co-codamol: Has anyone ever had any... - Asthma Community ...

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co-codamol

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Has anyone ever had any probs with there asthma and co-codamol? i used it as a painkiller today and took an asthma attack quite suddenly which is unusual for me. I am fine now and it could be something else but thats the only different thing i can think about that i've dodne.

cheers

lauren

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Hi Lauren

I've been having a google for Co-codamol and it's side effects and I've found this: - ""Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate, urethral stricture), alcohol use, drug dependency, heart problems (e.g., slow/irregular heartbeat, very low blood pressure), abdominal/stomach problems (e.g., gallbladder disease), lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), seizure disorders, serious head injury or brain disease, spinal problems (kyphoscoliosis), low thyroid disease (hypothyroidism), adrenal gland problems (Addison's disease), psychiatric problems (toxic psychosis), any allergies (especially to codeine or codeine-like medications, sulfites).""

I figure if they mention asthma or COPD then there must be a reason. But I'd have a word with your gp or pharmacist and see what else might be available as a pain killer. If you suspect it is the co-codamol you'll need to let your gp know anyway so they know not to prescribe it again. Or, could it be that whatever is causing you pain has contributed to you having an asthma attack?

Hope this is of some help.

Jacqui

Hi Laurenjayne,

glad you are ok now. Co-codamol contains paracetamol and codeine, neither of which commonly cause problems with asthma, although any drug can. Codeine can reduce the rate at which you breathe - your respiratory drive- and so can be problematic in asthmatics. The other thing which may be contributing is one of the non-active substances in the pills - the things used to hold the drug together.

It is worth speaking to your gp - so they know what has happened and so you can get other painkillers.

Also what is causing the pain - sometimes pain itself can make asthma worse (a bit like stress can).

Hope you feel better soon

Sarah

i've pulled the muscles in my leg quite badly so it is causing a lot of pain. Was giving co-codamol because i can't take ibrufon because of the asthma. I mentioned to my doc on phone earlier and they said it could be unrelated totally or it could well be so just to see how i feel and obviously stop if it hapens again. It could of just been a normal attack but i like to analyse and that is the one thing that was different.

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