Overview

Codeine is indicated in patients older than 12 years of age for the treatment of acute moderate pain which is not considered to be relieved by other analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone. Solpadeine Plus Tablets are recommended for the relief of migraine, headache, backache, rheumatic pain, period pains and dental pain.

Adults (including the elderly):

• 2 tablets up to 3 or 4 times a day if necessary. The dose should not be repeated more frequently than every four hours, and not more than 4 doses (8 tablets) should be given in any 24 hour period.

Children aged 16-18 years:

• 1-2 tablets every 6 hours when necessary up to a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Children aged 12 – 15 years:

• 1 tablet every 6 hours when necessary up to a maximum of 4 tablets in 24 hours.

Children aged less than 12 years:

• Codeine should not be used in children below the age of 12 years because of the risk of opioid toxicity due to the variable and unpredictable metabolism of codeine to morphine.

For oral administration only.

The duration of treatment should be limited to 3 days and if no effective pain relief is achieved the patients/carers should be advised to seek the views of a physician.

Use during pregnancy should be avoided, unless advised by a physician. This includes maternal use during labour because of the potential for respiratory depression in the neonate.