Skip to main content
This page is for general information. Consult a doctor for personal advice. Call emergency services if symptoms are severe.
About the medicine

How to use PARACODINA 2.4 mg/ml SYRUP

Contents of the leaflet

  1. Introduction
  2. What is Paracodina and what is it used for
  3. What you need to know before taking Paracodina
  4. How to take Paracodina
  5. Possible side effects
  6. Storage of Paracodina
  7. Package Contents and Additional Information

Introduction

Package Leaflet: Information for the Patient

Paracodina 2.4 mg/ml Syrup

Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate

Read this package leaflet carefully before starting to take this medicine, as it contains important information for you.

  • Keep this package leaflet, as you may need to read it again.
  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others, as it may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
  • If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this package leaflet. See section 4.

Contents of the Package Leaflet:

  1. What is Paracodina and what is it used for
  2. What you need to know before taking Paracodina
  3. How to take Paracodina
  4. Possible side effects
  5. Storage of Paracodina
  6. Package Contents and Additional Information

1. What is Paracodina and what is it used for

Paracodina is presented in the form of a syrup containing dihydrocodeine bitartrate as the active ingredient. Dihydrocodeine belongs to the group of medicines called antitussives, which are used to treat cough.

This medicine is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of dry cough (not accompanied by mucus).

Doctor consultation

Not sure if this medicine is right for you?

Discuss your symptoms and treatment with a doctor online.

2. What you need to know before taking Paracodina

Do not take Paracodina

  • If you are allergic to dihydrocodeine and its salts or to any of the other components of this medicine (listed in section 6).
  • If you have respiratory problems such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), respiratory depression (slow or insufficient breathing) or acute asthma attacks.
  • If you are in a coma (severe state of loss of consciousness).
  • If you are in the third trimester of pregnancy (see section "Pregnancy and Breastfeeding").
  • During breastfeeding (see section "Pregnancy and Breastfeeding").
  • In children under 2 years of age.

Warnings and Precautions

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take Paracodina.

It is not recommended to use:

  • If you have diseases that involve respiratory problems,
  • If you have problems with consciousness or increased intracranial pressure (high pressure inside the head) or have a history of epileptic seizures, as respiratory depression (slow or insufficient breathing) may increase,
  • If you are in the first four months of pregnancy (see section "Pregnancy and Breastfeeding"),
  • If you have chronic constipation or are at risk of or have paralytic ileus (paralysis of intestinal movement),
  • If you have diarrhea associated with pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the colon) caused by antibiotics or in diarrhea caused by intoxication until the toxic material has been eliminated from the gastrointestinal tract,
  • If you are dependent on opioids.

It should be administered with caution:

  • In elderly people, as they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine,
  • If you have liver or kidney problems,
  • If you have prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate), urethral stenosis (abnormal narrowing of the urethra),
  • If you have gallbladder conditions,
  • If you have chronic ulcerative colitis (inflammation and ulceration of the colon and rectum).

Do not take this medicine if you know you metabolize codeine or dihydrocodeine very quickly, as there may be a risk of greater side effects.

Prolonged administration of Paracodina is not recommended, as it may produce physical and psychological dependence (addiction) and tolerance. If the cough persists for more than three days, you should consult your doctor again.

Children

Since this medicine is contraindicated in case of bronchial asthma, it should be taken into account that chronic cough in children could be a symptom of bronchial asthma.

Use of Paracodina with other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or may take any other medicine.

The following medicines may interfere and should not be taken with Paracodina without first consulting your doctor:

  • Medicines used to treat depression called MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) or if you have taken this type of medicine in the last two weeks.
  • Central Nervous System Depressants (medicines that act on the brain and produce drowsiness), such as sleep aids, antihistamines (used to treat allergies), medicines used to treat anxiety, medicines used to treat certain mental disorders, certain pain relievers or general anesthetics.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants.
  • Cimetidine and other drugs that influence hepatic metabolism.

Taking Paracodina with food, drinks, and alcohol

Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine. The administration of dihydrocodeine with Central Nervous System Depressants such as alcohol may cause a reduction in coordination, as well as prolonged reaction time and recent memory impairment.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.

