How long does Co-codamol stay in your system?

How long does Co-codamol stay in your system?

If you are an individual taking co-codamol or if you are thinking you may need to start using co-codamol, you might be curious about how long it remains in your system. Understanding this duration is essential for a number of reasons, such as determining safe intervals between doses and considering potential interactions with other medications. In this article, we will delve into the factors that influence how long co-codamol stays in your system, explore the dosage considerations, and explain some of the possible side effects associated with its use. 

What does co-codamol consist of?

Co-codamol is a medication that combines two different active ingredients to help combat pain. Typically, co-codamol is used by those who are suffering from mild to chronic pain that cannot be soothed by using weaker over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. Co-codamol is often used to treat pain caused by a number of factors, most commonly postoperative pain, the pain felt due to dental procedures and migraines and headaches.

What is paracetamol?

Paracetamol is a very common over-the-counter painkiller that is known for its pain-relieving and fever-reducing properties. It is one of the most commonly used medications for managing mild to moderate pain. Paracetamol works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the brain that are involved in pain perception. By reducing these chemicals, the medication helps to alleviate pain and fever. 

What is codeine?

Codeine is an opioid medication that is used to help treat pain. Opioids refer to medications that act on the opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the body. Primarily, opioids are used to help with pain relief and pain management, however, they can also have euphoric and sedative effects. Codeine specifically works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. By doing this it changes the way that pain signals are transmitted and perceived by the body which results in pain relief. 

How does the body process co-codamol?

When co-codamol is taken by a person, their body undergoes a number of different processes to metabolise the medication. The processes include:

• Absorption - After it is ingested, co-codamol is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and into the bloodstream. It is then distributed throughout the body including to the brain and other target areas.
• Metabolism of codeine - Codeine undergoes metabolism through the liver. Not all individuals metabolise codeine at the same rate. Some people are known as ultra-rapid metabolisers, which means they convert codeine more rapidly. 
• Metabolism of paracetamol - Paracetamol is also absorbed by the liver. It is converted into a compound called n-acetyl-p-benzoqinone imine which is shortened to NAPQI. 
• Elimination - Both codeine and paracetamol are eliminated from the body primarily through the kidneys. They are then excreted in urine and faeces.

What factors can influence how long co-codamol stays in your system?

There are a number of different factors that can contribute to how long co-codamol will stay in your system. Factors such as the dose someone takes, the individual's liver function, age, body mass and concurrent medications will all play a role in the length of time it takes for co-codamol to fully leave your body. 

How long does co-codamol stay in your urine?

The length of time co-codamol stays in your urine will vary depending on a number of different factors including dosage, frequency of use and metabolism. Generally, it will take around 2-3 days before co-codamol is no longer detected in urine. Detection windows will vary depending on the specific drug test that is being undertaken. 

How long does co-codamol stay in your blood?

The duration for which co-codamol can be detected in the blood depends on various factors. Codeine and its metabolites can usually be detected in the blood for around 24-48 hours. It is important to note that the presence of co-codamol in the blood does not indicate any ongoing effects. 

How long does co-codamol stay in your saliva?

Again, multiple factors will mean that the length of time co-codamol remains in the saliva. Generally, co-codamol will be detected in the saliva for around 1-4 days after you last used it. Saliva drug tests are commonly used as the presence of the drug detected will show that it has been used recently. 

How long does co-codamol stay in your hair follicles?

Co-codamol can potentially be detected in your hair follicles for an extended period of time. Hair follicles can sometimes be used in drug testing as substances can remain in the hair for longer periods of time than in bodily fluids such as urine, blood and saliva. Co-codamol can be detected in hair follicles for around 90 days after you first take it, or in some cases even longer. 

What are the indications of co-codamol?

Codeine is primarily indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It is used in a number of situations where over-the-counter medications have not had the desired effect. 

What is the correct dosage of co-codamol?

The correct dosage of co-codamol will depend on several factors including the strength of the medication, the age and weight of the user and the severity of the pain that is being treated. The strength of co-codamol that you can purchase from EU Meds is 30/500mg. This means that there are 30mg of codeine and 500mg of paracetamol in this medication. The typical dosage for this strength is one or two tablets every 4-6 hours, with a maximum of 8 tablets in a 24-hour period.

What side effects can co-codamol have?

Co-codamol, like all other prescription medications, can have some side effects. There are a number of different side effects, with some being more common than others. The most common side effects of co-codamol are:

• Drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Having a dry mouth
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Itching and skin rashes

Where can I get a prescription for co-codamol online?

You can purchase prescription co-codamol online from EU Meds after simply completing our free online consultation to ensure that the medication is right for you. 

Sources

• NHS - Co-Codamol for Adults
• NHS - Common Questions about Codeine
• Medicines.org.uk - Codeine PIL (PDF)
• Carolina Center for Recovery - How Long Does Codeine Stay in Your System?
• Ridgefield Recovery - FAQ: How Long Does Codeine Stay in Your System?