Syndol Headache Relief Tablets

What is Syndol and what is it used for?

Syndol Headache Relief Tablets are designed to provide effective relief from the pain of headaches or migraines. It is estimated that in The UK over ten million people suffer from headaches and migraines. However, the pain they experience can vary, which makes finding the right treatment very important.

In addition, Syndol Original Tablets have proven to not only help combat painful headaches they can also be used to relieve mild to moderate pain caused by the following factors:

• Neuralgia (nerve pain)
• Period pain
• Toothache
• Rheumatic aches and pains

Both varieties of Syndol should only be used if your pain is not effectively managed by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone. They are intended for short-term use only (up to 3 days) as the active ingredients may cause addiction.

Syndol Headache Relief Tablets contain three active ingredients; paracetamol, codeine and caffeine. Whereas Syndol Original Tablets also contain a sedating antihistamine known as Doxylamine.

How do Syndol Headache Relief and Syndol Original work?

Paracetamol is a painkiller that works to relieve mild to moderate pain and fever. It is thought to reduce the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord. Prostaglandin is a pain-triggering chemical that acts to sensitise nerve endings at the site of trauma. By reducing their production, paracetamol can increase our tolerance to pain. So, even though the cause of the pain will remain, the painful sensation it produces will be reduced.

Codeine is an opioid painkiller and is slightly stronger than paracetamol. Opioids work by mimicking the action of endorphins, which are the body's natural pain-relieving chemical. Codeine, like endorphins, block the transmission of pain signals being sent from the nerves to the brain. This means that even though the cause of the pain is still there, less pain is actually felt.

Syndol also contains caffeine, which will act as a weak stimulant. This stimulant can enhance paracetamol’s pain-relieving effects. It can also act to counter the drowsiness that can be caused by codeine.

Syndol Original Tablets also contain the active ingredient Doxylamine, which is a sedating antihistamine that can help relieve symptoms of allergies such as a blocked nose, sneezing or itchy eyes it can also help to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep if this is impacted by the pain you are experiencing.

As of March 2015, new drug driver testing has come into force. This allows police to use a roadside test to check for prohibited substances in a driver's saliva. One such prohibited substance is Morphine. Codeine is converted to Morphine in the liver. This means it may be a criminal offence to drive whilst taking Syndol Headache Relief Tablets. You should abstain from driving if you believe this medicine may affect your ability to do so safely.

People can vary in the way their bodies metabolise codeine. For some, this may lead to an increased chance of experiencing side effects. These can include:

• Reduced levels of consciousness
• Sleepiness
• Slow, shallow breathing
• 'Pin-point' pupils
• Lack of appetite
• Nausea & vomiting
• Constipation

If you experience any of the above side effects, stop using Syndol tablets and seek medical advice straight away.

If you find that Syndol Headache Relief Tablets are not effectively managing your pain symptoms, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take Syndol Headache Relief with any other product that contains paracetamol. An overdose is dangerous and could potentially cause serious damage to the liver and kidneys. Many over-the-counter pain relief treatments, as well as most cough/cold remedies, contain paracetamol. Always check the ingredients of any medicine you buy before taking them at the same time as Syndol. If you are unsure about any medicine or its ingredients, ask your pharmacist for advice.

Do not take Syndol for longer than 3 days without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Taking this medicine regularly can result in building a tolerance to it, which will make it less effective at relieving pain. Prolonged use can also lead to a codeine dependency. As a result, when you stop taking this medicine, it could cause substance withdrawal. This will lead to symptoms, such as irritability and restlessness. If painkillers are used too frequently for headaches, it can often make them worse

Non-Prescription Alternatives for the treatment of Pain are;

• Ibuprofen
• Paracetamol
• Aspirin
• Topical Treatments (Ibuprofen gel)
• Rest the area

If your pain does not ease or becomes severe, contact your GP or Pharmacist for further advice.

Syndol can interact with other medicines. You should not take this medicine if you are taking, have taken recently or plan to take any of the following:

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Antidepressants
• Phenelzine
• Tranylcypromine
• Isocarboxazid
• Moclobemide
• Selegiline

Do not take any other medicine that contains paracetamol with Syndol, as this can easily result in exceeding the maximum daily dosage of paracetamol. Most cough/cold remedies and pain relief medicines contain paracetamol. Always be sure to check the ingredients of any medicine to you intend to take prior to use. Alternatively, ask your pharmacist for advice.

The amount of codeine contained in Syndol is unlikely to cause drowsiness. However, the chances of experiencing this side effect increases if it is taken with any of the following medicines:

• Antipsychotics
• Benzodiazepines
• Sedating antihistamines
• Sleeping tablets
• Strong opioid painkillers
• Tricyclic antidepressants

Codeine can reduce muscular activity in the gut, which can oppose the effects of some medicines on the gut. These include; domperidone and metoclopramide.

Taking codeine together with antimuscarinic medicines can carry an increased risk of experiencing constipation, dry mouth and blurred vision. Examples of antimuscarinics include:

• Procyclidine
• Orphenadrine
• Trihexiphenidyl
• Oxybutynin
• Tolterodine
• Flavoxate
• Propiverine
• Trospium
• Atropine
• Hyoscine

If used with antimotility medicines, such as loperamide, codeine can carry a risk of causing severe constipation.

Medicines such as quinidine, rifampicin and ritonavir are known to reduce the painkilling effects of codeine.

Colestyramine is known to reduce the absorption of paracetamol from the gut. Because of this, colestyramine should not be taken within an hour of taking a paracetamol containing product, such as Syndol.

Other medicines that contain the same active ingredients as Syndol Headache Relief include:

• Solpadeine Max Soluble Tablets
• Solpadeine Plus Soluble Tablets
• Veganin Tablets

Other common medicines that contain both paracetamol and codeine include:

• Migraleve Yellow Tablets
• Panadol Ultra
• Paracodol
• Codipar
• Kapake
• Solpadol
• Tylex
• Zapain

Swallow with water.

Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years:

Two tablets to be taken every four hours as required. Do not take more than eight tablets in any 24 hour period. Do not exceed the stated dose. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Not suitable for children under twelve years of age.

Paracetamol 500mg, Caffeine 30mg and Codeine Phosphate 8mg