P
Paracetamol 500mg · Codeine phosphate 12.8mg · Caffeine 30mg
Solpadeine Max 24 Tablets
Pharmacy medicine — a quick suitability check keeps you safe; our pharmacist reviews every order before dispatch.
What is Solpadeine Max 24 Tablets?
A stronger over-the-counter painkiller for aches and pains that ordinary painkillers haven't eased, such as headache, migraine, backache, period pain or dental pain. Each tablet combines paracetamol, codeine and caffeine.
How does it help?
Paracetamol relieves pain, codeine is a mild opioid that adds extra pain relief, and caffeine helps the painkillers work. It is intended for short-term use only.
Key benefits
- Extra-strength relief for stubborn pain
- Combines three active ingredients
- For pain not relieved by ordinary painkillers
- Suitable for a range of aches and pains
- Convenient tablet form
Who should take care?
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. This medicine contains codeine, which can cause addiction if used for longer than directed — take it for no more than three days, and speak to your doctor or our pharmacist if you need it for longer. Not for children under 12. Don't take with other paracetamol-containing products. Don't use if you're allergic to any of the ingredients. Speak to our pharmacist if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, taking other medicines, or have any ongoing health conditions. Our pharmacist checks every order before it's supplied.
What it's for
Solpadeine Max is for the short-term treatment of acute, moderate pain that is not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone.
It combines three active ingredients per tablet: paracetamol (a non-opioid analgesic), codeine (an opioid analgesic), and caffeine (which can enhance the effect of paracetamol).
Examples of pain it may help with include severe headache, migraine, period pain, dental pain, and back pain — but always for short-term acute episodes, not ongoing pain.
How to use it
Dosing — do not exceed:
| Age group | Dose | Max in 24 hours |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (18+) | 1 or 2 tablets every 4–6 hours | 8 tablets |
| Young people 16–17 | 1 tablet every 4–6 hours | 8 tablets |
| Children 12–15 | 1 tablet every 4–6 hours | 4 tablets |
| Under 12 | Do not give. | |
Take with water. Do not crush or chew. Always leave at least 4 hours between doses.
If pain is not relieved within 3 days, stop taking it and speak to your GP or the pharmacist.
Important warnings
- Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing product (including cold and flu remedies — many contain paracetamol).
- Do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor has specifically advised you to.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
- Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you — codeine can cause drowsiness.
- If you have a history of opioid addiction, substance misuse, or are currently receiving treatment for either — speak to the pharmacist before purchase.
- This medicine can cause constipation, particularly if taken for several days.
- An overdose of paracetamol is dangerous and can cause liver damage. Seek immediate medical advice if you have taken more than the recommended dose, even if you feel well.
Ingredients
Each tablet contains:
- Paracetamol 500mg
- Codeine phosphate hemihydrate 12.8mg
- Caffeine 30mg
Other ingredients (excipients) include maize starch, povidone, talc and potassium sorbate. Contains lactose — if you have been told you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking.
Side effects
Most people taking Solpadeine Max experience no side effects, or only mild ones. The most common are:
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache (if used for headaches over multiple days)
Stop taking immediately and get urgent medical attention if you experience: severe skin reaction (rash, blistering, peeling), signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of face/tongue, breathing difficulty), or unusual bruising/bleeding.
Report any suspected side effect via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.
Always read the patient information leaflet inside the pack — it contains the full list of side effects.
When you should NOT take this medicine
- You are under 12 years old.
- You are between 12 and 18 and have just had your tonsils or adenoids removed.
- You are allergic to paracetamol, codeine, caffeine or any of the other ingredients.
- You are taking another medicine containing paracetamol or codeine.
- You have severe liver or kidney problems.
- You have breathing difficulties (asthma attack, severe COPD).
- You have a head injury or raised pressure inside the skull.
- You are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have within the past 14 days.
If any of these apply — do not buy this product. Speak to our pharmacists for an alternative.
Patient information leaflet
You can download or read the full official Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for Solpadeine Max on the electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) — the leaflet inside the pack contains the same information.
Sold by
Hyde Park Pharmacy — registered NHS community pharmacy in Leeds.
22-24 Woodsley Rd, Woodhouse, Leeds LS3 1DT · Tel 0113 244 1551
Trading name of Pharmacareuk Ltd. Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, premises number 9011727.
Superintendent pharmacist: Mr Shoyab Umarji (GPhC #2065619, Independent Prescriber). ICO registration Z334106X.
About this medicine
Information leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.
How quickly will it arrive?
| Collect from pharmacy 22-24 Woodsley Rd, Leeds LS3 1DT | Usually same day after pharmacist approval | Free |
| Same-day local delivery LS-area postcodes | Order by 1pm, Mon–Fri | £2.99 |
| Standard UK delivery Royal Mail Tracked 48 | 2–3 working days from dispatch | £3.99 free over £40 |
| Express UK delivery Royal Mail Tracked 24 | Next delivery day from dispatch | £5.49 |
Every order is reviewed by our pharmacist before dispatch. Full delivery details →