when first starting or after dose increases, in older patients, or those with existing lung problems.
Addiction and Dependence: Codalgin Forte poses risks of abuse, misuse and addiction which can lead to overdose and death. You can become addicted even if you take it exactly as prescribed.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact with Codalgin Forte and affect how it works or increase the risk of serious side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
Dangerous Combinations: Taking Codalgin Forte with other medicines that cause drowsiness (sleeping tablets, benzodiazepines, antihistamines, antidepressants, cannabis, alcohol) may result in severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma and death.
- Medicines causing sleepiness or drowsiness
- Tranquillizers and benzodiazepines
- Gabapentin and pregabalin
- Medicines for alcohol/opioid dependence (naltrexone, buprenorphine, methadone)
- Medicines containing alcohol
- Cough suppressants
- Antihistamines
- Antidepressants and medicines for mental illness
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Salicylates and NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen)
- Blood thinning medicines
- Epilepsy medicines
- Other pain relief medications
- Blood pressure medicines
- Muscle relaxants
- Medicines for diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Propantheline
- Cholestyramine
- Chloramphenicol
- Flucloxacillin, zidovudine, rifampicin
Alcohol & Driving
Codalgin Forte can significantly impair your ability to drive safely and interact dangerously with alcohol.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking Codalgin Forte. Drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of becoming drowsy and can lead to dangerous interactions including severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma and death.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Codalgin Forte affects you. It may cause dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness and vision problems, especially after the first dose. Children should not ride bikes if affected and should be supervised to avoid potential harm.
Storage
Store Codalgin Forte below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep in a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above the ground where children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you or someone else takes too much Codalgin Forte, immediately call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Overdose symptoms include slow, unusual or difficult breathing; drowsiness, dizziness or unconsciousness; slow or weak heartbeat; nausea or vomiting; convulsions or fits; and mental impairment. Keep the person awake by talking to them or gently shaking them. You can also phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Take this leaflet and remaining medicine with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication can be taken every 4-6 hours as needed for severe pain, suggesting it begins working within this timeframe. However, the exact onset time is not specified in the prescribing information.
The medication should be swallowed with water. No specific instructions about taking with or without food are provided in the prescribing information.
Yes, Codalgin Forte poses risks of abuse, misuse and addiction which can lead to overdose and death. You can become addicted even if you take it exactly as prescribed. It may become habit forming causing mental and physical dependence.
If you stop taking Codalgin Forte suddenly, your pain may worsen and you may experience withdrawal symptoms including nervousness, restlessness, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, increased heart rate, watery eyes, runny nose, chills, and increased sweating.
No, do not drink alcohol while taking Codalgin Forte. Drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of becoming drowsy and can result in severe drowsiness, decreased awareness, breathing problems, coma and death.
The risk of life-threatening breathing problems is higher in older patients. Your doctor will monitor you and adjust the dose as appropriate if you are elderly.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose as this may increase the chance of unwanted side effects.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.