Overview
Nurofen Plus Tablets are a prescription-strength pain relief medicine available for short-term use to treat moderate pain when standard painkillers such as paracetamol or aspirin alone have not provided sufficient relief. The tablets are formulated with a dual-action combination to address pain through two complementary mechanisms.
Each tablet contains ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain at the source, and codeine phosphate, an opioid analgesic that works on the central nervous system to enhance pain relief. Together, these ingredients provide effective relief for a range of painful conditions.
Nurofen Plus can be used for the relief of:
Dental pain
Period pain
Muscular aches and strains
Joint and rheumatic pain
Backache and neuralgia
This medicine is suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over. Due to the presence of codeine, Nurofen Plus should be used for short periods only and at the lowest effective dose. Prolonged or excessive use may lead to dependence, reduced effectiveness, or unwanted side effects.
Nurofen Plus is not intended for long-term pain management. If pain persists, worsens, or returns after 3 days of use, medical advice should be sought to identify the underlying cause and discuss alternative treatment options.
As with all medicines containing ibuprofen and codeine, it is important to follow the dosing instructions carefully and to consider any existing medical conditions or other medicines being taken before use.
Directions
Adults, the elderly, and children aged 12 years and over:
Swallow 1–2 tablets with water, up to three times daily as required. Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
Do not take more than 6 tablets in any 24-hour period.
This medicine is for short-term use only. Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary to relieve symptoms.
Do not take for more than 3 consecutive days unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist.
If symptoms persist, worsen, or new symptoms occur, seek medical advice.
- Always take this medicine exactly as described or as advised by your doctor or pharmacist
Check the foil before use; do not take the tablet if the foil is broken
Swallow tablets whole with water
If you forget a dose, take it when you remember. Do not take more than 2 tablets at one time to make up for a missed dose
- Do not give to children under 12 years, due to the risk of severe breathing problems
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may increase drowsiness
Do not take while breastfeeding
Do not take during the last 3 months of pregnancy
During the first 6 months of pregnancy, consult a doctor or pharmacist before use
Side Effects
This is a medicine. Like all medications, Ibuprofen and Codeine tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Please read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) carefully before you start using this medicine.
See a doctor once:
- If you experience swelling face, tongue, neck or throat.
- If you have stomach problems including pain, indigestion or heartburn.
- If you are sick and it contains blood or dark particles that look like cofee grounds.
- If you pass blood in your stools or pass black tarry stools.
- Unexplained wheezing (asthma), worsening of existing asthma, difficulty in breathing.
- If you experience fast heart rate, feeling faint or dizzy or collapse (svere allergic reaction).
- Meningitis (e.g. stiff neck, fever, disorientation).
- If you experience allergic skin reactions.
- If you experience kidney problems (you may pass more or less urine, have blood in urine or cloudy, swollen ankles.
- If you experience severe exhaustion, tiredness.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.
You can help to make medicines safer by reporting any side-effects to the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
Warnings
Do not use if:
- You are taking any other NSAID’s (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) including aspirin or diclofenac.
- The patient is under 12 years of age.
- You have a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation.
- If you are allergic to ibuprofen, codeine, or any other ingredient of this medicine.
- This medicine contains codeine which can cause addiction therefore it should only be used continually for 3 days.
- Codeine is not recommended in children with breathing problems as it can exacerbate the condition.
- This medicine may make you sleepy. If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines.
- Please consult your pharmacist or doctor before using this medicine if you are currently pregnant, likely to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Please consult your pharmacist or doctor if you are currently taking any other medicines as this may cause an interaction.
- If you think you may be allergic to any of the ingredients contained in this medicine, please seek medical advice before taking.
- If you have any questions after you have bought this medication, please speak to our pharmacist.
Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the foil or flap of the carton.
Do not throw any medicines via wastewater. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use.
Ingredients
Active ingredients:
Ibuprofen 200mg, codeine phosphate 12.8mg.
FAQ
What is Nurofen Plus used for?
Almus Ibuprofen Codeine Tablets are used for the short-term relief of moderate pain when standard painkillers alone are not effective. This includes headache, migraine, dental pain, period pain, backache, muscular pain, rheumatic pain, and neuralgia.
How does Nurofen Plus work?
These tablets contain ibuprofen, which reduces pain and inflammation, and codeine, an opioid painkiller that enhances pain relief.
How should I take Nurofen Plus?
Adults and children aged 12 years and over can take 1–2 tablets every 4–6 hours as needed, with water. Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours.
How long can I take Nurofen Plus for?
Do not take for more than 3 consecutive days. If pain persists, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Is Nurofen Plus addictive?
Yes. It contains codeine, which can cause dependence and addiction if taken continuously for more than 3 days.
Can I take Nurofen Plus with other painkillers?
You may take it with paracetamol, but do not take it with other ibuprofen, NSAIDs, or codeine-containing medicines.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Nurofen Plus?
Alcohol should be avoided. It increases the risk of stomach bleeding, drowsiness, and other side effects.
Can I drive after taking Nurofen Plus?
It may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery if affected.
Is Nurofen Plus suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Pregnancy: Not recommended, especially during the last 3 months
Breastfeeding: Do not take, as codeine can pass into breast milk
Who should not take Nurofen Plus?
Do not take if you:
Are allergic to ibuprofen, codeine, aspirin, or other NSAIDs
Have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding
Have severe heart, kidney, or liver problems
Have breathing difficulties
Are under 12 years old
What are the common side effects?
Possible side effects include:
Nausea or vomiting
Indigestion or stomach pain
Drowsiness or dizziness
Constipation
Stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice if you experience severe or unusual side effects.
How quickly does Nurofen Plus work?
Pain relief usually begins within 30–60 minutes after taking the tablets.
