Paracetamol 450 mg, Codeine 10 mg, Doxylamine succinate 5 mg and Caffeine 50 mg
Class: Opioid analgesic + Non-opioid analgesic + Antihistamine + Stimulant combination
Manufacturer: Adcock Ingram Limited (South Africa-origin)
Dosage Form: Tablets
Similar Brands:
Uses:
Short-term symptomatic relief of moderate pain and associated symptoms, including:
- Acute pain (e.g., headache, dental pain, menstrual pain, backache, muscle/joint pain, post-operative pain).
- Pain with insomnia or restlessness (sedative effect from doxylamine).
- Fever and minor aches from colds/flu (antipyretic from paracetamol).
The combination provides enhanced pain relief, sedation for rest, and mild stimulation from caffeine. Not for mild pain (use single agents) or long-term/chronic pain (addiction risk with codeine). Not suitable for children under 12 years.
Dosage:
Oral, every 4–6 hours as needed (do not exceed 4 tablets/24 hours; take with food/water).
Adults and adolescents ≥12 years: 1–2 tablets every 4–6 hours (max 8 tablets/day; start with 1 tablet to assess tolerance).
Children under 12 years: Not recommended (codeine risks in pediatrics—respiratory depression).
Elderly/renal/hepatic impairment: Lower dose or avoid (increased sedation/toxicity risk).
Duration: Short-term only (max 3 days without medical advice—codeine dependence risk).
Do not combine with other paracetamol/codeine/doxylamine/caffeine products (overdose risk).
Side Effects:
Common (mild/transient): Drowsiness/sedation (from doxylamine/codeine), dizziness, dry mouth, constipation (codeine), nausea/vomiting, stomach upset/heartburn (ibuprofen not present, but paracetamol may cause mild GI).
Less common: Headache, sweating, rash/itching, palpitations (caffeine), urinary retention (anticholinergic).
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Respiratory depression (slow/shallow breathing—codeine), severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), liver damage (jaundice, dark urine—paracetamol overdose), dependence/withdrawal (codeine long-term), confusion/hallucinations (elderly/children).
Warnings & Precautions:
Causes significant drowsiness—avoid driving/machinery, alcohol, sedatives (enhanced CNS depression/respiratory risk).
Codeine addiction risk—use shortest duration/lowest dose; monitor for dependence.
Not for children under 12 (respiratory depression risk, especially ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine).
Caution in asthma/respiratory issues, liver/kidney disease, glaucoma, prostate problems, urinary retention, or elderly (anticholinergic/sedative effects).
Paracetamol overdose: Fatal liver damage possible—even if no immediate symptoms; seek emergency if exceeded.
Stop if rash, severe pain, or worsening symptoms occur.
Contains caffeine—avoid excessive coffee/tea (insomnia/palpitations risk).
Codeine addiction risk—use shortest duration/lowest dose; monitor for dependence.
Not for children under 12 (respiratory depression risk, especially ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine).
Caution in asthma/respiratory issues, liver/kidney disease, glaucoma, prostate problems, urinary retention, or elderly (anticholinergic/sedative effects).
Paracetamol overdose: Fatal liver damage possible—even if no immediate symptoms; seek emergency if exceeded.
Stop if rash, severe pain, or worsening symptoms occur.
Contains caffeine—avoid excessive coffee/tea (insomnia/palpitations risk).
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Avoid especially third trimester (codeine risks fetal dependence/respiratory depression; doxylamine may cause harm); consult doctor for alternatives.
Lactation: Not recommended (codeine/doxylamine pass into milk—risk of infant sedation/respiratory issues; paracetamol safer but overall avoid).
Lactation: Not recommended (codeine/doxylamine pass into milk—risk of infant sedation/respiratory issues; paracetamol safer but overall avoid).
Drug Interactions:
CNS depressants (alcohol, sedatives, opioids, hypnotics): Enhanced drowsiness/respiratory depression.
MAO inhibitors/antidepressants: Risk of serotonin syndrome/excitation (avoid).
Other paracetamol/codeine products: Overdose risk.
Anticholinergics: Additive dry mouth/constipation/urinary retention
MAO inhibitors/antidepressants: Risk of serotonin syndrome/excitation (avoid).
Other paracetamol/codeine products: Overdose risk.
Anticholinergics: Additive dry mouth/constipation/urinary retention
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to paracetamol, codeine, doxylamine, caffeine, or excipients.
Children under 12 years.
Severe respiratory depression, acute asthma attack, or obstructive sleep apnea.
Active liver disease or unexplained persistent LFT elevations.
Concomitant MAO inhibitors (or within 14 days).
Third-trimester pregnancy.
Price: Ksh 670/-
Notes:
If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical help promptly.