Solpadeine Max – 30 Tablets

Solpadeine Max (paracetamol 500mg + codeine 12.8mg) gives stronger short-term relief for acute moderate pain not eased by ordinary painkillers.

  • For pain not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone
  • Two tablets up to 4 times a day (max 8 in 24 hours)
  • Contains codeine – for 3 days use only; can cause addiction
  • Pharmacy (P) medicine with a short suitability check
  • From a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy

£14.99

Out of stock

Solpadeine Max tablets - paracetamol 500mg and codeine 12.8mg pain relief

Solpadeine Max provides stronger, short-term pain relief for acute moderate pain that ordinary painkillers have not eased. Each tablet combines paracetamol 500mg with codeine phosphate 12.8mg, and it is intended for occasional use of no more than 3 days at a time.

What is Solpadeine Max?

Solpadeine Max is a pharmacy (P) medicine containing paracetamol and low-dose codeine. It is used for the short-term relief of acute, moderate pain that has not responded to paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone. Because it contains an opioid (codeine), it is sold from our pharmacy with a short suitability check and is for three days’ use only.

What is it used for?

  • Headache and migraine
  • Backache, muscular and rheumatic pain
  • Period pain
  • Dental pain

It is for pain not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin used on their own.

How to take Solpadeine Max

  • Adults and children over 16: two tablets up to 4 times a day.
  • Leave at least 4 hours between doses; no more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.
  • Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing medicine.
  • Do not take for more than 3 days without seeing a doctor.

Please read the patient information leaflet inside the pack before use.

Codeine: use it safely

This medicine contains codeine, which can cause addiction if taken continuously for more than 3 days. Used occasionally and as directed this is very unlikely, but taking it for longer or more often than needed can lead to dependence, and stopping can cause withdrawal or a rebound (medication-overuse) headache. If you feel you need it beyond 3 days, speak to your doctor.

Who should not take it

Do not take Solpadeine Max if you are under 12, breastfeeding, or a known ultra-rapid metaboliser of codeine; it is not for under-18s after tonsil or adenoid surgery for sleep apnoea. Take care and check with your pharmacist if you have breathing, liver, kidney, or bowel problems, or take other medicines. Never exceed the dose – too much paracetamol can seriously damage the liver.

Order Solpadeine Max online

Order Solpadeine Max from Bury Healthcare Online, a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy. As a pharmacy medicine containing codeine, your order includes a short suitability check so our team can make sure it is appropriate and used safely. Browse more in our pain relief range.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet. Contains paracetamol and codeine. Can cause addiction. For 3 days use only. If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Medically reviewed by Hassan Khan, MPharm, Independent Prescriber — Superintendent Pharmacist, Bury Healthcare Online (GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145). Last reviewed: July 2026.

Solpadeine Max FAQs

What is Solpadeine Max used for?
Solpadeine Max is for the short-term relief of acute, moderate pain – such as headache, migraine, backache, period pain, dental pain and rheumatic pain – that has not been relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin used on their own.
What does Solpadeine Max contain?
Each tablet contains paracetamol 500mg and codeine phosphate 12.8mg. Paracetamol eases pain and lowers fever, while the low-dose codeine (an opioid) adds extra pain relief for when other painkillers have not been enough.
How do you take Solpadeine Max?
Adults and children over 16: take two tablets up to four times a day, leaving at least 4 hours between doses, and never more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take it with other paracetamol-containing medicines.
How long can you take Solpadeine Max?
No more than 3 days. Because it contains codeine, it should only be used for up to three days at a time. If the pain is not controlled after 3 days, stop and speak to your doctor or pharmacist – do not keep taking it.
Can Solpadeine Max be addictive?
Yes. It contains codeine, which can cause addiction if taken continuously for more than 3 days. Used correctly for short-term pain it is very unlikely to be a problem, but taking it for longer or more often than directed can lead to dependence and, on stopping, withdrawal or medication-overuse headache.
Who should not take Solpadeine Max?
Do not take it if you are under 12, are breastfeeding, or are a known ‘ultra-rapid metaboliser’ of codeine. It is not for under-18s who have had their tonsils or adenoids removed for sleep apnoea. Check with your pharmacist if you have breathing, liver, kidney or bowel problems, or take other medicines.
Can you drink alcohol with Solpadeine Max?
It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking it. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness codeine can cause and, with regular paracetamol, can increase the strain on the liver.
What are the side effects of Solpadeine Max?
The codeine can cause constipation, drowsiness, dizziness or nausea. Seek urgent help for signs of an allergic reaction, or slow or shallow breathing. Do not exceed the stated dose, as too much paracetamol can seriously harm the liver even if you feel well.
Can you take Solpadeine Max with ibuprofen?
Paracetamol-codeine can usually be taken alongside ibuprofen, but not with other products that also contain paracetamol or codeine. If you are unsure how to combine painkillers safely, ask your pharmacist.
What if my pain does not go away?
If pain lasts more than 3 days, keeps coming back, or you feel you need the medicine regularly, see your doctor rather than continuing – ongoing pain needs proper assessment, and long-term codeine use is not recommended.

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