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Paracetamol, codeine and buclizine

Take these tablets exactly as directed. Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Drowsiness, nausea and constipation are the most common side effects.
Do not take any other preparation containing paracetamol with this medication.

About paracetamol, codeine and buclizine

Type of medicine Antimigraine drug
Used for Migraine
Also called Migraleve
Available as Tablets

This is a combination treatment containing paracetamol, codeine and buclizine. It is used to relieve the symptoms of migraine including headache, nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick).

Paracetamol and codeine are analgesics or painkillers. They help to ease the pain of the migraine headache.

Buclizine is an anti-emetic or anti-sickness medicine. It works by increasing the contractions of the stomach and intestines which helps the quick absorption of paracetamol and also relieves nausea and vomiting.

A pack of Migraleve contains two different coloured tablets - pink and yellow. The pink tablets contain all three ingredients and the yellow tablets contain just paracetamol and codeine. The different coloured tablets are also available separately as Migraleve Pink and Migraleve Yellow.

Before taking paracetamol, codeine and buclizine

Before taking these tablets make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding. If you are under ten years of age. If you suffer from epilepsy. If you have liver or kidney problems. If you have, or have ever had, problems with drug or alcohol dependence. If you have breathing problems. If you have prostate problems. If you have thyroid problems. If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease). If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure). If you have recently suffered a serious head injury. If you have a bowel problem or have been constipated for more than a week. If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take paracetamol, codeine and buclizine

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet. Take these tablets exactly as directed by your doctor. For adults and children over 14 years of age: take two pink tablets at the start of a migraine attack. Then take two yellow tablets every four hours if required. Do not take more than two pink tablets and six yellow tablets in 24 hours. For children between 10 and 14 years of age: take one pink tablet at the start of a migraine attack. Then take one yellow tablet every four hours if required. Do not take more than one pink tablet and three yellow tablets in 24 hours. Do not take these tablets for more than 3 days in a row. Taking painkillers for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse. Also, taking preparations containing codeine regularly for a long time can lead to addiction. This may then make you feel restless and irritable when you stop taking the tablets.

Getting the most from your treatment

If your symptoms are not relieved after taking these tablets for 3 days, it is important that you speak to a doctor. Do not take other preparations containing paracetamol or codeine at the same time as Migraleve. If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with this preparation. If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Can paracetamol, codeine and buclizine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
Drowsiness, dizziness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets
Sweating, difficulty urinating (passing water), flushing, a fast or fluttering heartbeat, seeing or hearing things that aren't real, mood changes, sexual problems and skin rashes If you experience any of these, speak to your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store paracetamol, codeine and buclizine

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF). Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
EMIS 2009 DocID: 3339 DocRef: dils2317 Last Reviewed: 12 May 2009 Version: 22

Author:EMIS
Copyright 2006 EMIS, HTML generated by EMIS Knowledge Source Editor