Main use Active ingredient Manufacturer
Mild to moderate pain  Paracetamol 500mg, dihydrocodeine 7.46mg  SSL International

How does it work?
Paramol tablets and Paramol soluble tablets both contain twoactive ingredients, paracetamol and dihydrocodeine. This combination ofmedicines is often referred to as co-dydramol.

Paracetamol is a simple painkilling medicine used to relievemild to moderate pain and fever. Despite its widespread use for over 100 years,we still don't fully understand how paracetamol works to relieve pain andreduce fever. However, it is now thought that it works by reducing theproduction of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord.

The body produces prostaglandins in response to injury andcertain diseases. One of the effects of prostaglandins is to sensitise nerveendings, causing pain (presumably to prevent us from causing further harm tothe area). As paracetamol reduces the production of these nerve sensitisingprostaglandins it is thought it may increase our pain threshold, so thatalthough the cause of the pain remains, we don't feel it as much.

It is thought paracetamol reduces fever by affecting an area ofthe brain that regulates our body temperature (the hypothalamic heat-regulatingcentre).

Paracetamol is about as effective as aspirin at relieving mildto moderate pain and fever, but unlike aspirin it has no anti-inflammatoryeffect.

Dihydrocodeine is a slightly stronger painkiller known as anopioid. Opioid painkillers work by mimicking the action of naturally occurringpain-reducing chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brainand spinal cord and reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors.

Dihydrocodeine mimicks the action of natural endorphins bycombining with the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This blocksthe transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. Therefore,even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt.

Paramol tablets are effective at relieving mild to moderatepain, such as headache, migraine, period pain, toothache, back pain, muscular and joint pains, nerve pain (neuralgia) or the aches and pains of colds and flu.

What is it used for?
Short-term (up to three days) treatment of acute, moderate pain which is not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone.
Warning!
Do not take this medicine with any other products that contain paracetamol. Many over-the-counter painkillers and cold and flu remedies contain paracetamol. It is important to check the ingredients of any medicines you buy without a prescription before taking them in combination with this medicine. Seek further advice from your pharmacist.
An overdose of paracetamol is dangerous and capable of causing serious damage to the liver and kidneys. You should never exceed the dose stated in the information leaflet supplied with this medicine. Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose with this medicine, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.
Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage that can occur if an overdose of paracetamol is taken. The hazards of paracetamol overdose are greater in persistent heavy drinkers and in people with alcoholic liver disease.
If this medicine is taken regularly for long periods of time, the body can become tolerant to it and it may become less effective at relieving pain. With prolonged use, the body ma