Pregnancy

Do not take Paracodina if you are in the third trimester of pregnancy. Use near delivery and at high doses may cause slow or insufficient breathing in the newborn.

This medicine is not recommended during the first and second trimester of pregnancy, unless your doctor considers it strictly necessary.

Breastfeeding

This medicine passes into breast milk. For this reason, you should not take Paracodina during breastfeeding. If it is essential, breastfeeding should be interrupted.

Driving and using machines

Ask your doctor if you can drive or use machines during treatment with Paracodina. It is essential that before driving or using machines, you observe how this medicine affects you. Do not drive or use machines if you feel drowsy, dizzy, have blurred vision or double vision, or have difficulty concentrating. Be especially careful at the start of treatment and/or when taking it in combination with other medicines.

Alcohol can potentiate drowsiness, so you should not drink alcoholic beverages during treatment.

Use in athletes

Athletes are informed that this medicine contains a component that may produce a positive result in doping tests.

Paracodina contains sucrose

This medicine contains sucrose. If your doctor has told you that you have an intolerance to certain sugars, consult with them before taking this medicine.

Patients with diabetes mellitus should note that this medicine contains 2.4 g of sucrose per 5 ml dose.

It may cause cavities.

3. How to take Paracodina

Follow the administration instructions of this medicine exactly as indicated by your doctor. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.

Your doctor will indicate the dose you should take of this medicine and the duration of the treatment. It is essential to use the smallest dose that controls the symptoms. This medicine should not be taken for more than 3 days. If after three days you do not have relief from the cough, you should consult your doctor again.

The administration of the medicine is subject to the appearance of symptoms, so the dose can be reduced as they disappear.

The recommended dose is:

Adults and adolescents over 12 years:5 to 10 ml of syrup (1 to 2 5 ml spoons) up to three times a day.

Do not exceed the maximum dose of 72 mg of dihydrocodeine per day (30 ml of syrup per day).

Children 6-12 years:1 to 2 ml of syrup up to three times a day.

Do not exceed the maximum dose of 15 mg of dihydrocodeine per day, which corresponds to 6.25 ml of this syrup.

Children 2-5 years:1 ml of syrup up to three times a day.

Do not exceed the maximum dose of 7.5 mg of dihydrocodeine per day, which corresponds to 3.125 ml of this syrup.

Children under 2 years should not take this medicine, it is contraindicated.

Important note: For safety reasons, with the aim of administering the correct dose in the case of children under 12 years, the use of a dosing syringe is recommended.

Consult your pharmacist about which device is most suitable for administering the dose indicated by your doctor.

If you think the effect of this medicine is too strong or too weak, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more Paracodina than you should

Taking very high doses can cause initial excitement, anxiety, insomnia, and later, in certain cases, drowsiness, lack of reflexes that progresses to stupor or coma, headache, contraction of the pupil, changes in blood pressure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), dry mouth, allergic reactions, cold and viscous skin, decrease or increase in heart rate, convulsions, gastrointestinal disorders, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression (slow or insufficient breathing). In severe poisoning, apnea (pauses in breathing or shallow breathing), circulatory collapse (loss of basal tone of blood vessel walls, insufficient blood return to the heart), cardiac arrest, and death may occur.

If you have taken more Paracodina than you should, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately or the Toxicology Information Service, phone 91 562 04 20. If severe poisoning has occurred, the doctor will take the necessary measures.

If you forget to take Paracodina

Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses.

If you stop taking Paracodina

Administration should be gradually suspended after prolonged use, as physical and psychological dependence (addiction) and tolerance may occur with repeated administration of this drug.

If you have any further questions about the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Medicine questions

Started taking the medicine and have questions?

Discuss your symptoms and treatment with a doctor online.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

The assessment of the frequency of adverse reactions is based on the following criteria: Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 patients), common (may affect up to 1 in 10 patients), uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 patients), rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 patients), very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 patients).

  • The following side effects have been observed, whose frequency has not been established: stomach upset, constipation, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, inability to urinate, breathing problems (dyspnea), respiratory depression.
  • Rare side effects: headache, itching, hives.
  • Very rare side effects: euphoria, allergic skin reaction known as Quincke's edema, contraction of the pupil of the eye, loss of vision, circulation problems, angina pectoris.

