Co-proxamol or paracetamol for acute pain?

doi:10.1136/dtb.1998.361080

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 1998;36:80; doi:10.1136/dtb.1998.361080

Co-proxamol or paracetamol for acute pain?

Relevant BNF section: 4.7.1

Fifteen years ago, we drew attention to the widespread use ofthe fixed-dose combination product co-proxamol (dextropropoxyphene32.5mg plus paracetamol 325mg) and the paucity of evidence thatit was more effective than paracetamol alone.¹ Co-proxamol isstill widely used in the UK. Here, we consider its use and reviewdata comparing co-proxamol with paracetamol in the short-termrelief of pain.