co codamol. Side effects

[Atma123]

My husband was on 30/500 co codamol , and now has constipation stomach pain and terrible sickness. Anyone else suffered with side effects like that. Thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Constipation is a well know side effect of co-codamol - his doctor should have warned him and maybe also prescribed a form of laxative.

As you say “was on” had he now off them? Should improve -but a call to GP or pharmacy would be sensible

[Atma123 in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes thank you will do.

[SnazzyD in reply to Atma123]

Co-codamol is well known for this. The GP and the pharmacist should have said as DL says though it should also be on the leaflet. Hopefully the GP will give him a laxative. If he gives the a syrupy one called Lactulose, try it but it may give him wind and bloating. If it does ask for an alternative. The thick powder to gel types like Fibogel can also be a bit windy if the poo has got a bit hard in the pipeline as it is just a bulking agent. The kindest are Macrogol types like Movicol etc which keep water in the bowel, isn’t total dynamite and helps stop feeling that one is passing crowbars. The GP should make a judgment call based on the patient but some have their favourite starters that aren’t always quite the ticket for an individual.

[Bluey-1]

Yes, when I broke my humerus in 2021. Had to come off it quickly. Everything you say plus feeling very spaced out.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Cocodamol almost always causes constipation and should always be prescribed together with a laxative of some sort to be taken with it. The other problems may well be associated with the constipation if the stool is very hard and causing a degree of obstruction. How long has it been going on?

[Atma123 in reply to PMRpro]

As soon as this problem started he came off them. He had a cyst removed, prescribed co codamol, but he has IBS which I now realise isn’t a good mix.. He’s off them and seems to be ok.. Thankyou.

[powerwalk]

Dulcoease is good. It is not a real strong laxative but works very well. Its the hydrating one, can get liquid, which you take a glass of water with or sachets that you mix with water. Not so severe on the system.

[Atma123]

great thankyou.👍

[piglette]

All opioid pain meds can cause constipation. The lady who served me at the counter in the pharmacist warned me as she had just been taking them!

[Brikel]

I had a similar reaction and came off them

My Gp prescribe Laxido a laxative and stool softener hopefully it will help

Regards

Brian

[Saffron23]

Hi, you could ask for soluble tablets instead, take them in a large glass of water. This might help, I cannot take the plain tablet form as they cause just the problems you are mentioning. I hope your husband is more comfortable soon, best wishes to you 😊

[Atma123 in reply to Saffron23]

Oh right thanks that sounds better. 😊

[LCfan]

I try to limit the number of co codamol by not taking so many. I sometimes take 1 paracetamol with 1 co codamol which is usually sufficient for me.