Syndol - 10 Tablets

What Are Syndol Tablets and How Do They Relieve Pain?

Syndol tablets are a well-known over-the-counter combination analgesic used to relieve headaches, tension headaches, and mild-to-moderate pain associated with muscle tension. Each pack contains 10 tablets, making it a convenient option to keep at home or carry with you. If you've ever had a headache that just won't shift with standard paracetamol alone, you'll understand why a multi-ingredient formula can make a real difference. You can find Syndol alongside other options in our pain relief collection.

The tablets combine four active ingredients — paracetamol, codeine phosphate, doxylamine succinate, and caffeine — each playing a distinct role in tackling pain from different angles. This combination approach is what sets Syndol apart from single-ingredient analgesics. It's particularly useful when pain is accompanied by muscle stiffness or tension, which is common with tension-type headaches.

How Do Syndol Tablets Work to Relieve Pain?

The mechanism behind Syndol tablets involves all four active ingredients working together. Here's how each one contributes:

• Paracetamol (450mg): Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system, reducing the perception of pain and lowering fever.
• Codeine phosphate (10mg): A mild opioid analgesic that binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, helping to reduce the intensity of pain signals.
• Doxylamine succinate (5mg): An antihistamine with mild sedative and muscle-relaxant properties, which helps ease the tension component often associated with headaches.
• Caffeine (30mg): Enhances the analgesic effect of paracetamol and helps counteract some of the sedation caused by doxylamine, while also causing mild vasoconstriction that can help with vascular headaches.

Together, these ingredients address pain, muscle tension, and the neurological pathways involved in headache — rather than just masking symptoms at a surface level.

Who Should Use Syndol Tablets and Is It Right for You?

Syndol tablets are suitable for adults and young people aged 12 and over who are experiencing mild-to-moderate pain, particularly where muscle tension is a contributing factor. They're especially useful for:

• Tension-type headaches that haven't responded to standard paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Headaches accompanied by neck or shoulder muscle stiffness
• Mild-to-moderate pain where a combination approach is needed
• Adults who need short-term pain relief and are not contraindicated to codeine

They are not suitable for children under 12, pregnant or breastfeeding women (without medical advice), or anyone with known hypersensitivity to any of the active ingredients. People who are ultra-rapid metabolisers of codeine face a higher risk of serious side effects and should avoid codeine-containing products.

How Do Syndol Tablets Compare to Standard Paracetamol Tablets?

How Should You Store Syndol Tablets and Who Should Avoid Them?

Store Syndol tablets below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging. If you're managing multiple health conditions or taking other medicines, it's worth browsing our vitamins and supplements section to ensure nothing you're already taking could interact with this product.

Syndol tablets should be avoided by people with liver or kidney impairment, those with respiratory depression, and anyone currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). If you are unsure whether Syndol tablets are appropriate for your situation, always speak to a pharmacist or GP before use.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Are Syndol Tablets and What Are They Used For?

Syndol tablets are a combination analgesic medicine used for the short-term relief of mild-to-moderate pain, particularly headaches and tension headaches where muscle spasm or stiffness is a contributing factor. Each tablet contains four active ingredients: paracetamol 450mg, codeine phosphate 10mg, doxylamine succinate 5mg, and caffeine 30mg. They are classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK, meaning they are available without a prescription but should be purchased from a registered pharmacy. Syndol tablets are not intended for long-term use and should only be taken for up to three consecutive days without medical supervision.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Syndol Tablets?

Before taking Syndol tablets, it's important to check whether they are appropriate for you. Do not take these tablets if any of the following apply:

• You are under 12 years of age
• You are allergic to paracetamol, codeine, doxylamine, caffeine, or any other ingredient in the tablets
• You have severe liver or kidney disease
• You have respiratory depression or obstructive airways disease
• You are taking or have recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding (seek medical advice first)
• You are a known ultra-rapid metaboliser of codeine (CYP2D6)
• You have a history of opioid dependence

The following medicines may interact with Syndol tablets:

• Other paracetamol-containing products — risk of paracetamol overdose
• Other opioid analgesics — additive CNS depression
• Alcohol — increases sedation and liver toxicity risk
• Tricyclic antidepressants and other CNS depressants — enhanced sedation
• Anticoagulants such as warfarin — paracetamol may enhance anticoagulant effect with prolonged use
• Metoclopramide or domperidone — may increase the rate of paracetamol absorption

How Should You Use Syndol Tablets Correctly?

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your pack before taking Syndol tablets. Follow these steps:

1. Take two tablets with a full glass of water.
2. Allow at least 6 hours between doses.
3. Do not take more than 8 tablets (4 doses) in any 24-hour period.
4. Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist.
5. Do not crush or chew the tablets — swallow them whole.

If you are also managing digestive discomfort alongside your pain, you may find it helpful to explore our IBS and cramps collection for additional support options.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Syndol Tablets?

Like all medicines, Syndol tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Knowing what to look out for helps you use this medicine safely.

Common side effects:

• Drowsiness or sedation (due to doxylamine)
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness

Less common side effects:

• Headache on overuse (medication overuse headache with prolonged use)
• Urinary retention
• Blurred vision
• Skin rash or allergic reaction
• Dependence or withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use of codeine

Stop taking Syndol tablets and seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, severe skin reactions, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat. If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP.

How Should You Store Syndol Tablets Safely?

Correct storage helps maintain the effectiveness and safety of your tablets. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C in a dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton
• Do not store in a bathroom or near a sink
• Return unused or expired tablets to your pharmacist for safe disposal — do not flush down the toilet or throw in household waste

If you're looking for other short-term relief options or want to explore complementary approaches to managing discomfort, our first aid collection includes a range of products that may be useful alongside your pain management plan.