What are Syndol Headache Relief Tablets?
Syndol Headache Relief Tablets are for short-term treatment of acute moderate pain, such as headache, migraine, toothache and muscular pain, when paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone has not helped. They contain paracetamol, codeine phosphate and caffeine. Unlike original Syndol they do not contain doxylamine, but codeine can still cause drowsiness. This is a pharmacy-only medicine.
How do they work?
Each tablet contains:
- Paracetamol (500mg): a commonly used painkiller and fever reducer
- Codeine phosphate (8mg): a mild opioid that helps block pain signals
- Caffeine (30 mg): helps the pain-relieving action of paracetamol.
When combined, these ingredients can provide stronger pain relief than paracetamol alone. This medicine is intended for short-term use when other painkillers have not worked.
How to take Syndol Headache Relief Tablets
- Adults: two tablets every 4–6 hours if needed; maximum eight in 24 hours.
- Ages 16–18: one or two tablets every six hours if needed; maximum eight in 24 hours.
- Ages 12–15: one tablet every six hours if needed; maximum four in 24 hours.
- Swallow whole with water. Do not use for more than three days or drink alcohol.
Who are they for?
These tablets are for adults and young people aged 12 and over who need pain relief for conditions such as:
- Tension-type headaches
- Migraine attacks
- Muscle pain
- Dental pain
- Period pain
They should only be used if paracetamol or ibuprofen alone has not helped. This product is not suitable for children under 12, anyone breastfeeding or anyone allergic to an ingredient. Ask a doctor before use in pregnancy.
Warnings and precautions
- Contains codeine — only for short-term use
- Risk of addiction with prolonged use
- Do not take with other paracetamol-containing products
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine
- Do not use while breastfeeding; ask your doctor or pharmacist before use if pregnant or planning pregnancy
- Consult your doctor if pain lasts more than 3 days
Do not give to children under 12, anyone known to convert codeine to morphine very rapidly, or anyone under 18 after tonsil or adenoid surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea. Codeine is not recommended for young people with breathing problems. Do not use while breastfeeding.
Syndol and other pain killers
They are commonly taken with Ibuprofen tablets.
Be careful of any
cold & flu remedies as they may contain paracetamol and do not take paracetamol tablets with this medicine as it
already contains them.
Syndol and Codeine tolerance
If you take Syndol for a prolonged period of time, you may find you become tolerant to it and it becomes less effective at providing pain relief. You may also become dependent on the Codeine if taken regularly for a long period of time. For these reasons you should keep use to as short of a period time with as few tablets taken as possible. Overuse can cause medication-overuse headaches.
Syndol overdose
If you take more than the recommended dose, get medical help immediately, even if you feel well. Too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage that is delayed. Take the packet and any remaining tablets with you. Call 999 for breathing difficulties, collapse or unconsciousness.
Syndol and pregnancy
It is not recommended to take Syndol if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are trying to become pregnant. Paracetamol can be taken during pregnancy but codeine is generally avoided as it can cause codeine dependency in the unborn child. If you require pain relief during pregnancy and you find Paracetamol is not strong enough, contact your GP.
Syndol and breastfeeding
Do not take Syndol while breastfeeding. Paracetamol can be taken during breastfeeding but the codeine is generally avoided as it can pass into the breast milk and affect your child's breathing. If you require pain relief while breastfeeding and you find Paracetamol is not strong enough, contact your GP.
Syndol alternatives
Other alternatives include:
- Co-codamol tablets
- Co-codamol soluble tablets
- Paramol tablets - these contain 7.46mg of dihydrocodeine instead of codeine, which some people prefer
- Solpadeine Plus capsules
- Solpadeine Plus soluble tablets
- Solpadeine Max tablets - these contain 12.8mg of codeine.
- Solpadeine Max soluble tablets - these contain 12.8mg of codeine.
Sources and further information
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as original Syndol?
No. Syndol Headache Relief contains paracetamol 500 mg, codeine phosphate 8 mg and caffeine 30 mg. Original Syndol has different strengths and also contains doxylamine. Both can cause drowsiness.
Can I take it with ibuprofen?
Yes, Syndol Headache Relief can be taken with ibuprofen if stronger pain relief is needed. Do not take it with any other paracetamol-containing products.
How long can I take it for?
You should not take Syndol Headache Relief for more than 3 days without medical advice. If your pain continues, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
Is it safe for children?
Not for children under 12. Ages 12–15 have a lower dose and daily maximum than older teenagers and adults; use the age-specific directions above and check the codeine restrictions.
Can I take it if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do not take while breastfeeding. If pregnant or planning pregnancy, speak to your doctor about suitable pain relief before using this medicine.
