Solpadeine Plus Soluble Tablets for Pain (32)

Product Summary

A natural relief for headaches, migraines, dental/period pains, sciatica, lumbago and sprains, Solpadeine Plus Soluble Tablets can also provide gentle therapy for colds and sore throats. It contains paracetamol and codeine, which combine to relieve the pain. Paracetamol also helps to reduce body temperature, making Solpadeine Plus everyone’s essential tablet with a dual purpose.

Directions

Adults, including the elderly and children 12 years and over: Take two tablets in water up to 3 or 4 times a day, if necessary, not more frequently than every four hours, to a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Ingredients

• Active ingredients: Each tablet contains Paracetamol 500 mg, Codeine Phosphate Hemihydrate 8 mg and Caffeine 30 mg.
• Other ingredients: Maize starch, Starch pregelatinised, potassium sorbate (E 202), povidone, purified talc, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, hypromellose, carmoisine (E 122).

Carmoisine may cause allergic reactions.

Warnings and Restrictions

• Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products.
• Do not take more than the stated dose and do not take every day for more than 3 days unless told to do so by your doctor.
• Contains codeine: regular use for long periods of time may result in symptoms such as restlessness and irritability when you stop taking this medicine.
• If you need to use this product all the time, see your doctor straight away.

Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.

Please see your doctor before you take this medicine if you are pregnant. However, you can take Solpadeine Plus Tablets while breastfeeding.

Please see your doctor before you take Solpadeine Plus Tablets if you have severe liver or kidney disease.

If your headaches become persistent, see your doctor.

Taking other medicines

Please see your doctor or pharmacist before you take Solpadeine Plus Tablets if:

• you are taking Metoclopramide or Domperidone (used to treat nausea and vomiting)
• you are taking Colestyramine (used to treat high cholesterol)
• you are taking medicines prescribed for depression (MAOIs)
• you are taking anticoagulants (drugs to thin the blood e.g. Warfarin) and you need to take a painkiller on a daily basis over a long period. However, you can take occasional doses of Solpadeine Plus Tablets.

Storage

Do not store above 30°C.

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

Can Solpadeine Plus be habit-forming and lead to withdrawal reactions?

Yes, Solpadeine Plus does have codeine in it, and it is bound to make you dependent on it if you take it for an extended period. That is, your body will get used to taking the drug to be normal. Some of the indications include feeling anxious, restless, or irritable when you withdraw from it. You may also feel like using it more often, even when the pain is not severe. That is why it cannot be taken for longer than three consecutive days without consulting a physician. When you feel that you need it every day, or you get sick when you discontinue, consult a healthcare practitioner at once. Always adhere to the dosage and never take more than 8 tablets within 24 hours. Taking it safely and as a short-term analgesic prevents any problem with addiction or withdrawal.

Can I drive or operate machinery after ingesting Solpadeine Plus?

No, do not drive or use heavy machinery following the ingestion of Solpadeine Plus. The medication contains codeine, which renders you dizzy, drowsy, or confused if you are codeine-sensitive or have taken more than one tablet. Caffeine can keep you alert at first, but it does not stop codeine-induced sleepiness. If you're unsure how this medication makes you, do not drive or do anything else that requires complete concentration until you feel you are okay. In case you do feel sleepy or "foggy-headed," it's always better to take it easy and not take the risk of trying to take a chance. Always read the leaflet, and if you're unsure, then go ask a pharmacist for advice when driving is part of your daily routine.

Is it safe to use Solpadeine Plus with cold and flu remedies?

Be careful when using Solpadeine Plus with other cold and flu medicines, because many of those products also contain paracetamol. Taking too much paracetamol in one day can harm your liver. Always read the labels of all medicines you’re using to avoid doubling up. Some cold remedies also contain codeine or caffeine, which are already included in Solpadeine Plus, so you could unwittingly take more than is safe to have. If you are unsure whether your cold or flu medicine is safe to take with, consult your pharmacist first before taking both. Never guess or assume, as if you take both medicines together, side effects or overdose can occur, even though the medicines themselves seem safe. If you need both pain relief and flu treatment, safer options are available that your pharmacist can suggest.

Why is caffeine included in Solpadeine Plus Tablets?

Caffeine is included to make the pain-relieving actions of paracetamol and codeine more effective. It helps your body to absorb these drugs more easily and quickly. Caffeine might also reduce feelings of drowsiness or tiredness that some people get when taking codeine. It accelerates the tablets to act, especially when you're taking them for bad headaches or migraine. But do not consume too much caffeine from other sources, like coffee, energy drinks, or chocolate, when you're taking Solpadeine Plus. Too much caffeine can make you jumpy, restless, or disrupt sleep. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or have a condition like high blood pressure, speak to your doctor before using it regularly. The amount in Solpadeine Plus is safe when used correctly, but be aware of your total daily caffeine intake.

Can Solpadeine Plus be used for period pain or a toothache?

Yes, Solpadeine Plus is suitable for short-term relief of period pain and toothache. Paracetamol also alleviates pain and lowers fever, while codeine offers more severe relief for severe pain. Caffeine speeds up and enhances the action of the drug. For menstrual pain, taking Solpadeine Plus when you feel discomfort can keep you comfortable for the rest of the day. For a toothache, it can ease swelling and soreness until you can see a dentist. But it's not a cure for why you hurt. If you need to take over 3 days' worth, or if the pain worsens, seek advice from a doctor or dentist. Swallow the tablets with water each time, and do not exceed 8 in 24 hours.

What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much?

If you miss a dose, wait for your next time and take your usual dose. Do not make a double dose in a bid to replace an overdue one. Solpadeine Plus is dangerous in excess, especially through the paracetamol, which damages the liver, and the codeine, which makes you drowsy and slows breathing. Symptoms of overdose can be delayed but can be equally severe, including nausea, drowsiness, or confusion. If you or someone else has taken too many tablets, contact medical help at once, even if you are not ill at first. Dial for emergency services or go to the closest hospital. Don't wait for symptoms — instant action is vitally necessary to prevent lifelong damage.

Can Solpadeine Plus be swallowed with food or on an empty stomach?

Solpadeine Plus can be taken with or without food, but is generally kinder to some stomachs when taken with a meal or snack. Codeine sometimes makes someone feel queasy (nausea), so having something light first may help prevent this. Dissolve the tablets in water fully before drinking, and don't swallow them whole or chew them. If you have stomach upset, take it with food to reduce irritation. Having a full glass of water with each dose helps increase water intake and reduces side effects. If you are still feeling unwell or experiencing a stomach ache, consult your pharmacist — there may be another pain relief option that is better suited for you.