Before taking any medication, including Paramol, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it is appropriate for your specific situation. Information provided here is for general knowledge only and should not be considered medical advice.
The Composition of Paramol: A Dual-Ingredient Approach
Paramol is a potent, over-the-counter painkiller primarily available in the UK, known by its generic name co-dydramol. The medication's strength comes from its two active ingredients, which work synergistically to provide relief from moderate pain. Each tablet is formulated with two key components:
- Paracetamol (500mg): This is a widely used analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). It is effective for mild to moderate pain and helps lower body temperature during fever.
- Dihydrocodeine Tartrate (7.46mg): Dihydrocodeine is a mild opioid analgesic that provides stronger pain relief than paracetamol alone. It is used for more severe pain that has not responded to simpler painkillers.
This specific combination allows Paramol to address pain from two different angles, offering more comprehensive relief for conditions such as headaches, migraines, muscle and joint pain, and toothache.
How the Dual-Action Formula Works
Understanding how each active ingredient in Paramol functions helps to explain its overall effectiveness. The combined action of paracetamol and dihydrocodeine creates a powerful analgesic effect.
Paracetamol's Analgesic and Antipyretic Properties
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, works primarily by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord. Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that act as messengers, transmitting pain signals and causing fever in the body. By blocking their synthesis, paracetamol helps to reduce the sensation of pain and lower body temperature.
Dihydrocodeine's Opioid Action
Dihyrdocodeine is an opioid, meaning it acts on the body's opioid receptors, primarily in the central nervous system. This action interferes with the transmission of pain signals from the nerves to the brain, effectively blocking the brain's reception of pain. Because of its more potent mechanism, dihydrocodeine enhances the pain-relieving effects of paracetamol, which is why Paramol is considered a stronger option than paracetamol alone.
Paramol vs. Co-Codamol: A Comparative Look
When considering stronger over-the-counter painkillers, Paramol (co-dydramol) is often compared with Co-codamol, another popular combination analgesic. The primary difference lies in the specific opioid used in each medication.
| Feature | Paramol (Co-dydramol) | Co-codamol (Generic) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Paracetamol and Dihydrocodeine | Paracetamol and Codeine |
| Opioid Type | Dihydrocodeine | Codeine Phosphate |
| Opioid Potency | Dihydrocodeine is generally considered stronger than codeine. | Codeine is less potent than dihydrocodeine. |
| Common Strengths | 500mg paracetamol / 7.46mg dihydrocodeine (OTC strength) | Available with 500mg paracetamol in combination with varying strengths of codeine phosphate. |
| Availability | Over-the-counter for the 7.46mg dihydrocodeine strength. | Lower strengths may be available over-the-counter, while higher strengths typically require a prescription. |
Important Usage and Safety Information
Due to its opioid component, Paramol is only intended for short-term use to minimize the risk of dependence and addiction. It is crucial to follow the usage instructions provided by a healthcare professional or the product packaging.
Potential Side Effects
- Constipation
- Headaches and dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Increased sweating
Key Warnings
- Paracetamol Overdose: Do not take Paramol with any other medication that contains paracetamol to prevent an overdose, which can cause serious liver and kidney damage.
- Alcohol Interaction: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Paramol, as it can increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness and liver damage.
- Addiction Risk: As an opioid-containing medication, Paramol can cause addiction if taken for prolonged periods. If you feel you are becoming dependent or experience withdrawal symptoms, seek medical advice.
- Driving: The dihydrocodeine in Paramol can cause drowsiness and blurred vision, which may impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. Exercise caution and do not drive if you feel drowsy.
Conclusion
To answer the question, "what strength is Paramol?", each tablet contains a fixed dose of 500mg of paracetamol and 7.46mg of dihydrocodeine. This dual formulation makes it an effective medication for the short-term treatment of moderate pain that is not relieved by standard analgesics alone. It is a UK-specific brand, and the opioid component requires users to adhere strictly to recommended usage guidelines and duration limits to ensure safety and prevent dependence. Before taking Paramol, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on other medication, it is essential to consult with a pharmacist or doctor.
For more detailed product information, please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) available on the Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) website.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication regimen.
