Description
Maximum-Strength Relief for Acute Moderate Pain
Solpadeine Max Tablets Overview
CONTAINS OPIOID – Can cause Addiction. Use For NO MORE THAN 3 DAYS
Solpadeine Max Tablets are a combination analgesic used for the short-term relief of moderate pain when standard painkillers alone are not effective. They contain paracetamol and codeine phosphate, working together to provide enhanced pain relief for a range of acute pain conditions.
In the UK, Solpadeine Max is an over-the-counter pharmacy medicine for adults, intended for brief use at the lowest effective dose.
Understanding Moderate Pain
Why some pain needs stronger treatment
Moderate pain can involve both peripheral pain signals and central pain processing. Situations such as dental pain, migraine, injury or post-procedural discomfort may not respond adequately to single-ingredient analgesics.
Why combination analgesics are used
Combining medicines with different mechanisms of action can improve pain control while remaining suitable for short-term use.
What Are Solpadeine Max Tablets?
Solpadeine Max Tablets combine:
- Paracetamol – an analgesic and antipyretic that reduces pain and fever
- Codeine phosphate – a weak opioid analgesic that acts centrally to reduce pain perception
This dual action offers stronger pain relief than paracetamol alone.
How Do Solpadeine Max Tablets Work?
Central pain relief
Paracetamol works primarily in the central nervous system, reducing prostaglandin-mediated pain signalling and lowering fever.
Opioid analgesia
Codeine is converted in the body to morphine in small amounts and acts on opioid receptors, reducing the brain’s perception of pain.
Combined effect
Together, these actions provide effective relief for pain that has not responded to simple analgesics.
What Solpadeine Max Helps With — and What It Does Not
What it helps with
Solpadeine Max Tablets are used to relieve:
- dental pain
- headache and migraine
- back pain
- muscular aches and sprains
- period pain when severe
- pain following minor procedures
They are intended for short-term use only.
What it does not treat
Solpadeine Max does not:
- cure underlying causes of pain
- treat chronic pain conditions long term
- relieve nerve pain effectively
- replace medical assessment for ongoing symptoms
Who Are Solpadeine Max Tablets For?
Solpadeine Max may be suitable for:
- adults with moderate pain
- people whose pain has not responded to paracetamol alone
- short-term use where stronger relief is required
A pharmacist can help confirm suitability.
Who Should Avoid Solpadeine Max
Solpadeine Max should not be used if:
- you are allergic to paracetamol or codeine
- you have breathing problems
- you have liver disease without medical advice
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you are under 18 years of age
It should not be taken with other paracetamol-containing medicines.
How to Take Solpadeine Max Tablets
Take tablets with water at the recommended intervals. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
Do not take for more than 3 days unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Safety, Warnings and Side Effects
Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and constipation. Codeine can cause dependence if taken for longer than recommended.
Avoid alcohol while taking Solpadeine Max.
Risk of Dependence and Overuse
Codeine-containing medicines should only be used short term. Continued use increases the risk of tolerance, dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
If pain persists, seek medical advice rather than continuing treatment.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Speak to a GP or pharmacist if:
- pain does not improve within 3 days
- pain worsens
- you experience severe drowsiness or confusion
- signs of liver problems occur
Urgent advice is required if overdose is suspected.
How Solpadeine Max Compares to Other Painkillers
Solpadeine Max vs paracetamol alone
Solpadeine Max provides stronger pain relief by adding central opioid action to paracetamol’s analgesic effect.
Solpadeine Max vs NSAIDs
NSAIDs reduce inflammation but may not be suitable for everyone. Solpadeine Max does not have anti-inflammatory action but may be better tolerated by some people.
Solpadeine Max Tablets Summary
Solpadeine Max Tablets provide effective short-term relief from moderate pain by combining paracetamol with codeine. When used correctly and briefly, they can help manage pain that has not responded to standard treatments.
Persistent or severe pain should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.





