Co-codamol (Codeine phosphate/paracetamol) vs Hydromorphone hydrochloride

National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)

Data updated May 2026

Co-codamol (Codeine phosphate/paracetamol) was dispensed 3,858.3× as often as Hydromorphone hydrochloride in May 2026 — 1,180,634 items versus 306 in England.

1,180,634items

Co-codamol (Codeine phosphate/paracetamol) · May 2026

NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis

306items

Hydromorphone hydrochloride · May 2026

NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis

Figure 1. Co-codamol (Codeine phosphate/paracetamol) versus Hydromorphone hydrochloride: national items dispensed by month

▬ Co-codamol (Codeine phosphate/paracetamol) · ╌ Hydromorphone hydrochloride

Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to May 2026

Co-codamol (Codeine phosphate/paracetamol) versus Hydromorphone hydrochloride, May 2026
Measure	Co-codamol (Codeine phosphate/paracetamol)	Hydromorphone hydrochloride
Items, May 2026	1,180,634	306
Items, last 12 months	14,786,718	3,764
Net ingredient cost, May 2026	£6,925,712	£8,143

See the full profile for Co-codamol (Codeine phosphate/paracetamol) or Hydromorphone hydrochloride.