Panadeine Forte (Paracetamol And Codeine Phosphate Hemihydrate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Panadeine Forte Used For?
Panadeine Forte is a strong pain medication that combines two active ingredients to provide effective relief for severe pain conditions.
Primary Uses
Panadeine Forte is used to relieve severe pain for which other treatment options have failed, are contraindicated, not tolerated or are otherwise inappropriate to provide sufficient management of pain.
How It Works
Paracetamol and codeine work together to stop the pain messages from getting through to the brain, providing effective pain relief.
Limitations of use: Panadeine Forte should only be used when your doctor decides that other treatment options are not able to effectively manage your pain or you cannot tolerate them.
How to Take Panadeine Forte
Take Panadeine Forte exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets with water and follow the dosing schedule 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 and never double dose if you miss one – this can be dangerous and 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:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Sweating
- Weakness
- Low blood pressure
- Sleep problems
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue or body
- Skin rash, itching or hives
- Fast heartbeat
- Severe skin blistering and bleeding
- Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Mouth ulcers with fever
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Confusion or seizures
- Problems passing urine
- Blurred vision
- Signs of liver problems
Important Warnings
Panadeine Forte carries serious risks and is not suitable for everyone. Read all warnings carefully before taking this medication.
Who Should Not Take Panadeine Forte
Do not use if you: are allergic to paracetamol or codeine; have acute breathing difficulties; have liver failure; have a history of drug or alcohol dependence; are under 18 and have had tonsils/adenoids removed for sleep apnoea; are breastfeeding; have diarrhoea caused by antibiotics; are a CYP 2D6 ultra-rapid metaboliser; have Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: lung, heart, liver or kidney problems; breathing conditions like asthma; sleep apnoea; low blood pressure; pancreas problems; history of substance dependence; Gilbert’s syndrome; gall bladder problems; multiple sclerosis; bowel problems; prostate problems; thyroid or adrenal gland problems; seizures; head injury; brain tumours.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take during the third trimester of pregnancy or during labour, especially if the baby is premature. Do not take if breastfeeding as the medicine passes into breast milk and may affect the baby. This medicine can cause breathing problems and withdrawal effects in newborn babies.
Life-threatening risks: Panadeine Forte can cause life-threatening breathing problems, poses risks of addiction and abuse, and can lead to overdose and death. Your doctor will monitor you regularly during treatment.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact dangerously with Panadeine Forte, especially those that cause drowsiness. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Dangerous combinations: Using Panadeine Forte with other drowsiness-causing medicines, cannabis, or alcohol may result in severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma and death.
- Sleeping tablets and benzodiazepines
- Other pain relievers
- Antihistamines
- Antidepressants and antipsychotics
- Gabapentin and pregabalin
- Alcohol-containing medicines
- Cough suppressants
- Medicines for alcohol/opioid dependence
- Blood thinning medicines
- Epilepsy medicines
- Blood pressure medicines
- Muscle relaxants
- Anti-nausea medicines
- Antibiotics like chloramphenicol and flucloxacillin
Alcohol & Driving
Panadeine Forte significantly impairs your ability to drive safely and must never be combined with alcohol.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking Panadeine Forte. Drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of becoming drowsy and can lead to dangerous breathing problems, coma, and death.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Panadeine Forte affects you. This medicine 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.
Storage
Store Panadeine Forte below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep in a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground, away from children. Do not store in bathrooms, cars, or on window sills.
Overdose Information
Panadeine Forte overdose is a medical emergency. If you or someone else takes too much and experiences slow/unusual breathing, drowsiness, unconsciousness, slow heartbeat, nausea, convulsions, or mental impairment, immediately call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Keep the person awake by talking to them. You can also call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Take this leaflet and remaining medicine with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can become addicted to Panadeine Forte even if you take it exactly as prescribed. It may become habit forming causing mental and physical dependence, and poses risks of abuse and misuse.
No, you must not drink alcohol while taking Panadeine Forte. Combining them increases drowsiness and can lead to dangerous breathing problems, coma, and death.
If you stop suddenly, your pain may worsen and you may experience withdrawal symptoms including nervousness, body aches, loss of appetite, increased heart rate, watery eyes, runny nose, chills, and increased sweating.
The medication guide doesn’t specify food requirements. Swallow the tablets with water as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about taking it with food.
The medication guide doesn’t specify onset time. The dosage can be repeated every 4-6 hours if necessary, suggesting effects may last several hours. Consult your healthcare provider for specific timing information.
The risk of life-threatening breathing problems is higher if you are older or have existing lung problems. Your doctor will monitor you and adjust the dose as appropriate for your age and health conditions.
Talk to your doctor about pain control if the medicine is not helping. Do not take more than the recommended dose without first talking to your doctor, as this can cause liver damage.
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.