Syndol Headache Tablets - Pack of 30

Syndol Headache Tablets are a multi-ingredient pain relief medicine for the short-term treatment of acute moderate pain that is not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone.

Each tablet combines:

• Paracetamol (pain relief and fever reduction)
• Codeine phosphate (opioid painkiller)
• Doxylamine succinate (antihistamine; can cause drowsiness)
• Caffeine (mild stimulant)

Syndol may be used for short-term relief of pains such as:

• Headache, including tension (muscle contraction) headache, and migraine
• Neuralgia (nerve pain)
• Period pain (dysmenorrhoea)
• Toothache and other dental pain
• Muscular and rheumatic aches and pains
• Pain following surgery or dental procedures

Important: This product contains codeine, which can cause addiction if taken continuously for more than 3 days. If you need pain relief for longer than 3 days, seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor.

If you take this medicine for headaches for more than 3 days, it can make them worse. 

Always take exactly as directed in the patient information leaflet or by your pharmacist/doctor.

Duration of use

• Do not take for more than 3 days. If symptoms persist or you need it longer, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

Adults (including the elderly)

• Take 1–2 tablets every 4–6 hours as needed.
• Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
• Maximum 8 tablets in 24 hours.
• If you are elderly or of a weakened state, seek medical advice as dose adjustment may be required.

Children and adolescents

• Aged 16–18: 1–2 tablets every 6 hours when necessary, max 8 tablets in 24 hours.
• Aged 12–15: 1 tablet every 6 hours when necessary, max 4 tablets in 24 hours.
• Under 12: Do not give (risk of severe breathing problems).

If you take too much

Seek urgent medical advice immediately (even if you feel well), because taking too much paracetamol can cause delayed, serious liver damage. 

Active ingredients (per tablet):

• Paracetamol 450mg
• Codeine phosphate 10mg
• Doxylamine succinate 5mg
• Caffeine 30mg

Other ingredients (excipients):

Povidone, croscarmellose sodium, pregelatinised maize starch, magnesium stearate, talc and water.

Film coating contains:

Lactose monohydrate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol 4000, quinoline yellow (E104) and sunset yellow (E110). 

Do not take Syndol if (including but not limited to):

• You are allergic to any ingredient (including codeine/paracetamol/doxylamine/caffeine).
• You are taking any other paracetamol-containing medicines, or other products containing codeine.
• You are taking (or have taken within the last 14 days) MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
• You are breast-feeding (or planning to breastfeed).
• The person taking it is under 12 years.
• You are under 18 and have had tonsils/adenoids removed due to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.
• (See full leaflet for the complete list.)

Key pharmacy warnings (important)

• For max 3 days use only. Codeine can cause addiction; stop and seek advice if you feel you need it longer.
• Do not exceed the stated dose.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
• May cause drowsiness or dizziness: do not drive or operate machinery if affected.
• Taking opioids with benzodiazepines increases risk of severe drowsiness, breathing difficulties and coma; only together if prescribed and closely supervised.

Pregnancy

• Ask a healthcare professional for advice if pregnant; do not take in the last three months of pregnancy or in labour.

Possible side effects

Stop taking and seek urgent medical help if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty) or severe skin reactions.

Other side effects that may occur include (not exhaustive):

• Nausea/vomiting, low blood pressure (light-headedness), confusion, depression, sleep difficulties, shaking/fits, irregular heartbeat, stomach pain, sweating/flushing, appetite loss, drowsiness/dizziness.
• Constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, difficulty passing urine, diarrhoea, thick phlegm, nightmares/hallucinations, cramps or stiffness.

Reporting side effects: Yellow Card Scheme (MHRA).