Reporting of side effects

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse, even if it is a possible side effect not listed in this package leaflet. You can also report them directly through the Spanish Medicines and Health Products Agency (AEMPS) website: www.notificaram.es. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storage of Paracodina

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not store above 25°C.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the package after CAD. The expiry date is the last day of the month indicated.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Place the package and any unused medicine in the pharmacy's SIGRE collection point. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the package and any unused medicine. This will help protect the environment.

6. Package Contents and Additional Information

Composition of Paracodina

  • The active ingredient is dihydrocodeine bitartrate. Each 5 ml of syrup (one spoon) contains approximately 12 mg of dihydrocodeine bitartrate.
  • The other ingredients are: glycerol (E-422), sucrose, benzoic acid (E-210), cherry flavor, and purified water.

Appearance of the product and package contents

Paracodina is presented in the form of a slightly yellowish syrup. Each package contains 125 ml of syrup.

Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer

Marketing Authorization Holder:

TEOFARMA S.r.l. Via F.lli Cervi, 8 Valle Salimbene (Pavia).

Manufacturer:

Teofarma S.r.l. Viale Certosa, 8/A Pavia, Italy.

Date of the last revision of this package leaflet: July 2020

Detailed and updated information on this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) (http://www.aemps.es/).

Online doctors for PARACODINA 2.4 mg/ml SYRUP

Discuss questions about PARACODINA 2.4 mg/ml SYRUP, including use, safety considerations and whether a prescription is appropriate, subject to medical assessment and local regulations.

Doctor
5.0(21)

Nuno Tavares Lopes

General medicine18 years of experience

Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes is a licensed physician in Portugal with 17 years of experience in emergency medicine, family and general practice, and public health. He is the Director of Medical and Public Health Services at an international healthcare network and serves as an external consultant for the WHO and ECDC.

  • Emergency care: infections, fever, chest/abdominal pain, minor injuries, paediatric emergencies

  • Family medicine: hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, chronic disease management

  • Travel medicine: pre-travel advice, vaccinations, fit-to-fly certificates, travel-related illnesses

  • Sexual and reproductive health: PrEP, STD prevention, counselling, treatment

  • Weight management and wellness: personalised weight loss programmes, lifestyle guidance

  • Skin and ENT issues: acne, eczema, allergies, rashes, sore throat, sinusitis

  • Pain management: acute and chronic pain, post-surgical care

  • Public health: prevention, health screenings, long-term monitoring

  • Sick leave (Baixa médica) connected to Segurança Social in Portugal

  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange

Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes provides medical support for patients using GLP-1 medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) as part of a weight loss strategy. He offers individualised treatment planning, regular follow-up, dose adjustment, and advice on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. Consultations follow the medical standards accepted in Europe.Dr. Lopes also provides interpretation of medical tests, follow-up care for complex patients, and multilingual support. Whether for urgent concerns or long-term care, he helps patients act with clarity and confidence.

Book a video appointment
€70
Doctor
5.0(6)

Jorge Correa Bellido

General medicine7 years of experience
Licence no. 464626297

Dr. Jorge Correa Bellido is a Spanish physician who offers online consultations in Spanish and English. He graduated from the University of La Laguna and has a solid background in clinical practice and international research.

Throughout his career, he has participated in various medical and academic projects, including a research fellowship in Spain, where he contributed to evidence-based studies in the field of family medicine. This experience allowed him to broaden his global perspective on healthcare and comprehensive patient care.

Dr. Correa Bellido has worked with several healthcare providers in Spain, focusing particularly on patient-centered care and public health initiatives aimed at communities with limited access to healthcare services.

In addition, he actively participates in international medical conferences and workshops, which allows him to stay up to date with the latest medical advances and collaborate with healthcare professionals from different countries.

Dr. Correa Bellido provides comprehensive care for a wide variety of medical conditions, including:

  • respiratory infections
  • gastrointestinal disorders
  • cardiovascular problems
  • endocrine and metabolic diseases
  • musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions
  • as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

He also treats infectious and allergic diseases, general health concerns, and provides guidance on prevention and healthy lifestyle habits.

