TENSODOL is a combination pain-relief medicine used to treat mild to moderate pain associated with tension. It is specially formulated with four active ingredients that work together to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and help you relax.
What is TENSODOL?
TENSODOL is a prescription-only tablet designed to manage pain, especially when caused by tension. It is used for short-term treatment and should not be taken continuously without medical advice.
Ingredients of TENSODOL
Each TENSODOL tablet contains the following active ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount per Tablet | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol | 450 mg | Pain reliever and fever reducer |
| Codeine phosphate | 10 mg | Mild opioid for pain relief |
| Caffeine anhydrous | 30 mg | Stimulates alertness, enhances pain relief |
| Doxylamine succinate | 5 mg | Antihistamine with sedative effects |
Note: TENSODOL is sugar-free.
What is TENSODOL Used For?
TENSODOL is used to relieve mild to moderate tension-related pain, such as:
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
- General body aches
- Stress-related discomfort
It is not suitable for chronic pain conditions unless prescribed by a doctor.
How to Take TENSODOL
Recommended Dosage
| Age Group | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Adults & children over 12 years | 1 to 2 tablets every 4 hours, not exceeding 8 tablets in 24 hours |
- Do not take more than the recommended dose.
- Do not use for more than 5 days continuously without consulting a healthcare professional.
Special Populations
| Group | Important Considerations |
|---|---|
| Elderly | May need a lower dose due to slower drug elimination. |
| Liver or Kidney Problems | Must be used under medical supervision with reduced dosage. |
| Children under 12 years | Not recommended – safety and effectiveness have not been established. |
How to Take
Swallow the tablet(s) with water. Do not chew or crush.
Who Should Not Take TENSODOL?
TENSODOL is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Allergy to paracetamol, codeine, caffeine, doxylamine, or other ingredients
- Severe liver or kidney problems
- Respiratory depression or breathing difficulties
- Recent surgery on the bile ducts
- Acute alcoholism
- Head injuries or increased intracranial pressure
- During an asthma attack or in heart failure due to lung disease
- People taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping them
- Known ultra-rapid CYP2D6 metabolisers
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (safety not established)
Important Warnings and Precautions
General Precautions
- Do not take for more than 5 days in a row without medical advice.
- Avoid using with other products containing paracetamol or codeine.
- May cause drowsiness and reduced concentration — do not drive or operate machinery.
- Alcohol increases drowsiness and risk of breathing problems — avoid alcohol.
- Overdose of paracetamol can cause severe liver damage.
People Who Should Use with Caution
If you have any of the following conditions, consult your doctor before using TENSODOL:
- Liver or kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid problems
- Adrenal gland issues
- Enlarged prostate
- Glaucoma
- Asthma or breathing difficulties
- Bowel or urinary issues
- Recent abdominal surgery
- Heart rhythm problems
- Seizures
- History of drug dependence
Risk of Dependency and Addiction
Prolonged or excessive use of TENSODOL — especially codeine — can lead to dependence, addiction, or withdrawal symptoms.
Elderly people and those with a history of substance abuse should use extra caution.
Interactions with Other Medicines
TENSODOL may interact with several types of medications. These interactions can:
- Increase side effects
- Lower effectiveness of your medicine
- Lead to serious health risks
Important Drug Interactions
| Type of Medicine | Effect |
|---|---|
| Other paracetamol-containing products | Risk of overdose/liver damage |
| Alcohol, barbiturates, sedatives, opioids | Increased sedation, drowsiness, risk of coma or death |
| Antihistamines or antidepressants | Additive antimuscarinic effects (dry mouth, constipation) |
| Warfarin and blood thinners | Increased risk of bleeding with long-term use |
| Diuretics and antihypertensives | May increase low blood pressure effects |
| MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) | Severe CNS reactions – should not be taken together |
| Metoclopramide or domperidone | May increase paracetamol absorption |
| Cholestyramine | May reduce paracetamol absorption |
| Anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin) | May speed up paracetamol breakdown — risk of liver damage |
| Naltrexone, naloxone | Block opioid effects including pain relief |
| Quinidine | May reduce codeine’s pain-relief effect |
Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about any medicines or supplements you’re taking.
Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy
- Paracetamol is considered safe when used occasionally during pregnancy.
- Codeine crosses the placenta and regular use may cause dependency in the unborn baby.
- Using TENSODOL during labor may cause breathing problems in newborns.
- Use during pregnancy should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Breastfeeding
- Paracetamol passes into breast milk in very small amounts.
- Codeine is also excreted in breast milk and may lead to opioid toxicity in nursing infants.
- TENSODOL should not be used while breastfeeding.
Symptoms of Overdose
Paracetamol Overdose: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, liver damage.
Codeine Overdose: drowsiness, shallow breathing, small pupils, confusion, low blood pressure.
Caffeine Overdose: restlessness, tremors, tinnitus, visual disturbances, irregular heartbeat.
Doxylamine Overdose: drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, coma, cardiorespiratory collapse (especially dangerous in children).
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if overdose is suspected.
What Do the Tablets Look Like?
TENSODOL tablets are yellow, round, and flat, with a slightly speckled look. They don’t have a strong smell and have smooth, angled edges. You’ll also notice a small triangle marking on one side of each tablet.
Storage Instructions
- Store TENSODOL in a cool, dry place below 25°C.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Do not use after the expiry date on the package.
Certificate Holder:
Cipla Medpro (Pty) Ltd.
Building 9, Parc du Cap,
Mispel Street, Bellville
Final Thoughts
TENSODOL is a strong and effective medicine for tension-related pain, but it must be used with caution. While its combination of paracetamol, codeine, caffeine, and doxylamine offers multi-action relief, the presence of codeine means the risk of drowsiness, addiction, and serious side effects is real — especially with long-term use.
To stay safe:
- Stick to the prescribed dose
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives
- Don’t share the medicine with others
- Consult your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen
If used properly, TENSODOL can be a powerful aid in managing short-term pain related to stress and tension.
Sources
- South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) – Official patient information leaflets for medicines containing paracetamol, codeine, caffeine, and doxylamine.
https://www.sahpra.org.za - World Health Organization (WHO) – Guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of persisting pain in adults and adolescents, with details on paracetamol and codeine.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241548120 - National Health Service (NHS, UK) – Codeine: Uses, side effects, risks, and safety precautions.
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/codeine - Mayo Clinic – Acetaminophen (paracetamol), caffeine, and codeine oral route: indications, interactions, and precautions.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/acetaminophen-caffeine-and-codeine-oral-route - MedlinePlus – U.S. National Library of Medicine – Doxylamine: medical uses, overdose effects, and safety information.
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682537.html - Drugs.com – Combination of paracetamol, codeine, caffeine, and doxylamine: dosage, warnings, and side effects.
https://www.drugs.com - Cipla Medpro (Pty) Ltd. – Official pharmaceutical company in South Africa, manufacturer of combination pain medicines.
https://www.cipla.co.za
Education:
NPU (National Pharmaceutical University) 2010-2015, 2015-2016 internship
Work experience:
2010 – 2012 Pharmacy 63 – Production Department
2012 – 2015 Pharmacy 63 – Pharmacist
2015 – 2016 Pharmacy 63 – Pharmacist
2016 – to date Pharmacy UA – Head of Pharmacy
