co-codamol

Solpadol is a prescription-only combination analgesic containing codeine phosphate (30 mg) and paracetamol (500 mg). It is a small molecule oral drug indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age when other non-opioid analgesics (such as paracetamol or NSAIDs alone) are insufficient. Codeine is an opioid prodrug that is metabolized in the liver by CYP2D6 to morphine, which acts as an agonist on mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system to inhibit pain transmission. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic that complements codeine's action, primarily by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes in the central nervous system. Solpadol is marketed by Sanofi and has been utilized in clinical trials, such as a Phase IV study by the North West Wales NHS Trust comparing its efficacy to transdermal buprenorphine for post-tonsillectomy pain management.

Brand names

SolpadolTylexKapakeZapainSolpadeine

Other names

codeine phosphate + paracetamolacetaminophen + codeine phosphate