What are Syndol Tablets?
Syndol Tablets are used for short-term relief of moderate pain that has not been relieved by other painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone. They are especially useful for tension-type headaches, migraines, and muscular pain. Each tablet contains a combination of four active ingredients: paracetamol, codeine phosphate, caffeine, and doxylamine succinate. Syndol is available as a pharmacy-only medicine and should be used under the advice of a pharmacist or prescriber.
How do they work?
Syndol Tablets combine different ingredients that work in synergy to relieve pain and tension:
- Paracetamol (450mg): helps reduce pain and lower temperature
- Codeine phosphate (10mg): is a mild opioid that blocks pain signals in the brain
- Caffeine (30mg): enhances the pain-relieving effects of paracetamol and can help relieve drowsiness
- Doxylamine succinate (5mg): is a sedating antihistamine; it can cause drowsiness
This combination can be especially effective for headaches and migraines where pain is linked to stress or tension.
How to take Syndol Tablets
- Adults: one or two tablets every 4–6 hours if needed; maximum eight tablets 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 with water. Do not exceed the dose or use for more than three days. Avoid alcohol.
- Older or frail adults should ask a doctor whether a lower dose is needed.
Who are they for?
Syndol Tablets are for adults and young people aged 12 and over who need relief from moderate pain that hasn't responded to standard painkillers. They are commonly used for:
- Tension-type headaches or migraines
- Neck or shoulder pain
- Muscle tension or stress-related pain
- Muscular and rheumatic aches and pains
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.
Warnings and precautions
- Contains codeine - do not use for longer than 3 days without medical advice
- Risk of addiction - prolonged use can lead to dependence
- Do not use with other paracetamol-containing products
- Avoid alcohol - may increase drowsiness and liver risk
- Do not use in the last three months of pregnancy, during labour or while breastfeeding; ask your doctor before use earlier in pregnancy
- May cause drowsiness - avoid driving or operating machinery if affected
Do not use if allergic to any ingredient or another opioid. Ask a pharmacist to check your regular medicines before use, especially sedatives or antidepressants.
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
Can Syndol make you sleepy?
Yes. Doxylamine and codeine can cause drowsiness. Syndol is a short-term pain medicine and should not be used as a sleeping aid. Do not drive if affected and avoid alcohol.
Is Syndol addictive?
Syndol contains codeine, which can cause addiction if taken for more than a few days. Do not use it for more than 3 consecutive days.
Can I take Syndol with ibuprofen?
Yes, if needed, Syndol can be taken alongside ibuprofen. However, do not take it with any other paracetamol-containing medicines or other codeine products.
Is Syndol suitable for migraines?
Syndol can be used for short-term moderate migraine pain that has not responded to simple painkillers alone. It is not a sleeping treatment. Frequent or changing migraines need review by a pharmacist or doctor.
