Paracetamol vs Codeine phosphate
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Paracetamol was dispensed 2.7× as often as Codeine phosphate in May 2026 — 1,265,243 items versus 476,175 in England.
1,265,243items
Paracetamol · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
476,175items
Codeine phosphate · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Paracetamol versus Codeine phosphate: national items dispensed by month
▬ Paracetamol · ╌ Codeine phosphate
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to May 2026
| Measure | Paracetamol | Codeine phosphate |
|---|---|---|
| Items, May 2026 | 1,265,243 | 476,175 |
| Items, last 12 months | 15,709,047 | 5,689,284 |
| Net ingredient cost, May 2026 | £5,475,885 | £1,285,900 |
See the full profile for Paracetamol or Codeine phosphate.