Combination of | |
---|---|
Dihydrocodeine | Opioid analgesic |
Paracetamol | Non-opioid analgesic |
Clinical data | |
Routes of administration |
Oral |
Legal status | |
Legal status |
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Co-dydramol (BAN) is a non- name used to denote a particular compound analgesic, a combination of dihydrocodeine tartrate and paracetamol. Co-dydramol tablets are used for the relief of moderate pain. Co-dydramol is part of a series of combination drugs available in the UK and other countries including co-codaprin (aspirin and codeine).
All formulations of co-dydramol contain 500 mg of paracetamol per tablet and may only be sold at a pharmacy as an over-the-counter item without prescription (a P medicine) if containing less than 7.5 mg of dihydrocodeine per tablet. Higher strengths are prescription only medicines. There are no GSL formulations of co-dydramol, as it is a Schedule 5 controlled drug. Four strengths of dihydrocodeine tartrate in each tablet are available:
Dihydrocodeine is metabolised by the CYP450 system isoenzyme 2D6 to dihydromorphine, which mediates the majority of its analgesic effects. Owing to the low oral bioavailibility of dihydrocodeine (20%), and its subsequent metabolism to active compounds, it is likely that doses below 30mg are sub therapeutic for analgesia.