Name: Syndol Headache Relief Tablets (30)
Availability: InStock

What is Syndol?

The name of your medicine is Syndol Film-coated Tablets (referred to as Syndol throughout this leaflet). Syndol contains four active ingredients: caffeine, codeine phosphate, doxylamine succinate, and paracetamol. Paracetamol acts as a painkiller (analgesic) and reduces fever (antipyretic), codeine phosphate is also a painkiller, doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine, and caffeine is a mild stimulant.

What are the active ingredients in Syndol?

The active ingredients in Syndol Headache Relief tablets are: Paracetamol 500mg, Caffeine 30mg and Codeine Phosphate 8mg.

What is Syndol used for?

Syndol is used for the short-term treatment of acute moderate pain that is not effectively relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin alone. It is suitable for managing various types of pain, including headaches (such as muscle contraction or tension headaches), migraines, neuralgia, period pain, toothache and other dental pain, muscular and rheumatic aches and pains, as well as pain following surgery or dental procedures. Codeine can be used in children over 12 years of age for the short-term relief of moderate pain that is not alleviated by other painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen alone. However, it should not be used in children under 18 years of age who have had their tonsils or adenoids removed due to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome.

How does Syndol work?

Syndol Headache Relief tablets contain three active ingredients—paracetamol, codeine, and caffeine—to provide fast-acting, triple-action pain relief. Syndol Original includes these same three ingredients with the added benefit of a fourth ingredient, doxylamine. Paracetamol is a pain reliever that helps reduce mild to moderate pain and fever by decreasing the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord. Prostaglandins are chemicals that sensitize nerve endings at the site of injury, triggering pain. By lowering their production, paracetamol increases pain tolerance, making the sensation of pain less intense even though the cause remains. Codeine, an opioid painkiller, is slightly stronger than paracetamol and works by mimicking the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals, endorphins. Codeine blocks the transmission of pain signals from the nerves to the brain, which means that while the underlying cause of the pain persists, the sensation of pain is diminished. Caffeine, included in Syndol, acts as a mild stimulant, enhancing the pain-relieving effects of paracetamol and counteracting the drowsiness that codeine may cause. Syndol Original Tablets also contain doxylamine, a sedating antihistamine typically used to alleviate allergy symptoms. In combination with the other ingredients, doxylamine acts as an effective muscle relaxant, helping to relieve tension headaches and muscle pain.

How do you take Syndol?

Always use Syndol exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. If you are unsure, consult them for guidance.

Duration of Use: Do not take Syndol for more than 3 days. If you need to continue using this medicine beyond three days, you must consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Addiction Risk: This medicine contains codeine, which can cause addiction if taken continuously for more than three days. If you stop taking it, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you believe you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Dosage Instructions

Adults, including the elderly:

Take one or two tablets every four to six hours as needed for pain relief.
Wait at least 4 hours before taking another dose.
Do not take more than eight tablets in a 24-hour period.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
If you are elderly or in a weakened state, consult your doctor before taking Syndol, as your dosage may need adjustment.

Children aged 16 to 18 years:

Take 1 to 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Children aged 12 to 15 years:

Take 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 4 tablets in 24 hours.

Children under 12 years:

Syndol should not be taken by children under 12 years of age due to the risk of severe breathing problems.

If You Take More Syndol Than You Should

Signs of overdose may include unusually pale skin, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, pin-point pupils, difficulty breathing, irregular heart rate, and kidney pain.
Seek medical attention immediately if you take too much of this medicine, even if you feel well. An overdose of paracetamol can cause serious, delayed liver damage.
Take any remaining tablets and the packaging with you to the doctor so they know what you have taken.

If You Forget to Take Syndol

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Always ensure at least 4 hours between doses.

If You Stop Taking Syndol

Because Syndol contains codeine, it can cause addiction if used continuously for more than three days. If you stop taking it, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you think you are suffering from withdrawal symptoms.

Who should not take Syndol?

Important Information Before You Take Syndol

Addiction Warning: This medicine contains codeine, which can lead to addiction if taken continuously for more than 3 days. Stopping the medication after this period may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Headache Warning: If you use this medicine to treat headaches for more than 3 days, it could potentially make them worse.

Do Not Take Syndol If:

You are allergic to codeine, paracetamol, doxylamine succinate, caffeine, or any other ingredients in this medicine (listed in section 6). Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, breathing difficulties, and swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or limbs.
You are experiencing an asthma attack or have severe breathing problems.
You have recently suffered a head injury.
You have been diagnosed with increased pressure in your head, with symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, and blurred vision.
You have recently undergone surgery on your liver, gallbladder, or bile duct (biliary tract).
You are at risk of a blocked intestine (paralytic ileus).
You are currently taking other medications that contain codeine or paracetamol.
You are taking, or have taken in the last 14 days, a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), a class of antidepressants (e.g., selegiline, moclobemide).
You are an alcoholic.
The person using this medication is under 12 years of age.
You are under 18 years old and have had your tonsils or adenoids removed due to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome.
You know that you metabolize codeine into morphine very rapidly.
You are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.

