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Migraleve Complete - 12 Tablets

Migraleve Complete - 12 Tablets

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  • ✔️ Targets migraine pain, nausea, and vomiting simultaneously
  • ✔️ Pink tablets act fast at first sign of attack
  • ✔️ Contains buclizine to control migraine-related nausea
  • ✔️ Dual-phase pack: pink onset tablets plus yellow follow-up tablets
  • ✔️ Suitable for adults and young people aged 12 and over

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What Are Migraleve Complete Tablets and How Do They Help?

 

If you've ever been hit by a migraine, you'll know it's far more than just a headache. The throbbing pain, the sensitivity to light and sound, the wave of nausea — it can stop your day completely. Migraleve Complete tablets are a well-established, over-the-counter option designed to tackle multiple migraine symptoms at once, combining three active ingredients in a single treatment pack. Available from our pain relief collection, this 12-tablet pack contains both pink and yellow tablets to provide staged relief from the very first sign of an attack.

Each pack includes 4 pink tablets and 8 yellow tablets. The pink tablets are taken first, at the onset of a migraine, and contain buclizine hydrochloride alongside paracetamol and codeine phosphate. The yellow tablets, taken subsequently, contain paracetamol and codeine phosphate only. This two-phase approach mirrors how a migraine actually progresses — addressing nausea early, then sustaining pain relief as the attack continues.

 

How Do Migraleve Complete Tablets Work in the Body?

 

The three active ingredients each play a distinct role:

  • Buclizine hydrochloride (6.25 mg, pink tablets only) — an antihistamine that acts on the vomiting centre in the brain to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with migraines.
  • Paracetamol (500 mg, both pink and yellow tablets) — a widely used analgesic that reduces pain signals and lowers fever by acting on the central nervous system.
  • Codeine phosphate (8 mg, both pink and yellow tablets) — a mild opioid analgesic that enhances pain relief by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain.

Together, these ingredients address the two most disabling aspects of a migraine attack: the pain itself and the accompanying nausea. It's worth noting that codeine is converted to morphine in the body, which is why this medicine carries specific warnings around dependence and is not suitable for everyone.

 

Who Is Migraleve Complete Suitable For?

 

This medicine is intended for adults and young people aged 12 and over who experience migraine headaches with or without nausea and vomiting. It is not a preventative treatment — it should only be taken once a migraine has started. It may be particularly useful if:

  • You regularly experience nausea or vomiting alongside your migraines.
  • Standard paracetamol or ibuprofen alone hasn't provided adequate relief.
  • You need a convenient, pre-dosed combination product rather than taking multiple separate medicines.
  • You are aged 12 or over and have confirmed migraine (not just tension headache).

It is not suitable for children under 12, people who are breastfeeding, or those who are known to be ultra-rapid metabolisers of codeine. Always read the full patient information leaflet before use.

 

How Does Migraleve Complete Compare to Other Migraine Tablets?

 

Feature Migraleve Complete Paracetamol alone
Active ingredients Paracetamol + Codeine + Buclizine Paracetamol only
Addresses nausea Yes (buclizine in pink tablets) No
Opioid component Yes (codeine 8 mg) No
Suitable for under 12s No Age-dependent formulation

 

How Should You Store Migraleve Complete Tablets?

 

Store Migraleve Complete tablets below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep them out of the reach and sight of children at all times. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date printed on the packaging. If you're managing several OTC medicines at home, it's worth browsing our first aid collection for storage solutions and other household health essentials.

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.

Migraleve Complete 12 Tablets specifications
Treatment category Migraine relief
Mechanism of action Analgesic (paracetamol + codeine) and antiemetic (buclizine)
Effective for Migraine headache with nausea and vomiting
Suitable for Adults and children aged 12 and over
Active ingredients Paracetamol 500 mg, Codeine phosphate 8 mg, Buclizine hydrochloride 6.25 mg (pink tablets); Paracetamol 500 mg, Codeine phosphate 8 mg (yellow tablets)
Pack size 12 tablets (4 pink + 8 yellow)
UK classification Pharmacy (P) medicine
Drug class Analgesic / Antiemetic combination
Preparation Film-coated tablets
Route of administration Oral

Specifications of Migraleve Complete 12 Tablets

 

What Is Migraleve Complete and What Is It Used For?

