Solpadeine Plus Capsules and Tablets

What is Solpadeine Plus Capsules and Tablets?

Solpadeine Plus is a pharmacy medicine that combines paracetamol 500mg, codeine 8mg and caffeine 30mg in each dose unit. You can choose capsules, soluble tablets that you dissolve in water, or standard tablets - the active ingredients and their strengths are the same in all three. The codeine is licensed for people over 12 with acute moderate pain that has not been relieved by paracetamol or ibuprofen alone, and the product is for migraine, headache, backache, rheumatic pain, period pain, dental pain, strains and sprains, and sciatica.

How does it help?

Paracetamol reduces the pain signals registered by the brain and spinal cord. Codeine is a mild opioid painkiller that the liver converts into morphine, which adds further pain relief. Caffeine is included alongside them. Adults take two every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 8 in 24 hours; 16 to 18 year olds take one or two every 6 hours, no more than 8 in 24 hours; 12 to 15 year olds take one every 6 hours, no more than 4 in 24 hours. The soluble tablets are dissolved in at least half a tumbler of water first. Treatment should be limited to three days.

Key benefits

• Licensed for migraine, headache, backache, rheumatic pain, period pain, dental pain, strains and sprains, and sciatica
• For acute moderate pain that paracetamol or ibuprofen alone has not relieved
• A choice of capsules, soluble tablets or standard tablets, all at the same strength
• Separate, lower doses set out for 12 to 15 year olds

Who should take care?

Always read the patient information leaflet before use. It contains codeine, which can cause addiction if it is used regularly or for longer than recommended, so do not take it for more than three days - if your pain has not eased, see your doctor. It is not for children under 12, for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or for anyone known to be a CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metaboliser of codeine. Do not take it with any other medicine containing paracetamol or codeine, and never exceed the stated dose - a paracetamol overdose can cause serious liver damage even if you feel well. Speak to us first if you have breathing problems, long-term constipation, liver or kidney problems, low blood pressure, an underactive thyroid or a bowel disorder, if you drink alcohol heavily or have a history of drug or alcohol misuse, if you take sedatives such as benzodiazepines, pregabalin or gabapentin, or if you have taken an MAOI antidepressant in the last two weeks. It can cause drowsiness and dizziness and may affect your ability to drive - do not drive until you know how it affects you. Avoid a lot of tea, coffee or energy drinks while taking it. The soluble tablets contain 427mg of sodium and 50mg of sorbitol each; the standard tablets contain the colouring carmoisine (E122). Our pharmacist checks it is right for you before it is supplied.