Anyone got any experience of Zapain?

tinadog10 years ago

Yes, it works for me better than cocodamol, but just takes the edge of the pain

Hi, it's a trade name for a mix of codeine and paracetamol. It can be purchased over the counter, but can also be given by the Doctor in prescription strength. My dose is 30mg/500mg which means 30mg of codeine and 500mg of paracetamol (prescription strength). I am on it "long term" because of rheumatoid arthritis and the only side effects for me is drowsiness, but it can cause severe constipation! The name of mine is co-codamol. Tess.

10 years ago

Yes, me too, it's just a brand name of co-codamol. If you haven't had it before it can make you pretty woozy so beware, maybe try one tablet to start with. Like tessintrouble I've been on it for many years so it doesn't have any side effects other than constipation for me, but when if first started taking it, I could feel the effects as it started to kick in, not a unpleasant drowsy feeling. It doesn't affect everyone this way though, but it is on the side effects. Good luck xx

Offcut10 years ago

I believe Zapain is an american name?

I am on co codamol 30mg. I am not getting the same benefit that I used to by any means but my GP will not give me a higher strength. In his words "I saving them for later" I do get constipation because of them which at times is not pleasant but take senna plus fruit and fibre.

I do not respond to morphine as effectively as most people which may be why they are not so good for me? The one effect I do get is about 30 mins after I take them I have a whoosh of lighted headedness that lasts for seconds.

Be Well

Information specific to: Co-codamol 30mg/500mg capsules when used in Pain.

Codeine/Paracetamol (Koh-deen/Para-seeta-moll) is a medicine which is used in relieving severe pain.

The information in this Medicine Guide for codeine/paracetamol varies according to the condition being treated and the particular preparation used.

Your medicine

Codeine/Paracetamol helps to relieve pain. Codeine/Paracetamol contains two medicines–paracetamol and codeine.

Paracetamol helps to block the nerves that transmit the pain impulse to the brain. Codeine helps to reduce the brain's awareness of these pain impulses.

Many over-the-counter medicines, which you can buy in pharmacies and shops, also contain Paracetamol. You should always check whether other medicines you are taking contain Paracetamol. This way you can make sure that you do not accidentally exceed the maximum daily dose of Paracetamol. You should make sure that your prescriber is aware if you are taking any other medicines that contain Paracetamol.

Other information about Codeine/Paracetamol:

this medicine should be used for a maximum of three days. If your symptoms continue or become worse you should contact your doctor

Do not share your medicine with other people. It may not be suitable for them and may harm them.

The pharmacy label on your medicine tells you how much medicine you should take. It also tells you how often you should take your medicine. This is the dose that you and your prescriber have agreed you should take. You should not change the dose of your medicine unless you are told to do so by your prescriber.

If you feel that the medicine is making you unwell or you do not think it is working, then talk to your prescriber.

Whether this medicine is suitable for you

Codeine/Paracetamol is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.

Your prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all if you:

are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine

are breast-feeding

are elderly

are intoxicated with alcohol

have asthma

have bowel problems

have head injuries

have high intracranial pressure

have kidney problems

have liver problems

have problems metabolisingmedicines

have prostate problems

have recently had biliary tract surgery

have respiratory depression

have taken Monoamine oxidase inhibitors within the last 14 days

Furthermore the prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all for someone who is under 18 years of age, for someone who have undergone tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy or have respiratory problems.

Over time it is possible that Codeine/Paracetamol can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Codeine/Paracetamol has become unsuitable, it is important that the prescriber is contacted immediately.

Alcohol

Alcohol can interact with certain medicines.

In the case of Codeine/Paracetamol:

this medicine may increase the effects of alcohol

You should seek advice from your prescriber as to whether you may drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

Diet

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your prescriber may advise you to avoid certain foods.

In the case of Codeine/Paracetamol:

there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when taking Codeine/Paracetamol

Driving and operating machinery

When taking any medicine you should be aware that it might interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

In the case of Codeine/Paracetamol:

this medicine could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery

You should see how this medicine affects you before you judge whether you are safe to drive or operate machinery. If you are in any doubt about whether you should drive or operate machinery, talk to your prescriber.

Family planning and pregnancy

Most medicines, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy that you have reached when you take the medicine.

In the case of Codeine/Paracetamol:

you should only take this medicine during pregnancy if your doctor thinks that you need it

if you repeatedly take this medicine during pregnancy your baby may become physically dependent on this medicine. This may lead to your baby having withdrawal symptoms from Codeine/Paracetamol after birth

You need to discuss your specific circumstances with your doctor to weigh up the overall risks and benefits of taking this medicine. You and your doctor can make a decision about whether you are going to take this medicine during pregnancy.