Do not take Syndol if any of the above conditions apply to you.

Warnings and Precautions

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Syndol if:

You have liver, kidney, thyroid, or heart problems, or if you are elderly or in a weakened state.
You suffer from high blood pressure, prostate gland issues, obstructive bowel problems, acute abdominal conditions (such as peptic ulcers), hormonal disorders, difficulty passing urine, or have recently undergone gastrointestinal surgery.
You are in shock, have gallstones, glaucoma, a condition called myasthenia gravis (which weakens muscles), or a history of seizures.
You have a history of mood disorders, alcohol or drug abuse, or are currently under psychiatric treatment.
You are taking a benzodiazepine (used to treat anxiety or sleep disorders), such as diazepam, clobazam, lorazepam, chlordiazepoxide, oxazepam, temazepam, nitrazepam, loprazolam, lormetazepam, or clonazepam.

Codeine is converted to morphine in the liver by an enzyme. Morphine is responsible for providing pain relief. Some individuals have a variation of this enzyme that affects how they metabolize codeine. In some people, very little morphine is produced, resulting in insufficient pain relief. Others may produce too much morphine, leading to serious side effects. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking this medicine and seek immediate medical attention: slow or shallow breathing, confusion, drowsiness, small pupils, nausea or vomiting, constipation, or loss of appetite. If you are unsure whether any of the above conditions apply to you, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.

Taking Syndol with Food and Drink

Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Syndol.

Children and Adolescents

Use in children and adolescents after surgery: Codeine should not be used for pain relief in children and adolescents following the removal of their tonsils or adenoids due to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome. Use in children with breathing problems: Codeine is not recommended for children with breathing difficulties, as the symptoms of morphine toxicity could be more severe in these cases.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. Do not take Syndol and consult your doctor if:

You are in the last three months of pregnancy.
You are in labor.
You are breastfeeding, as codeine and morphine can pass into breast milk.

Driving and Using Machines

Syndol may impair your ability to drive by causing drowsiness or dizziness.

Do not drive while taking this medicine until you know how it affects you. Driving while impaired by this medicine is an offense.
However, you would not be committing an offense if:
- The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental condition.
- You have taken it according to the prescriber's instructions or the information provided with the medicine.
- It does not impair your ability to drive safely.

If you are unsure whether it is safe for you to drive while taking this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Important Information About Ingredients

Lactose: This product contains lactose. If your doctor has informed you that you have an intolerance to certain sugars, consult them before taking this medicine.
Color Additives: It also contains sunset yellow (E110) and quinoline yellow (E104), which may cause allergic reactions.
Sodium: This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, essentially making it ‘sodium-free’.

What are the side effects of Syndol?

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, this medication can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The following side effects may occur with this medicine:

Stop Taking Syndol and Seek Medical Attention Immediately If You Experience:

A rash, fever, swelling, bruising, or fatigue.
Difficulty breathing or feeling dizzy.
Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, or throat, which may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing.
An itchy, lumpy rash (hives) or nettle rash (urticaria), which could indicate an allergic reaction.
Serious skin reactions (though these are very rare).

Contact Your Doctor Immediately If You Notice the Following Serious Side Effects:

Severe stomach pain that may radiate to your back, which could be a sign of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). This is a very rare side effect.
Increased susceptibility to infections or easy bruising, which could indicate a blood disorder such as agranulocytosis or thrombocytopenia.
Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice).

Inform Your Doctor or Pharmacist If Any of the Following Side Effects Become Severe or Persist for More Than a Few Days:

Nausea or vomiting.
Low blood pressure, which may cause light-headedness or fainting when standing up.
Confusion or depression.
Difficulty sleeping, shaking, or seizures.
Irregular heartbeat.
Stomach pain, sweating, or facial flushing.
General discomfort or loss of appetite.
Very slow or shallow breathing.
Shortness of breath.
Hallucinations or nightmares.
Muscle cramps or stiffness.
Developing a dependence on codeine.

Other Potential Side Effects Include:

Constipation, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness.
Difficulty passing urine, dry mouth, blurred vision.
Diarrhea or thick phlegm.

How Do I Know if I’m Addicted?

If you follow the instructions on the pack, it is unlikely that you will become addicted to this medicine. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor if:

You feel the need to take the medicine for longer periods.
You find yourself needing to take more than the recommended dose.
You feel unwell when you stop taking the medicine, but better when you start taking it again.

Reporting Side Effects

If you experience any side effects, speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly through the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or by searching for "MHRA Yellow Card" in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Reporting side effects helps provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Does Syndol interact with other medicines?