His services include virtual consultations, diagnosis and management of acute and chronic diseases, prescription renewals, and personalized medical advice.

With a patient-centered approach and a strong commitment to continuous learning, Dr. Correa Bellido provides accessible and high-quality healthcare to patients both in Spain and around the world.

Book a video appointment
€86
Doctor
4.7(11)

Anastasiia Shalko

General medicine13 years of experience
Licence no. 52891

Dr. Anastasiia Shalko is a general practitioner with a background in both paediatrics and general medicine. She graduated from Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv and completed her paediatric internship at the P.L. Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education. After working as a paediatrician in Kyiv, she relocated to Spain, where she has been practising general medicine since 2015, providing care for both adults and children.Her work focuses on urgent, short-term medical concerns – situations where patients need quick guidance, symptom assessment and clear next steps. She helps people understand whether their symptoms require in-person evaluation, home management or a change in treatment. Common reasons for booking an online consultation include:

  • acute respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever)
  • viral illnesses such as colds and seasonal infections
  • gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis)
  • sudden changes in how a child or adult feels
  • questions about existing treatment and whether adjustments are needed
  • renewal of prescriptions when clinically appropriate

Dr. Shalko works specifically with urgent and short-term problems, providing practical recommendations and helping patients determine the safest next step. She explains symptoms clearly, guides patients through decision-making and offers straightforward medical advice for everyday acute issues.She does not provide long-term management of chronic conditions, ongoing follow-up or comprehensive care plans for complex long-term illnesses. Her consultations are designed for acute symptoms, sudden concerns and situations where timely medical input is important.With clinical experience in both paediatrics and general medicine, Dr. Shalko confidently supports adults and children. Her communication style is clear, simple and reassuring, helping patients feel informed and supported throughout the consultation.

Book a video appointment
€56
Doctor

Chikeluo Okeke

General medicine4 years of experience

Dr Chikeluo Okeke is an internal medicine doctor with extensive international clinical experience. Originally from Nigeria, he has worked across multiple European healthcare systems and currently practises in Sweden. This professional path has given him a strong understanding of different medical approaches and the ability to work effectively with patients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Dr Okeke focuses on general internal medicine and adult primary care, combining clinical accuracy with careful attention to lifestyle, personal context, and everyday health concerns. His consultations are particularly well suited for people who seek medical advice online, live abroad, or need clear guidance without unnecessary complexity.

He provides online consultations covering symptom assessment, prevention, and long-term management of chronic conditions, helping patients understand what is happening and decide on appropriate next steps.

Common reasons for consultation:

  • General internal medicine concerns and initial health assessment.
  • Acute symptoms such as fever, cough, infections, pain, or weakness.
  • Chronic conditions and treatment adjustment.
  • Blood pressure issues, fatigue, metabolic concerns.
  • Preventive consultations and routine check-ups.
  • Interpretation of laboratory results and medical reports.
  • Medical advice for patients receiving care online.

Dr Okeke is known for his clear communication, calm approach, and cultural awareness. He listens carefully, explains medical decisions in a structured way, and supports patients in making informed choices about their health.

Online consultations with Dr Chikeluo Okeke offer reliable internal medicine care without geographic limitations, focused on medical relevance, clarity, and patient comfort.

Book a video appointment
€66
Doctor
5.0(8)

Lizaveta Trafimchuk Takhvaniuk

DermatologyGeneral medicine10 years of experience
Licence no. 58788

Dr. Lizaveta Trafimchuk Takhvaniuk graduated in Medicine and subsequently specialized in Dermatology and Venereology. She has more than 10 years of clinical experience and is licensed to practice in Spain, where she focuses on the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions.

Throughout her education and professional career, Dr. Trafimchuk has gained extensive experience in managing diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, as well as in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Her clinical approach is based on evidence-based medicine, combined with personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs.

In her daily practice, she treats a wide range of dermatological conditions, including chronic inflammatory dermatoses such as acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. She also has experience in treating pigmentation disorders, including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and dyschromia.

