(DDM) – A leading NHS GP, Dr Abdul, has issued a stark warning to patients about the dangers of taking paracetamol alongside co-codamol.
DDM gathered that paracetamol, one of the most commonly used over-the-counter painkillers in the UK, is often considered safe when used alone.
Around 200 million packets of paracetamol are sold annually in the UK due to its ability to relieve mild-to-moderate pain and reduce fever.
However, Dr Abdul cautioned that combining paracetamol with other medications containing the same ingredient could have severe and potentially fatal consequences.
He specifically highlighted co-codamol, a prescription painkiller that contains both paracetamol and codeine, which is used to manage moderate to severe pain, including migraines, toothaches, and muscle pain.
Many patients are unaware that co-codamol already contains 500mg of paracetamol per tablet, and taking additional paracetamol on top of the recommended co-codamol dose risks overdosing.
“The mistake many patients make is taking extra paracetamol thinking their pain isn’t controlled, not realising they’ve already reached the daily limit,” Dr Abdul explained.
Medical experts advise that the maximum safe daily intake of paracetamol is four grams. Exceeding this can cause serious liver damage or even liver failure, a condition that is considered a medical emergency.
Dr Abdul urged patients to avoid other paracetamol-containing medications while on co-codamol, including common cough, cold, and migraine remedies like Lemsip, Night Nurse, Tramacet, and co-dydramol.
Instead, he recommended using alternative pain relief medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin, which are generally safe to combine with co-codamol when additional pain control is necessary.
The NHS also stresses the importance of disclosing all medications to a healthcare provider, as co-codamol may interact with other drugs and reduce their effectiveness.
Patients should be particularly vigilant about over-the-counter remedies, as many contain hidden doses of paracetamol that could cumulatively exceed safe levels.
Dr Abdul’s warning follows reports of frequent accidental paracetamol overdoses, a major cause of acute liver failure in the UK, often stemming from a lack of public awareness about combination painkillers.
He emphasized that proper education and careful attention to dosing instructions are key to preventing these life-threatening situations.
Healthcare professionals continue to stress that while paracetamol remains an effective analgesic, its misuse, especially in combination with co-codamol, can have irreversible consequences.
Patients experiencing severe or persistent pain are advised to consult their GP rather than self-medicating with multiple paracetamol-containing drugs.
DDM will continue monitoring guidance from NHS officials to ensure patients are fully informed about safe painkiller use.
This advisory highlights the growing need for public awareness campaigns on safe medication practices to prevent accidental overdoses and protect public health.
