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Solpadeine Plus (Codeine/Paracetamol) - 24 Tablets

Solpadeine Plus (Codeine/Paracetamol) - 24 Tablets

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  • ✔️ Combines paracetamol and codeine for moderate pain relief
  • ✔️ Targets headache, dental pain, and muscular aches effectively
  • ✔️ Dual-action formula works on central and peripheral pain pathways
  • ✔️ Suitable for adults aged 18 and over needing stronger OTC analgesia
  • ✔️ Convenient 24-tablet pack for short-term pain management at home

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What Is Solpadeine Plus Codeine Paracetamol?

 

When everyday pain gets in the way of normal life, you need something that actually works. Solpadeine Plus codeine paracetamol is a well-established, over-the-counter combination analgesic containing two active ingredients — paracetamol 500 mg and codeine phosphate 8 mg per tablet — designed to tackle moderate pain that paracetamol alone hasn't shifted. It's one of the most recognised pain relief options available without a prescription in the UK, and you can browse our full pain relief collection if you'd like to compare it with other options before buying.

Each pack contains 24 tablets, making it a practical choice to keep at home for those unpredictable moments — a sudden headache, a flare of dental pain, or muscular aches after a long day. It is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK, meaning it can be sold without a prescription but only through a registered pharmacy, with appropriate checks in place.

 

How Does Solpadeine Plus Work to Relieve Pain?

 

The two active ingredients in Solpadeine Plus work through different but complementary pathways, which is why the combination tends to be more effective than either ingredient used alone.

  • Paracetamol (500 mg per tablet): Inhibits the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the sensation of pain and helping to lower fever. It is well tolerated at recommended doses and has a long safety record.
  • Codeine phosphate (8 mg per tablet): An opioid analgesic that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system. It is partially converted to morphine in the liver, which amplifies its pain-relieving effect. At the low doses found in OTC products, it adds meaningful relief on top of paracetamol.
  • Combined effect: The dual mechanism means the tablets address pain through both peripheral and central pathways simultaneously, making them suitable for moderate pain that hasn't responded to single-ingredient analgesics.

It's worth noting that codeine is a prodrug — its effectiveness depends on how efficiently your body converts it to morphine, which varies between individuals due to genetic differences in the CYP2D6 enzyme.

 

Who Is Solpadeine Plus Suitable For?

 

Solpadeine Plus is intended for adults and young people aged 18 and over who are experiencing moderate pain that has not responded adequately to paracetamol or ibuprofen alone. It is not a first-line choice — you should try a single-ingredient analgesic first where possible.

It may be appropriate for you if you experience:

  • Headaches or migraines (short-term use only)
  • Dental pain, including toothache or post-extraction discomfort
  • Muscular aches, back pain, or rheumatic pain
  • Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) that hasn't responded to ibuprofen
  • Cold and flu-related aches and pains

It is not suitable for children under 18, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding without medical advice, or those with known hypersensitivity to paracetamol or codeine. People with liver or kidney impairment, respiratory conditions, or a history of substance dependence should speak to their GP before use.

 

How Does Solpadeine Plus Compare to Paracetamol Alone?

 

Feature Solpadeine Plus (Codeine/Paracetamol) Paracetamol 500 mg (Single Ingredient)
Active ingredients Paracetamol 500 mg + Codeine 8 mg Paracetamol 500 mg only
Pain level targeted Moderate pain unresponsive to simple analgesics Mild to moderate pain
Risk of dependence Yes — codeine carries dependence risk with prolonged use No significant dependence risk
UK classification Pharmacy (P) medicine General Sale List (GSL)
Maximum duration (OTC) 3 days without medical review Up to 3 days for fever; longer for pain with caution

 

How Should You Store Solpadeine Plus and Is It Right for You?

 

Store Solpadeine Plus below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date printed on the packaging. If you are unsure whether this medicine is appropriate for your situation — for example, if you take other regular medicines or have a long-term health condition — it's always worth speaking to a pharmacist first. You can also explore our first aid collection for complementary products to keep in your home medicine cabinet.