If the decision is that you should not have Codeine/Paracetamol, then you should discuss whether there is an alternative medicine that you could take during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

Certain medicines can pass into breast milk and may reach your baby through breast-feeding.

In the case of Codeine/Paracetamol:

women who are breast-feeding should not take this medicine

Before you have your baby you should discuss breast-feeding with your doctor or midwife. If you wish to breast-feed you should discuss with your prescriber whether there are any other medicines you could take which would also allow you to breast-feed. You should not stop this medicine without taking advice from your doctor.

Taking other medicines

If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact with each other. At times your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, in other cases this may not be appropriate.

The decision to use medicines that interact depends on your specific circumstances. Your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, if it is believed that the benefits of taking the medicines together outweigh the risks. In such cases, it may be necessary to alter your dose or monitor you more closely.

Tell your prescriber the names of all the medicines that you are taking so that they can consider all possible interactions. This includes all the medicines which have been prescribed by your GP, hospital doctor, dentist, nurse, health visitor, midwife or pharmacist. You must also tell your prescriber about medicines which you have bought over the counter without prescriptions.

The following medicines may interact with Codeine/Paracetamol:

chloramphenicol

colestyramine

domperidone

metoclopramide

warfarin

The following types of medicine may interact with Codeine/Paracetamol:

coumarin anticoagulants

medicines which depress the CNS

monoamine oxidase inhibitors

oral contraceptives

If you are taking Codeine/Paracetamol and one of the above medicines or types of medicines, make sure your prescriber knows about it.

Complementary preparations and vitamins

Medicines can interact with complementary preparations and vitamins. In general, there is not much information available about interactions between medicines and complementary preparations or vitamins.

If you are planning to take or are already taking any complementary preparations and vitamins you should ask your prescriber whether there are any known interactions with Codeine/Paracetamol.

Your prescriber can advise whether it is appropriate for you to take combinations that are known to interact. They can also discuss with you the possible effect that the complementary preparations and vitamins may have on your condition.

If you experience any unusual effects while taking this medicine in combination with complementary preparations and vitamins, you should tell your prescriber.

Content provided by Datapharm

Offcut10 years ago

I believe Zapain is an american name?

I am on co codamol 30mg. I am not getting the same benefit that I used to by any means but my GP will not give me a higher strength. In his words "I saving them for later" I do get constipation because of them which at times is not pleasant but take senna plus fruit and fibre.

I do not respond to morphine as effectively as most people which may be why they are not so good for me? The one effect I do get is about 30 mins after I take them I have a whoosh of lighted headedness that lasts for seconds.

Be Well

Information specific to: Co-codamol 30mg/500mg capsules when used in Pain.

Codeine/Paracetamol (Koh-deen/Para-seeta-moll) is a medicine which is used in relieving severe pain.

The information in this Medicine Guide for codeine/paracetamol varies according to the condition being treated and the particular preparation used.

Your medicine

Codeine/Paracetamol helps to relieve pain. Codeine/Paracetamol contains two medicines–paracetamol and codeine.

Paracetamol helps to block the nerves that transmit the pain impulse to the brain. Codeine helps to reduce the brain's awareness of these pain impulses.

Many over-the-counter medicines, which you can buy in pharmacies and shops, also contain Paracetamol. You should always check whether other medicines you are taking contain Paracetamol. This way you can make sure that you do not accidentally exceed the maximum daily dose of Paracetamol. You should make sure that your prescriber is aware if you are taking any other medicines that contain Paracetamol.

Other information about Codeine/Paracetamol:

this medicine should be used for a maximum of three days. If your symptoms continue or become worse you should contact your doctor

Do not share your medicine with other people. It may not be suitable for them and may harm them.

The pharmacy label on your medicine tells you how much medicine you should take. It also tells you how often you should take your medicine. This is the dose that you and your prescriber have agreed you should take. You should not change the dose of your medicine unless you are told to do so by your prescriber.

If you feel that the medicine is making you unwell or you do not think it is working, then talk to your prescriber.

Whether this medicine is suitable for you

Codeine/Paracetamol is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.

Your prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all if you:

are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine

are breast-feeding

are elderly

are intoxicated with alcohol

have asthma

have bowel problems

have head injuries

have high intracranial pressure

have kidney problems

have liver problems

have problems metabolisingmedicines

have prostate problems

have recently had biliary tract surgery

have respiratory depression

have taken Monoamine oxidase inhibitors within the last 14 days

Furthermore the prescriber may only prescribe this medicine with special care or may not prescribe it at all for someone who is under 18 years of age, for someone who have undergone tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy or have respiratory problems.

