CAFFETIN tablets 250 mg/50 mg/10 mg/210 mg – short-term treatment of acute moderate pain

CAFFETIN is a combination painkiller with four active substances in one tablet: paracetamol (250 mg), propyphenazone (210 mg), caffeine (50 mg) and codeine phosphate (10 mg).

According to the approved leaflet, it is used for short-term treatment of acute, moderate pain that is not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid alone – for example headache, toothache, migraine, sciatica, muscle pain and period pain. Because it contains codeine, it should not be taken for longer than 3 days.

When is CAFFETIN with codeine used and how is it dosed safely?

Key facts about the medicine

What is CAFFETIN used for?

CAFFETIN is used for short-term treatment of acute, moderate pain that is not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid alone, such as headache, toothache, migraine, sciatica, muscle pain (myalgia) and period pain.

How is it used and dosed?

• The medicine is not intended for long-term use – do not take it for more than 3 days. If the pain does not ease within three days, see a doctor.
• Take it as needed, depending on symptoms.
• During treatment do not drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea).
• Caution is needed in patients with impaired liver and/or kidney function.

Special patient groups

• Children under 12: the medicine must not be used.
• Children over 12 with breathing problems: codeine is not recommended, as symptoms of morphine toxicity may be more severe.
• People with impaired liver or kidney function: caution is needed; in severe impairment the medicine must not be used.

Contraindications – when the medicine must not be used

• a previous allergic reaction (breathing problems, swelling of the face and mouth, rash, runny nose) to the active substances, other pyrazolone derivatives or the excipients
• porphyria or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• severe kidney or liver impairment, viral hepatitis
• pregnancy and breastfeeding
• children under 12 years
• people known to convert codeine to morphine very quickly

Precautions and warnings

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have liver, kidney or lung disease (including asthma), blood disorders, allergy to other painkillers, a stomach ulcer or bleeding from the stomach or bowel, if you drink alcohol, or if you are anxious, nervous, have tremor, high blood pressure, palpitations or insomnia.
• Codeine is converted into morphine in the liver. Some people produce too much morphine – if you notice slow or shallow breathing, confusion, drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, nausea, constipation or loss of appetite, stop taking the medicine and seek medical help immediately.
• Use for more than 3 days can cause dependence and, in headache, can make it worse.

Interactions with other medicines, alcohol and food

• other medicines containing paracetamol or caffeine
• sedatives, antidepressants, antiepileptics; benzodiazepines and other calming medicines – combined use increases the risk of drowsiness, respiratory depression and coma and can be life-threatening
• blood thinners; other painkillers and antirheumatics
• rifampicin, isoniazid; metoclopramide, domperidone, colestyramine
• flucloxacillin – risk of high anion gap metabolic acidosis, especially with severe kidney impairment, sepsis, malnutrition or chronic alcoholism
• alcohol and caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea) – avoid during treatment

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

CAFFETIN must not be taken during pregnancy. It must not be taken while breastfeeding either, as codeine and morphine pass into breast milk.

Driving and using machines

At therapeutic doses the medicine does not affect the ability to drive or use machines. Caution is needed at the maximum daily dose (6 tablets), especially if alcohol is consumed at the same time.

Possible side effects

Therapeutic doses are generally well tolerated. Very rarely or at high doses the following may occur:

• nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal disorders
• nervousness, insomnia, palpitations or fast heartbeat
• liver and kidney function disorders
• dependence (with longer use)
• very rarely: serious skin reactions (paracetamol)

Suspected side effects can be reported to your doctor, pharmacist or the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia (ALIMS).

Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment

• Overdose: if you have taken more than the recommended dose, contact a doctor or pharmacist immediately. According to the summary of product characteristics, paracetamol overdose can cause severe liver damage, codeine can cause pinpoint pupils, low blood pressure and respiratory depression, and caffeine can cause fast heartbeat, vomiting, agitation and convulsions.
• Missed dose: the medicine is taken as needed; do not take two tablets to make up for a missed dose.
• Stopping treatment: because of codeine, withdrawal complaints may occur after continuous use for more than 3 days – talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Composition, packaging and manufacturer

• One tablet contains 250 mg paracetamol, 50 mg caffeine, 10 mg codeine phosphate sesquihydrate and 210 mg propyphenazone.
• Excipients: calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate; microcrystalline cellulose; povidone; croscarmellose sodium; colloidal anhydrous silica; sodium starch glycolate (type A); glycerol dibehenate; sodium lauryl sulfate; magnesium stearate.
• Packs: 6 tablets (licence 515-01-03724-21-001), 10 tablets (515-01-03725-21-001) and 12 tablets (515-01-03726-21-001), all dated 24 October 2022.
• Marketing authorisation holder: Alkaloid d.o.o. Beograd.
• Manufacturer: Alkaloid AD Skopje, North Macedonia.

Storage

• Store below 25 °C.
• Shelf life: 3 years.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children; do not use after the expiry date on the carton.
• Return unused medicine to a pharmacy that collects unused medicines.

Frequently asked questions

Does CAFFETIN contain codeine?

Yes. Each tablet contains 10 mg codeine phosphate together with paracetamol, propyphenazone and caffeine. Because of the codeine, the medicine is not intended for use for more than 3 days.

How many CAFFETIN tablets can I take a day?

Adults take 1–2 tablets 3 times a day, up to 6 tablets a day. Children aged 12 to 18 take 1 tablet, up to 3 times a day.

Can CAFFETIN be taken with coffee or alcohol?

No. According to the leaflet, alcohol and caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea should be avoided during treatment.

Is CAFFETIN the same as CAFFETIN sc?

No. CAFFETIN also contains codeine (10 mg), while CAFFETIN sc is a separate medicine without codeine, with its own leaflet. Do not swap them without asking a pharmacist.

Related information

For additional care and support with headache and pain, see also the Headaches, migraines and vertigo category – products in this category do not replace the medicine you have been prescribed.

Sources

• ALIMS – Patient leaflet CAFFETIN®, 250 mg/50 mg/10 mg/210 mg, tablets (licences 515-01-03724/03725/03726-21-001, 24 October 2022)
• ALIMS – Summary of product characteristics CAFFETIN®, tablets
• ALIMS – New and renewed licences 23 Oct–30 Nov 2022 (CAFFETIN, non-prescription)

Sources checked on: 23 October 2026.