Syndol Tablets

The ideal short-term solution for relief from moderate to acute pain, especially in instances where paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin alone has not worked.

Syndol is used for the short term treatment of acute moderate pain which is not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin alone such as headache, including muscle contraction or tension headache, migraine, neuralgia, period pain, toothache and other dental pain, muscular and rheumatic aches and pains and for pain relief 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 relieved by other painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone but not if they are under 18 years of age and have had their tonsils or adenoids removed due to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome.

Syndol Tablets are for short-term treatment and should only be taken for pain that is not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin alone, and should not be taken for more than 3 days at a time.

Do not take Syndol if
• you are allergic to codeine, paracetamol, doxylamine succinate, caffeine or any of the ingredients of this medicine. Signs of an allergic reaction include a rash and breathing problems. There can also be swelling of the legs, arms, face, throat or tongue
• you are having an asthma attack or have severe breathing problems
• you have recently had a head injury
• you have been told by your doctor that you have increased pressure in your head. Signs of this include headaches, being sick (vomiting) and blurred eyesight
• you have recently had an operation on your liver, gall bladder or bile duct (biliary tract)
• you are at risk of blocked intestine (paralytic ileus)
• you are taking other medicines containing codeine or any other paracetamol-containing products
• you are taking a medicine of the class known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs, e.g. selegiline, moclobemide), which are used as antidepressants, or if you had taken any medicine of this group in the past 14 days.
• you are an alcoholic
• the person going to take the tablets is under 12 years of age
• you are under 18 years of age and have had your tonsils or adenoids removed due to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome
• you know that you metabolise very rapidly codeine into morphine
• you are breast-feeding or planning to breastfeed

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

Always take Syndol exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you, or first check with them if you are not sure.

Adults and those aged 65+:
Take one or two tablets every four to six hours as needed for relief.
Wait at least 4 hours before taking another dose.
Do not take more than eight tablets in a 24 hour period.

Children aged 16 to 18 years:
Take 1 to 2 tablets every 6 hours when necessary up to a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Children aged 12 to 15 years:
Take 1 tablet every 6 hours when necessary up to a maximum of 4 tablets in 24 hours.

Children under 12 years:
Syndol should not be taken by children below the age of 12, due to the risk of severe breathing problems.
Do not take Syndol for more than 3 days.
If you need to use this medicine for more than three days you must speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Adults over 18 years of age:
• Take one or two tablets every four to six hours as needed for relief
• Adults should 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 stated dose

If you are elderly or of a weakened state you should seek advice from your doctor before taking Syndol as dosage adjustment may be required.

Children aged 16 to 18 years
1 to 2 tablets every 6 hours when necessary up to a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours

Children aged 12 to 15 years
1 tablet every 6 hours when necessary up to a maximum of 4 tablets in 24 hours

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

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with this medicine:
• constipation
• headache
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• restlessness
• difficulties passing urine
• dry mouth
• blurred vision
• diarrhoea
• thick phlegm

Stop taking Syndol and see a doctor or go to a hospital straight away if:
• You have a rash, fever, swelling, bruising or tiredness
• You have difficulty in breathing or you feel dizzy
• You get swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing
• You could also notice an itchy, lumpy rash (hives) or nettle rash (urticaria). This may mean you are having an allergic reaction
• You get serious skin reactions. Very rare cases have been reported.