What is Adco-Napacod used for?

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on March 20, 2025.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Adco-Napacod is a pain reliever that’s available in South Africa. It’s meant to be used as short-term therapy to treat acute pain. It contains two drugs:

10 mg codeine
500 mg paracetamol (known as acetaminophen in the U.S.)

Adco-Napacod is used to treat various types of pain, including:

Low back pain
Headache
Joint pain
Fever
Menstrual cramps
Toothache

Side effects include:

Constipation
Sweating
Sleepiness
Nausea and vomiting
Low blood pressure
Decreased appetite
Risk of respiratory depression

Before taking the tablets, dissolve them in water.

The typical adult dosage is 1 to 2 tablets taken every 4 to 6 hours.
The maximum dose is 8 tablets in 24 hours.
The dosage in children ages 12 to 18 is 1 tablet taken every 4 to 6 hours with a maximum dose of 4 tablets in 24 hours.
Adco-Napacod should not be given to children under 12 years of age.

Adco-Napacod is metabolized by an enzyme in the liver known as CYP2D6. This process converts Adco-Napacod to the active drug, morphine. In certain people, this conversion happens more quickly than usual. They are classified as CYP2D6 rapid metabolizers. This quicker metabolism can lead to unsafe morphine levels in the body. People who are CYP2D6 rapid metabolizers should not take Adco-Napacod.

Adco-Napacod is not available in the U.S. A comparable product that is available by prescription is acetaminophen with codeine. These tablets contain 300 mg acetaminophen combined with different strengths of codeine:

300 mg acetaminophen/15 mg codeine
300 mg acetaminophen/30 mg codeine. The typical adult dosage is 1 to 2 tablets taken every 4 hours as needed for pain.
300 mg acetaminophen/60 mg codeine. The typical adult dosage is 1 tablet taken every 4 hours as needed for pain.

It is recommended that the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time be prescribed.

The following chart shows the maximum recommended amounts of acetaminophen and codeine:

	Maximum amount per dose	Maximum amount per day
Acetaminophen	300 mg to 1,000 mg	4,000 mg
Codeine	30 mg to 60 mg	360 mg

The U.S. product carries the same warnings as Adco-Napacod. Acetaminophen with codeine is a schedule III controlled substance. Due to the potential for addiction, abuse and misuse, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for these products.

Acetaminophen vs paracetamol: What do you need to know?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) found in the U.S is the same medicine as paracetamol (Panadol) used throughout many regions of the world, including Europe, Australia, India and New Zealand. Acetaminophen and paracetamol are the generic names of medicines used to treat mild pain, headache and fever. Continue reading

What is paracetamol / Panadol called in the US?

Paracetamol is known as acetaminophen in the U.S. Acetaminophen relieves mild-to-moderate pain, headache and fever. It's available over-the-counter as brand names such as Tylenol, Mapap or Panadol, and also as generics and store-specific brands. There are no differences in the chemical or therapeutics uses of acetaminophen and paracetamol, although recommended doses or available products may differ between countries. Continue reading

What temperature is considered a fever?

A fever is defined as a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. Normal body temperature is usually 37°C (98.6°F), although it can be about a half degree Celsius higher or lower for some people and that’s normal for them. Continue reading

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