 

Migraleve Complete is a combination OTC medicine used to relieve the symptoms of a migraine attack. It contains three active ingredients — paracetamol, codeine phosphate, and buclizine hydrochloride — working together to reduce head pain and control nausea. It is available without a prescription from registered UK pharmacies and is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine, meaning a pharmacist must be involved in the sale. Migraleve Complete tablets are not intended for everyday headaches or tension-type headaches — they are specifically indicated for confirmed migraine.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Migraleve Complete?

 

Before taking this medicine, read the following carefully. There are several situations where Migraleve Complete should not be used:

  • You are allergic to paracetamol, codeine phosphate, buclizine hydrochloride, or any other ingredient in the tablets.
  • You are under 12 years of age.
  • You are breastfeeding — codeine passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing infant.
  • You are a known ultra-rapid metaboliser of codeine (a genetic variation that causes codeine to convert to morphine very quickly, increasing overdose risk).
  • You have severe liver or kidney disease.
  • You have a condition causing breathing difficulties, such as severe asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • You have raised intracranial pressure or a head injury.

The following medicines may interact with Migraleve Complete. Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking:

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — serious interactions can occur.
  • Other medicines containing paracetamol — risk of accidental overdose.
  • Other opioid analgesics or sedatives — increased risk of drowsiness and respiratory depression.
  • Anticoagulants such as warfarin — paracetamol may enhance anticoagulant effect with prolonged use.
  • Metoclopramide or domperidone — may affect how quickly paracetamol is absorbed.

 

How Should You Use Migraleve Complete?

 

Always take Migraleve Complete exactly as described below. Do not exceed the stated dose. Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water.

  1. At the first sign of a migraine attack, take 2 pink tablets.
  2. If symptoms persist after 4 hours, take 2 yellow tablets.
  3. Continue taking 2 yellow tablets every 4 hours as needed.
  4. Do not take more than 2 pink tablets and 6 yellow tablets in any 24-hour period.
  5. Do not take for more than 3 days without seeking medical advice.
Tablet colour Age group Dose Frequency
Pink (buclizine + paracetamol + codeine) 12 years and over 2 tablets Once at onset only
Yellow (paracetamol + codeine) 12 years and over 2 tablets Every 4 hours (max 3 times in 24 hrs)
Pink or Yellow Under 12 years Not suitable — do not use

If you find you are needing to take Migraleve Complete more than a few times per month, speak to your GP. Frequent use of codeine-containing medicines can lead to medication-overuse headache, which can actually make migraines worse over time. You might also find it helpful to explore our sickness and nausea collection for additional antiemetic options to discuss with your pharmacist.

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Migraleve Complete?

 

Like all medicines, Migraleve Complete can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. If you notice any side effects not listed here, contact your pharmacist or GP.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Drowsiness or sedation
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • Nausea (paradoxically, in some individuals)
  • Skin rash or itching
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Confusion, particularly in older adults
  • Dependence with prolonged use (codeine)

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin reaction. Codeine can also cause respiratory depression in rare cases — if breathing becomes slow or shallow, call 999 immediately.

 

How Should You Store Migraleve Complete?

 

  • Store below 25°C in a dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
  • Keep in the original packaging to protect from moisture.
  • Keep out of the reach and sight of children at all times.
  • Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton.
  • Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused tablets to your pharmacy for safe disposal.

If you're managing migraine alongside other health conditions, our vitamins and supplements collection includes magnesium and riboflavin products that some people find supportive as part of a broader migraine management plan — always discuss with your GP first.

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Our medical team rigorously evaluates every product and piece of advice we provide, ensuring you receive only the most effective, science-backed solutions available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Migraleve Complete tablets online in the UK?

You can buy Migraleve Complete 12 Tablets directly from Cured Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered online pharmacy. It is available as an over-the-counter Pharmacy (P) medicine, so no prescription is needed. Simply add it to your basket and a pharmacist will review your order before dispatch.

