Panadeine forte is an oral (tablet) analgesic. Each tablet contains 500mg of paracetamol and 30mg of codeine phosphate. The analgesic works by increasing a patient’s pain threshold and blocking their pain impulses.

Panadeine Forte Use

Panadeine forte is used for continued pain relief from limb fractures and burns when a patient is isolated, medical intervention/patient evacuation has been delayed and the maximum dose of methoxyflurane has been administered.

Panadeine Forte Administration

Panadeine forte should be administered as follows:

• Adults: 1-2 tablets taken with water every 4 hours (maximum 8 in 24 hours)
• Children 7-10 years: ½ tablet taken with water every 6 hours
• Children under 7 years: Nil.

Contraindications

When administering pharmaceutical pain relief, there are a number of contraindications you need to be aware of. A contraindication is a factor that renders the administration of a drug inadvisable. It is contraindicated to administer panadeine forte when the following factors are present:

• patient has known hypersensitivity
• patient is under 7 years.

Adverse Effects

When administering panadeine forte, the following adverse effects may present:

• gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disturbances
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• dyspepsia
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation.

Warning!

Precautions should be taken when administering panadeine forte to patients who present with the following symptoms:

• hepatic or renal dysfunction
• central nervous system depression
• decreased respiratory tidal volume.

Want to Learn More?

If you are interested in learning more about panadeine forte, take some time out to browse the following online medical reference site:

• Wikipedia (US); Co-codamol

Note: this is an external website. If you click on the above link, you will leave the Pain Relief eLearn course for Volunteer Ambulance Officers (VAOs) site.

Navigation

If you are interested in reading and learning more about pain relief, go to the Skills Sheets and Essential Reading sections. If you would like to check your understanding of this eLearn course, go to the Assessment section.