Other Medicines and Syndol

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking or have recently taken any other medications, including those obtained without a prescription, such as herbal medicines. This is important because Syndol can interact with other medicines, affecting how they work or how Syndol works. While taking Syndol, avoid using any other medications that contain paracetamol. This includes some painkillers, cough and cold remedies, and a wide range of medicines available both by prescription and over the counter. Do not take this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking:

Medicines for depression known as MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) or if you have taken them in the last two weeks. Examples include moclobemide, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any of the following:

Medicines that cause drowsiness or sleepiness (CNS depressants), such as barbiturates, anesthetics, hypnotics, other opioid analgesics, anxiolytic sedatives, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines, or benzodiazepines used for anxiety or sleep disorders.
Medicines for high blood pressure (diuretics and antihypertensives).
Antidepressants for treating or preventing clinical depression.
Antipsychotics used for treating mental distress or disorders.
Antimuscarinics, such as atropine or hyoscine.
Neuromuscular blockers, such as tubocurarine.
Blood thinners, such as warfarin (or other coumarins).
Metoclopramide or domperidone, used to treat nausea or vomiting.
Colestyramine, for lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Hydroxyzine, for treating anxiety and tension.
Mexiletine, for treating irregular heartbeat.
Kaolin or loperamide, for treating diarrhea.
Naloxone, for treating narcotic overdose.
Naltrexone, used as part of a treatment program for drug or alcohol dependence.
Cimetidine, for treating stomach ulcers.
Cisapride, for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Quinidine, for treating irregular heart rate.
Oral contraceptive pills.

If you are unsure whether any of the above applies to you, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Syndol. The concomitant use of opioids and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drowsiness, breathing difficulties (respiratory depression), coma, and may be life-threatening. Therefore, you should only take these medications together if prescribed by a doctor. Always follow your doctor’s dosage instructions closely. It may be helpful to inform friends or relatives to watch for signs and symptoms of these effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Syndol FAQs

What are Syndol Tablets?

Syndol Tablets are formulated to provide fast and effective short-term relief from pain when common over-the-counter painkillers, like paracetamol, have not been effective. Syndol targets mild to moderate pain caused by various factors, including headaches, migraines, neuralgia (nerve pain), period pain, toothache, and rheumatic aches and pains. With millions of people in the UK regularly suffering from headaches and migraines, Syndol offers a stronger, short-term solution for those whose pain is not adequately managed by standard pain relief tablets like paracetamol or ibuprofen.

What are Syndol Tablets used for?

Syndol Tablets are intended for short-term relief of acute pain, such as headaches, migraines, toothache, nerve pain, period pain, and muscle pain. There are two types of Syndol Tablets:

Syndol Headache Relief Tablets: Contain paracetamol, codeine, and caffeine, specifically targeting mild to moderate pain from headaches and migraines.
Syndol Original Pain Relief Tablets: Include a muscle relaxant called doxylamine, which helps alleviate tension headaches, muscle pain, toothache, period pain, and neuralgia.

Syndol should only be used when traditional painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin, are insufficient, and it is intended for short-term use (up to 3 days) due to the risk of addiction.

How does Syndol work?

Syndol Headache Relief tablets combine three active ingredients—paracetamol, codeine, and caffeine—to provide fast-acting, triple-action pain relief. Syndol Original adds a fourth ingredient, doxylamine, for additional muscle relaxation.

Paracetamol reduces mild to moderate pain and fever by decreasing the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the brain and spinal cord that trigger pain.
Codeine is an opioid painkiller that mimics the action of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relievers, blocking pain signals to the brain.
Caffeine acts as a mild stimulant, enhancing the pain-relieving effects of paracetamol and countering the drowsiness caused by codeine.
Doxylamine in Syndol Original is a sedating antihistamine that also serves as an effective muscle relaxant, reducing tension headaches and muscle pain.

What are alternatives to Syndol Tablets?

Non-prescription alternatives for pain relief include:

Ibuprofen
Paracetamol
Aspirin
Topical treatments like ibuprofen gel

For migraines, Migraleve Yellow and Migraleve Pink tablets may be effective, as they combine pain relief with a substance that reduces nausea associated with migraines. If Syndol does not effectively manage your pain within 3 days, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I take Syndol Tablets with paracetamol?

No, you should not take Syndol with any other product containing paracetamol, as this could lead to an overdose, potentially causing serious liver and kidney damage. Always check the ingredients of any medicine you take alongside Syndol. If unsure, ask your pharmacist.

What are the ingredients in Syndol Tablets?

Syndol Headache Relief Tablets: Paracetamol 500mg, Caffeine 30mg, Codeine Phosphate 8mg.
Syndol Original Tablets: Additionally contain Doxylamine Succinate 5mg.

Other ingredients include povidone, maize starch, methylcellulose, talc, purified water, and calcium stearate, among others.

What should I be aware of before taking Syndol Tablets?

Do not take Syndol if:

You are allergic to any of the ingredients.
You have asthma, severe respiratory disease, alcoholism, or have had recent bile duct surgery.
You suffer from paralytic ileus (a non-functioning bowel) or have recently had a head injury or raised skull pressure.
You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Consult your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, an enlarged prostate, low blood pressure, bowel disorders, or an underactive thyroid.

Can Syndol interact with other medicines?

Yes, Syndol can interact with other medications. Do not take it if you are currently taking or have recently taken:

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), antidepressants, or similar medications.

If you are on any other medications, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Syndol.

Can I drive while taking Syndol?

Syndol Tablets may cause drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness, avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, and consuming alcohol.

Download patient leaflet

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.750.pdf