How do Migraleve Complete tablets work in the body?

Migraleve Complete works through three active ingredients acting simultaneously. Buclizine hydrochloride blocks signals in the brain's vomiting centre to reduce nausea, paracetamol reduces pain by acting on the central nervous system, and codeine phosphate binds to opioid receptors to enhance pain relief. Together they address both the headache and the nausea that typically accompany a migraine attack.

How do I use Migraleve Complete step by step?

Take 2 pink tablets at the very first sign of a migraine — ideally before the headache becomes severe. If symptoms continue after 4 hours, take 2 yellow tablets, and repeat every 4 hours as needed. Never exceed 2 pink tablets and 6 yellow tablets within any 24-hour period.

What is the correct dose of Migraleve Complete for adults?

For adults and young people aged 12 and over, the dose is 2 pink tablets at the onset of a migraine, followed by 2 yellow tablets every 4 hours if needed. The maximum in 24 hours is 2 pink tablets and 6 yellow tablets. Do not take more than this, as codeine and paracetamol both carry overdose risks at higher doses.

When is the best time to take Migraleve Complete?

The pink tablets should be taken as early as possible — ideally at the very first warning sign (aura, visual disturbance, or the beginning of head pain). Early treatment tends to be more effective because it can help prevent the migraine from reaching its peak intensity. Do not wait until the pain is severe before taking the first dose.

What are the common side effects of Migraleve Complete?

The most commonly reported side effects include drowsiness, constipation, dizziness, and dry mouth — largely attributable to the codeine and buclizine components. These effects are usually mild and temporary. If drowsiness is significant, avoid driving or operating machinery while taking this medicine.

How do I manage side effects of Migraleve Complete?

For constipation, staying well hydrated and eating fibre-rich foods can help. Drowsiness usually passes as the medicine wears off, so rest in a quiet, dark room if possible — which is often beneficial for migraine recovery anyway. If side effects are severe or persistent, stop taking the tablets and speak to your pharmacist or GP.

Can I take Migraleve Complete if I am pregnant?

Migraleve Complete is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, because codeine can cause breathing problems in the newborn. Paracetamol alone is generally considered safer during pregnancy, but you should always consult your GP or midwife before taking any medicine when pregnant. Do not self-medicate with codeine-containing products during pregnancy.

Is Migraleve Complete suitable for children?

Migraleve Complete is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. This restriction exists because codeine carries a risk of serious breathing problems in younger children, and the MHRA has advised against its use in this age group. For children aged 12 and over, adult dosing guidance applies, but a pharmacist should be consulted before use.

Can I take Migraleve Complete with other painkillers?

You should not take Migraleve Complete alongside any other paracetamol-containing product — including cold and flu remedies — as this significantly increases the risk of paracetamol overdose. Combining it with other opioids or sedatives is also dangerous. Always check with your pharmacist before taking it alongside any other medicine, including those from our cold and flu collection.

Who is eligible to buy Migraleve Complete?

Migraleve Complete is suitable for adults and young people aged 12 and over who experience confirmed migraine attacks. It is not suitable for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 12, or who have certain medical conditions including severe liver or kidney disease. A pharmacist will assess your suitability at the point of purchase.

What happens if I miss a dose of Migraleve Complete?

If you forget to take a yellow tablet dose and it has been more than 4 hours since your last dose, take it as soon as you remember — provided you are still within the 24-hour maximum. Never double up doses to compensate for a missed one. If your migraine has resolved, there is no need to continue taking the tablets.

How long can you use Migraleve Complete for?

Migraleve Complete should not be used for more than 3 consecutive days without medical advice. Using codeine-containing medicines too frequently — more than 10 to 15 days per month — can lead to medication-overuse headache, a condition where the treatment itself begins to cause daily headaches. If you find yourself needing migraine relief very regularly, speak to your GP about preventative options.

What are the alternatives to Migraleve Complete for migraines?