She has developed a particular interest in trichology, treating various types of alopecia, chronic hair loss, and scalp disorders. In addition, she has experience in managing infectious dermatoses of fungal, viral, and bacterial origin, as well as in evaluating benign and suspicious skin lesions, with referral to specialized care when necessary.

With a strong interest in a comprehensive approach to skin health, she also treats scars, post-procedural skin changes, and conditions related to hormonal factors and aging, including those associated with pregnancy, menopause, and age-related skin changes.

Thanks to her experience and continuous professional development, Dr. Trafimchuk provides high-quality medical care that is professional, confidential, and aligned with modern dermatology standards.

Book a video appointment
€72
Doctor

Hocine Lokchiri

General medicine21 years of experience

Dr. Hocine Lokchiri is a French consultant with over 20 years of experience in General and Emergency Medicine. He works with adults and children, helping patients with urgent symptoms, infections, sudden health changes and everyday medical concerns that require timely evaluation. His background includes clinical practice in France, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, which allows him to navigate different healthcare systems and manage a wide range of conditions with confidence. Patients value his calm, structured approach, clear explanations and evidence-based decision-making.

Online consultations with Dr. Lokchiri are suitable for many situations when someone needs quick medical guidance, reassurance or a clear next step. Common reasons for booking include:

  • fever, chills, fatigue and viral symptoms
  • cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, breathing discomfort
  • bronchitis and mild asthma flare-ups
  • nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, digestive infections
  • rashes, allergic reactions, redness, insect bites
  • muscle or joint pain, mild injuries, sprains
  • headache, dizziness, migraine symptoms
  • stress-related symptoms, sleep disturbances
  • questions about test results and treatment plans
  • management of chronic conditions in stable phases
Many patients reach out when symptoms appear suddenly and cause concern, when a child becomes unwell unexpectedly, when a rash changes or spreads, or when it’s unclear whether an in-person examination is necessary. His emergency medicine background is particularly valuable online, helping patients understand risk levels, identify warning signs and choose safe next steps.

Some situations are not suitable for online care. If a patient has loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, major trauma or symptoms suggesting a stroke or heart attack, he will advise seeking immediate local emergency services. This improves safety and ensures patients receive the right level of care.

Dr. Lokchiri’s professional training includes:

  • Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
  • Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS/ACLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
  • eFAST and critical care transthoracic echocardiography
  • aviation medicine
He is an active member of several professional organisations, including the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU), the French Association for Emergency Physicians (AMUF) and the Swiss Society of Emergency and Rescue Medicine (SGNOR). In consultations, he works with clarity and precision, helping patients understand their symptoms, possible risks and the safest treatment options.
Book a video appointment
€64

Frequently Asked Questions

PARACODINA 2.4 mg/ml SYRUP requires a prescription in Spain. You can check with a doctor online whether this medicine may be appropriate for your situation.

The active ingredient in PARACODINA 2.4 mg/ml SYRUP is dihydrocodeine. This information helps identify medicines with the same composition but different brand names.

PARACODINA 2.4 mg/ml SYRUP is manufactured by Teofarma S.R.L.. Pharmacy brands and packaging may differ depending on the distributor.

Doctors such as Psychiatrists, Neurologists, General medicine doctors, Pain medicine doctors, Anaesthesiologists may assess whether PARACODINA 2.4 mg/ml SYRUP is appropriate, depending on your situation and local regulations. You can book an online consultation to discuss your symptoms and possible next steps.

The prescription is issued by a doctor after assessing your health. In Spain, PARACODINA 2.4 mg/ml SYRUP is then dispensed in pharmacies with that prescription. An online consultation does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued: the decision always rests with the doctor.

To request an assessment, you can use Oladoctor:

Other medicines with the same active substance (dihydrocodeine) include TOSIDRIN 10 mg/ml ORAL DROPS IN SOLUTION, DOLODENS 100 mg/15 mg/10 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS, DUOXONA 10 mg/5 mg PROLONGED-RELEASE TABLETS. These may have different brand names or formulations but contain the same therapeutic ingredient. Always consult a doctor before switching or starting a new medicine.

Stay informed about Oladoctor

News about new services, product updates and useful information for patients.

Follow us on social media