Solpadeine plus codeine paracetamol should only be used for the shortest time necessary at the lowest effective dose. If your pain persists beyond three days, please seek medical advice rather than continuing to self-medicate.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

Solpadeine Plus (Codeine/Paracetamol) - 24 Tablets specifications
Treatment category Pain relief / Analgesia
Active ingredient Paracetamol 500 mg, Codeine Phosphate 8 mg per tablet
Mechanism of action Prostaglandin inhibition (paracetamol) + opioid receptor agonism (codeine)
Effective for Moderate pain including headache, dental pain, muscular aches, period pain
Suitable for Adults and young people aged 18 and over
Pack size 24 tablets
Strengths Paracetamol 500 mg / Codeine Phosphate 8 mg
UK classification Pharmacy (P) medicine
Drug class Opioid combination analgesic
Preparation Film-coated tablet
Route of administration Oral

Specifications of Solpadeine Plus (Codeine/Paracetamol) - 24 Tablets

 

What Is Solpadeine Plus and What Is It Used For?

 

Solpadeine Plus is a combination analgesic medicine containing paracetamol 500 mg and codeine phosphate 8 mg per tablet. It is used for the short-term relief of moderate pain in adults aged 18 and over — particularly when pain has not responded adequately to paracetamol or ibuprofen used alone. Typical uses include headache, dental pain, period pain, muscular aches, and cold or flu-related discomfort. It should only be used for up to three days at a time without seeking medical advice.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Solpadeine Plus?

 

Before taking Solpadeine Plus, it's important to check whether it is safe for you. Do not take this medicine if any of the following apply:

  • You are under 18 years of age
  • You are allergic to paracetamol, codeine, or any other ingredient in the tablets
  • You have severe liver or kidney disease
  • You have a respiratory condition such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • You are a known "ultra-rapid metaboliser" of codeine (a genetic variation that increases morphine conversion and risk of toxicity)
  • You are breastfeeding — codeine passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing infant
  • You have a history of alcohol dependence or substance misuse
  • You have a head injury or raised intracranial pressure

The following medicines may interact with Solpadeine Plus. Always tell your pharmacist or doctor what you are taking:

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — serious interaction risk; do not use within 14 days of stopping an MAOI
  • Other opioid analgesics or sedatives — increased risk of CNS depression and respiratory depression
  • Warfarin and other anticoagulants — regular paracetamol use may enhance anticoagulant effect
  • Other paracetamol-containing products — risk of accidental overdose; never combine
  • Metoclopramide or domperidone — may increase the rate of paracetamol absorption
  • Cholestyramine — may reduce paracetamol absorption if taken within one hour

 

How Should You Use Solpadeine Plus Correctly?

 

Always take Solpadeine Plus exactly as directed on the label or as advised by your pharmacist. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew them.

  1. Check you are not already taking any other paracetamol-containing product.
  2. Take 2 tablets with a full glass of water.
  3. Wait at least 4 hours before taking the next dose.
  4. Do not take more than 8 tablets (4 doses) in any 24-hour period.
  5. Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist.
  6. If pain persists or worsens, seek medical advice promptly.
Indication Age Group Dose Frequency
Moderate pain (headache, dental, muscular) Adults and young people 18+ 1–2 tablets Every 4–6 hours; max 8 tablets/24 hrs
Under 18 years Children and adolescents Not suitable Do not use

If you are managing pain alongside other conditions, you might also find it helpful to explore our cold and flu collection for complementary symptom relief products.

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Solpadeine Plus?

 

Like all medicines, Solpadeine Plus can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Knowing what to look out for helps you use this medicine safely.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Constipation
  • Nausea or stomach discomfort
  • Drowsiness or sedation
  • Dizziness or light-headedness

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • Vomiting
  • Headache (paradoxically, with overuse — known as medication-overuse headache)
  • Skin rash or itching
  • Mood changes or confusion
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Dependence or withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, severe skin reactions (blistering, peeling), swelling of the face or throat, or signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). Paracetamol overdose is a medical emergency — if you or someone else has taken too much, call 999 or go to A&E immediately, even if you feel well.

 

How Should You Store Solpadeine Plus?

 

  • Store below 25°C in a dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
  • Keep in the original packaging to protect from moisture.
  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton or blister strip.
  • Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused tablets to your pharmacy for safe disposal.

If you are looking for additional support products to manage pain or discomfort at home, our dental products collection includes options that may complement short-term analgesic use for toothache and oral pain.

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Our medical team rigorously evaluates every product and piece of advice we provide, ensuring you receive only the most effective, science-backed solutions available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Solpadeine Plus online in the UK?