Alternatives include sumatriptan (a triptan available OTC for adults with confirmed migraine), ibuprofen, or aspirin combined with an antiemetic such as domperidone. For those who cannot take codeine, a paracetamol-only or NSAID-based approach may be more appropriate. Browse our pain relief collection to explore other options, or speak to your pharmacist for personalised advice.

What does the latest research say about codeine for migraine?

Current clinical guidance, including recommendations from NICE and the British Association for the Study of Headache (BASH), generally advises caution with opioid-containing medicines like codeine for migraine due to the risk of medication-overuse headache and dependence. Triptans and NSAIDs are typically preferred as first-line treatments where appropriate. Migraleve Complete remains a licensed OTC option for those who have not responded adequately to simpler analgesics.

How Should You Use Migraleve Complete?

Migraleve Complete comes in two tablet types — pink and yellow — each taken at a different stage of your migraine attack. Always swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew them.

What Is the Correct Dose of Migraleve Complete?

The dosing for Migraleve Complete is age-specific and differs between the pink and yellow tablets. Always follow the guidance below and never exceed the stated maximum dose. Taking more than the recommended amount of paracetamol or codeine can cause serious harm, including liver damage.

When Is the Best Time to Use Migraleve Complete?

Timing is everything with migraine treatment. The pink tablets are most effective when taken at the earliest possible sign of an attack — this is often during the aura phase, before the headache reaches full intensity. Waiting until the pain is severe can reduce how well the medicine works, as gastric stasis (slowed stomach emptying, common during migraines) may delay absorption of the active ingredients.

If you experience migraines with a predictable pattern, keep your Migraleve Complete tablets accessible so you can act quickly. Do not take the pink tablets as a preventative measure before a migraine has started.

How Long Can You Use Migraleve Complete For?

Migraleve Complete should not be used for more than 3 consecutive days per migraine episode without seeking medical advice. Using codeine-containing medicines on more than 10 to 15 days per month can lead to medication-overuse headache — a condition where frequent use of pain relief actually triggers more frequent headaches over time. If you find yourself reaching for migraine tablets more than twice a week, speak to your GP about preventative migraine treatments.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Migraleve Complete?

Most people tolerate Migraleve Complete well when taken as directed, but side effects can occur. The most frequently reported ones are linked to the codeine and buclizine components. If you experience any of the following, they are usually mild and resolve once the medicine wears off.

  • Drowsiness or sedation
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision

Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or drink alcohol while experiencing drowsiness from this medicine.

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of Migraleve Complete?

Less commonly, some people may experience the following side effects. These affect fewer people but should still be monitored. If any of these persist or worsen, contact your pharmacist or GP.

  • Nausea (in some individuals, paradoxically)
  • Skin rash or itching
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Confusion or disorientation, particularly in older adults
  • Headache worsening with frequent use (medication-overuse headache)
  • Dependence or withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use of codeine

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Migraleve Complete?

Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention. Codeine can cause respiratory depression — dangerously slow or shallow breathing — particularly in people who are ultra-rapid metabolisers of codeine or who take higher than recommended doses. Signs of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. If you experience any of these, call 999 immediately. Paracetamol overdose — even accidental — can cause severe liver damage; seek emergency help straight away if you suspect you have taken too much.

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects?

For mild side effects such as constipation, increase your fluid intake and eat fibre-rich foods. For drowsiness, rest in a quiet, darkened room — this is also beneficial for migraine recovery. If side effects are troubling or do not resolve, stop taking the tablets and speak to your pharmacist. Never take a higher dose in the hope of faster relief. If you are concerned about dependence on codeine, your GP can provide support and guidance on tapering safely.

Can Migraleve Complete Interact With Other Medicines?

Yes. Migraleve Complete has several clinically significant interactions. Taking it alongside other paracetamol-containing products — including many cold and flu remedies — can lead to accidental paracetamol overdose. Combining it with other opioids, sedatives, or alcohol increases the risk of excessive drowsiness and respiratory depression. Warfarin users should be aware that regular paracetamol use can enhance anticoagulant effects. MAOIs should not be taken within 14 days of codeine-containing medicines. Always tell your pharmacist about every medicine you are currently taking, including herbal remedies and supplements.

If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

📖 Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

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