Over time it is possible that Codeine/Paracetamol can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Codeine/Paracetamol has become unsuitable, it is important that the prescriber is contacted immediately.

Alcohol

Alcohol can interact with certain medicines.

In the case of Codeine/Paracetamol:

this medicine may increase the effects of alcohol

You should seek advice from your prescriber as to whether you may drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

Diet

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your prescriber may advise you to avoid certain foods.

In the case of Codeine/Paracetamol:

there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when taking Codeine/Paracetamol

Driving and operating machinery

When taking any medicine you should be aware that it might interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

In the case of Codeine/Paracetamol:

this medicine could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery

You should see how this medicine affects you before you judge whether you are safe to drive or operate machinery. If you are in any doubt about whether you should drive or operate machinery, talk to your prescriber.

Family planning and pregnancy

Most medicines, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy that you have reached when you take the medicine.

In the case of Codeine/Paracetamol:

you should only take this medicine during pregnancy if your doctor thinks that you need it

if you repeatedly take this medicine during pregnancy your baby may become physically dependent on this medicine. This may lead to your baby having withdrawal symptoms from Codeine/Paracetamol after birth

You need to discuss your specific circumstances with your doctor to weigh up the overall risks and benefits of taking this medicine. You and your doctor can make a decision about whether you are going to take this medicine during pregnancy.

If the decision is that you should not have Codeine/Paracetamol, then you should discuss whether there is an alternative medicine that you could take during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

Certain medicines can pass into breast milk and may reach your baby through breast-feeding.

In the case of Codeine/Paracetamol:

women who are breast-feeding should not take this medicine

Before you have your baby you should discuss breast-feeding with your doctor or midwife. If you wish to breast-feed you should discuss with your prescriber whether there are any other medicines you could take which would also allow you to breast-feed. You should not stop this medicine without taking advice from your doctor.

Taking other medicines

If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact with each other. At times your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, in other cases this may not be appropriate.

The decision to use medicines that interact depends on your specific circumstances. Your prescriber may decide to use medicines that interact, if it is believed that the benefits of taking the medicines together outweigh the risks. In such cases, it may be necessary to alter your dose or monitor you more closely.

Tell your prescriber the names of all the medicines that you are taking so that they can consider all possible interactions. This includes all the medicines which have been prescribed by your GP, hospital doctor, dentist, nurse, health visitor, midwife or pharmacist. You must also tell your prescriber about medicines which you have bought over the counter without prescriptions.

The following medicines may interact with Codeine/Paracetamol:

chloramphenicol

colestyramine

domperidone

metoclopramide

warfarin

The following types of medicine may interact with Codeine/Paracetamol:

coumarin anticoagulants

medicines which depress the CNS

monoamine oxidase inhibitors

oral contraceptives

If you are taking Codeine/Paracetamol and one of the above medicines or types of medicines, make sure your prescriber knows about it.

Complementary preparations and vitamins

Medicines can interact with complementary preparations and vitamins. In general, there is not much information available about interactions between medicines and complementary preparations or vitamins.

If you are planning to take or are already taking any complementary preparations and vitamins you should ask your prescriber whether there are any known interactions with Codeine/Paracetamol.

Your prescriber can advise whether it is appropriate for you to take combinations that are known to interact. They can also discuss with you the possible effect that the complementary preparations and vitamins may have on your condition.

If you experience any unusual effects while taking this medicine in combination with complementary preparations and vitamins, you should tell your prescriber.

Content provided by Datapharm

helen070110 years ago

Zapain is a very common brand name of co-codamol used in the uk

joed10 years ago

hi i take zapain and have done for a while i only take 1 as i dont like how 2 make me feel it takes the edge of the pain take care joanne x

rosewine10 years ago

Yes I was on them a number of years. I did find that the first two weeks I felt very out of it but that feeling went and I then had no appreciable side effects. Unfortunately, my doctor retired and my new doctor isn't at all keen on the drug especially as I was taking it in additon to Pregablin and DHC Continus so as soon as he took over he took me straight off it and replaced it with ibuprophenn plus paracetamol. By the way I am now off DHC Continus and that has been replaced by Butrans patches for the last two and a half weeks and after a rough first week I have got to say that I feel more in this world than I have done in years. I just wish that the pain would go away as alot of it is still there. Hope the Zapain does the trick for you.

TheAuthor10 years ago

Hi Lionmarianne

I can see that you have had loads of useful information with your question about Zapain, so I will just wish you loads of luck with it.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

Dorothy195210 years ago

I take Zapain 30\500 and when I went to pain clinic hey gav me some other pain killers beginning in DIa something they made me itch so my Dr gave me tramadol which made me sick so ended back on Za pain until I go back to pain clinic lots of luck x