You can buy Solpadeine Plus (codeine/paracetamol) 24 tablets directly from Cured Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered UK online pharmacy. It is available over the counter for adults aged 18 and over, and our pharmacists carry out appropriate safety checks before dispensing. Browse our full pain relief collection to compare it with other analgesic options available online.

How does Solpadeine Plus work in the body?

Solpadeine Plus contains two active ingredients that work through different mechanisms. Paracetamol reduces pain signals by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the brain and spinal cord, while codeine phosphate binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system to reduce the perception of pain. Together, they provide greater relief for moderate pain than either ingredient used alone.

How do I take Solpadeine Plus step by step?

Take 1 to 2 tablets with a full glass of water, and wait at least 4 hours before taking your next dose. Never take more than 8 tablets in any 24-hour period, and do not use for more than 3 consecutive days without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. Always check that you are not already taking another paracetamol-containing product before use.

What is the correct dose of Solpadeine Plus for adults?

The standard adult dose is 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours. You should use the lowest dose that controls your pain and for the shortest time necessary. If 2 tablets every 4 hours are not providing adequate relief after 3 days, you should seek medical advice rather than increasing the dose.

What is the best time to take Solpadeine Plus?

There is no single "best" time — you should take Solpadeine Plus when pain occurs, following the dosage instructions on the label. Taking it with or after food may help reduce the chance of nausea, particularly if your stomach is sensitive. Avoid taking it close to bedtime if you are concerned about drowsiness affecting your sleep quality or morning alertness.

What are the side effects of Solpadeine Plus and how do I manage them?

The most common side effects are constipation, nausea, and drowsiness. Constipation can often be managed by drinking plenty of water and eating a fibre-rich diet; if it persists, speak to your pharmacist about a suitable laxative. If you feel drowsy, avoid driving or operating machinery, and do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

Who is eligible to buy Solpadeine Plus over the counter?

Solpadeine Plus is available over the counter for adults aged 18 and over who have moderate pain that has not responded to simpler analgesics. It is not suitable for children or adolescents under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice, or people with certain health conditions including severe liver or kidney disease. A pharmacist will ask you a few questions before supplying it to ensure it is safe for you.

What happens if I miss a dose of Solpadeine Plus?

If you miss a dose, simply take the next dose when your pain returns, provided at least 4 hours have passed since your last dose. Do not double up or take two doses at once to make up for a missed one. Solpadeine Plus is taken as needed for pain rather than on a fixed schedule, so missing a dose is generally not a concern as long as you stay within the maximum daily limit.

Can I take Solpadeine Plus if I am pregnant?

You should not take Solpadeine Plus during pregnancy without first speaking to your doctor or midwife. Codeine is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, as it may cause breathing problems in the newborn. Paracetamol alone is generally considered the preferred analgesic during pregnancy when used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, but always seek medical guidance first.

Is Solpadeine Plus safe to take with alcohol?

No — you should not drink alcohol while taking Solpadeine Plus. Alcohol increases the sedative effects of codeine and can also increase the risk of liver damage from paracetamol, particularly if you drink regularly or in large amounts. Even small amounts of alcohol can intensify drowsiness and impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

How long can you take Solpadeine Plus for?

Solpadeine Plus should not be used for more than 3 consecutive days without medical advice. Using codeine-containing medicines for longer than this increases the risk of physical dependence and can also cause medication-overuse headache — a condition where the painkiller itself starts to cause more frequent headaches. If your pain is ongoing, please speak to your GP about longer-term management options.

What are the alternatives to Solpadeine Plus for pain relief?

Alternatives include paracetamol alone, ibuprofen, aspirin, or combination products such as co-codamol (available in different strengths on prescription). For specific types of pain — such as period pain or dental pain — your pharmacist can advise on the most appropriate option. You can also explore our pain relief collection for a range of OTC analgesics suited to different needs.

Can Solpadeine Plus cause dependence or addiction?

Yes — codeine is an opioid and carries a risk of physical and psychological dependence, even at the low doses found in OTC products. This risk increases significantly if you take it for longer than 3 days, take it more frequently than directed, or use it to manage emotional distress rather than physical pain. If you are concerned about your use of codeine-containing medicines, speak to your GP or pharmacist without delay.

Can I drive after taking Solpadeine Plus?

Codeine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired concentration, all of which affect your ability to drive safely. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel drowsy or unwell after taking Solpadeine Plus. Under UK drug-driving laws, driving while impaired by a medicine — even a legal OTC one — is a criminal offence.

What are the latest guidelines on codeine use in OTC medicines?

The MHRA and NHS have issued guidance emphasising that codeine-containing OTC medicines should only be used for short-term pain relief (up to 3 days) in adults aged 18 and over. Codeine is no longer recommended for children or adolescents under 18 following EU-wide regulatory action due to the risk of serious breathing problems. Pharmacists are required to counsel patients on the risks of dependence and medication-overuse headache at the point of sale. You can find further information on managing pain and related conditions through our first aid collection.

How Should You Use Solpadeine Plus?

Solpadeine Plus tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve them unless the product formulation specifically states otherwise. Always read the label carefully before use and check that you are not already taking any other medicine containing paracetamol or codeine.

What Is the Correct Dose of Solpadeine Plus?

The dose varies by age group. Solpadeine Plus is not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age. For adults, the dose should be the lowest amount that effectively controls pain, taken only as often as needed within the permitted daily maximum.

When Is the Best Time to Use Solpadeine Plus?

Take Solpadeine Plus as soon as pain begins — acting early often means you need fewer doses overall. Taking the tablets with or shortly after food can help reduce the likelihood of nausea, particularly if you have a sensitive stomach. Avoid taking a dose late at night if drowsiness is a concern, as codeine can cause sedation that may affect your sleep pattern or morning alertness.

Do not take Solpadeine Plus as a preventative measure before pain starts. It is intended for use when pain is already present and has not responded to simpler analgesics.

How Long Can You Use Solpadeine Plus For?

Solpadeine Plus is intended for short-term use only. Do not use it for more than 3 consecutive days without seeking advice from a pharmacist or GP. Using codeine-containing medicines beyond this period significantly increases the risk of physical dependence and can lead to medication-overuse headache — a condition where the painkiller itself triggers more frequent or severe headaches over time.

If your pain is persistent, recurring, or worsening, this is a signal to seek medical assessment rather than continuing to self-medicate. A healthcare professional can help identify the underlying cause and recommend a more appropriate long-term management plan.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

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What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Solpadeine Plus?

Most people tolerate Solpadeine Plus well when taken at the recommended dose for a short period. However, codeine in particular is associated with a number of predictable side effects, especially affecting the digestive system and central nervous system.

  • Constipation — the most frequently reported side effect of codeine
  • Nausea or stomach discomfort
  • Drowsiness or sedation
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Dry mouth

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of Solpadeine Plus?

Some people experience side effects that are less frequent but still worth being aware of, particularly if you are using Solpadeine Plus for the first time or have other health conditions.

  • Vomiting
  • Headache (paradoxically, with overuse — known as medication-overuse headache)
  • Skin rash, itching, or hives
  • Mood changes, confusion, or feeling "spaced out"
  • Difficulty urinating or urinary retention
  • Sweating
  • Dependence or withdrawal symptoms with prolonged or excessive use

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Solpadeine Plus?

Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention. Paracetamol overdose — even accidental — is a medical emergency that can cause severe liver damage, which may not be apparent for several days. If you or someone else has taken too much, call 999 or go to A&E immediately, even if you feel well at the time.

Other serious reactions to watch for include:

  • Difficulty breathing or slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)
  • Severe allergic reaction — swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty swallowing
  • Severe skin reactions such as blistering, peeling, or widespread rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome — very rare)
  • Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice) — a sign of liver problems
  • Extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects?

For mild side effects such as constipation or nausea, simple measures often help — drinking more water, eating a high-fibre diet, and taking the tablets with food. If drowsiness is a problem, avoid driving or operating machinery and do not drink alcohol. If side effects are troublesome or do not improve, stop taking the tablets and speak to your pharmacist or GP.

You can report suspected side effects directly to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. This helps regulators monitor the safety of medicines in real-world use.

Can Solpadeine Plus Interact With Other Medicines?

Yes — Solpadeine Plus can interact with several other medicines. The most significant interactions involve monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which should not be taken within 14 days of Solpadeine Plus due to the risk of a serious reaction. Other important interactions include other opioid analgesics or sedatives (which increase the risk of respiratory depression), warfarin (where regular paracetamol use may enhance anticoagulant effect), and any other paracetamol-containing product (which risks accidental overdose). Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about every medicine, supplement, or herbal remedy you are taking before starting Solpadeine Plus.

If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

📖 Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

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