Name: Nurofen Plus Tablets (32)
Availability: InStock

What is Nurofen Plus?

Nurofen Plus is a painkiller that combines ibuprofen and codeine to provide fast-acting relief from mild to moderate pain when simple pain relievers such as aspirin, paracetamol, or ibuprofen alone are not sufficient.

Nurofen Plus is suitable for children and adults over the age of 12 years to manage pain caused by headaches, period pain, toothache, and more.

These tablets can be used for up to 3 days. If you still need Nurofen Plus after 3 days to manage your pain, you should consult a pharmacist or doctor for further advice.

What are the active ingredients in Nurofen Plus?

Each tablet contains the active ingredients Ibuprofen 200mg and Codeine phosphate 12.8mg.

What is Nurofen Plus used for?

The active ingredients in this medicine are Ibuprofen and Codeine phosphate. Ibuprofen belongs to a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs provide relief by altering the body’s response to pain, swelling, and high temperature. Codeine is an opioid analgesic that acts to relieve pain. It can be used on its own or in combination with other painkillers such as paracetamol. This medicine, which contains codeine, can be used in children over 12 years of age for the short-term relief of acute, moderate pain that is not relieved by other painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin alone. It can be used for conditions such as:

Migraine, headaches, neuralgia
Period pain, dental pain, back pain, rheumatic, and muscular pains.

How does Nurofen Plus work?

Nurofen Plus combines two active ingredients, ibuprofen and codeine phosphate, to provide effective pain relief. Ibuprofen: Classification: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Function: Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body responsible for causing pain, inflammation, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin levels, ibuprofen helps to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation and high temperatures. Codeine Phosphate: Classification: Opioid Analgesic Function: Codeine works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which helps to block the transmission of pain signals. This provides an additional layer of pain relief, making it effective for moderate to severe pain that is not sufficiently managed by NSAIDs alone. Combined Effect:

When used together in Nurofen Plus, ibuprofen and codeine provide a dual mechanism for pain relief. Ibuprofen addresses the inflammation and general pain, while codeine targets more severe pain by acting directly on the central nervous system. This combination makes Nurofen Plus effective for conditions where pain is accompanied by inflammation, such as headaches, period pain, dental pain, and muscular pain.

Usage:

Nurofen Plus is intended for short-term use (up to 3 days) in adults and children over 12 years of age. If pain persists beyond this period, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.

How do you take Nurofen Plus?

This medicine should not be taken for more than 3 days. If the pain does not improve after 3 days, consult your doctor for advice. Adults, the elderly, and children aged 12 years and older:

Swallow 1 or 2 tablets with water, up to three times a day as needed.
Leave at least four hours between doses.
Do not take more than 6 tablets in any 24-hour period.

This medicine is not suitable for children under 12 years old due to the risk of severe breathing problems. Do not use this medicine for longer than 3 days unless directed by your doctor. If symptoms persist, worsen, or if any new symptoms occur, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Important Considerations:

This product is for short-term use only. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms.
If you have an infection, consult a doctor without delay if symptoms (such as fever and pain) persist or worsen.

Overdose Information:

If you take more than the recommended dose, or if a child accidentally takes this medicine, contact a doctor or nearest hospital immediately for advice.
Symptoms of overdose can include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting (which may be blood-streaked), headache, ringing in the ears, confusion, and shaky eye movement. High doses can cause drowsiness, chest pain, palpitations, loss of consciousness, convulsions (mainly in children), weakness, dizziness, blood in urine, a cold body feeling, and breathing problems.

Addiction Warning:

This medicine contains codeine and can cause addiction if taken continuously for more than three days. Withdrawal symptoms may occur when you stop taking it. If you believe you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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Who should not take Nurofen Plus?

Do not take this medicine if:

This medicine contains codeine, which can cause addiction if taken continuously for more than three days, leading to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it.
You take a painkiller for headaches for more than three days, as it can worsen them.
You have (or have had two or more episodes of) a stomach ulcer, perforation, or bleeding.
You have breathing difficulties.
You are allergic to ibuprofen, codeine, or any other ingredients (see section 6), or to aspirin or other painkillers.
You suffer from severe liver, kidney, or heart problems.
You suffer from chronic constipation.
You have experienced gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation when previously taking NSAIDs.
You have had worsening of asthma, skin rash, itchy runny nose, or facial swelling when previously taking ibuprofen, aspirin, or similar medicines.
You are taking other NSAID painkillers or aspirin with a daily dose above 75mg.
You are pregnant.
You are breastfeeding.
You are under 12 years old.
You are taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken them within the last 14 days.
You need pain relief in children and adolescents (0-18 years of age) after removal of their tonsils or adenoids due to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.
You know that you metabolize codeine into morphine very rapidly.

Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking this product if you:

Have or have had asthma.
Have kidney, heart, liver, or bowel problems, or are dehydrated.
Have low or high blood pressure.
Have a head injury or raised intracranial pressure.
Suffer from a thyroid disorder.

Additional precautions:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): If you have SLE, a condition of the immune system causing joint pain, skin changes, and other organ disorders.
High cholesterol: If you have high cholesterol levels.
Heart attack or stroke: If you have had a heart attack or stroke.
Gastrointestinal disease history: If you have a history of gastrointestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Smoking: If you are a smoker.
Gallstones: If you have gallstones.
Myasthenia Gravis: If you suffer from myasthenia gravis, a condition causing muscle weakness.
Infections: If you have an infection.

Infections: This medicine may mask signs of infections, such as fever and pain, potentially delaying appropriate treatment and increasing the risk of complications. This has been observed in bacterial pneumonia and skin infections related to chickenpox. If your infection symptoms persist or worsen while taking this medicine, consult a doctor immediately. Skin reactions: Serious skin reactions have been reported with this medicine. Stop taking it and seek medical attention immediately if you develop any skin rash, lesions of the mucous membranes, blisters, or other signs of an allergic reaction, as these may be the first signs of a very serious skin condition. See section 4 for more details. Elderly patients: Care should be taken in elderly patients due to an increased risk of breathing problems.

What are the side effects of Nurofen Plus?

Some people may experience side effects when taking this medicine. If you encounter any unwanted side effects, seek advice from your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. STOP TAKING the medicine and seek immediate medical help if you develop:

Signs of intestinal bleeding such as bright red feces (stools/motions), black tarry stools, vomiting blood, or dark particles that look like coffee grounds.
Signs of a rare but serious allergic reaction, including severe skin rashes, peeling, flaking, or blistering skin, facial swelling, unexplained wheezing, shortness of breath, or easy bruising.
Symptoms of a severe skin reaction known as DRESS syndrome, which include skin rash, fever, swelling of lymph nodes, and an increase in eosinophils (a type of white blood cell).
A red, scaly widespread rash with bumps under the skin and blisters mainly on the skin folds, trunk, and upper extremities accompanied by fever at the start of treatment (acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis). See also section 2.

Like all medicines, Nurofen Plus can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following:

Liver or kidney problems, or difficulty urinating.
Skin becoming sensitive to light.

Nurofen Plus, especially when taken at higher than recommended doses or for prolonged periods, can cause kidney damage and affect the kidneys' ability to remove acids properly from the blood into the urine (renal tubular acidosis). It can also cause very low levels of potassium in the blood, which is a serious condition requiring immediate treatment. Signs and symptoms include muscle weakness and light-headedness. See section 2 for more details. Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following possible side effects: Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

Indigestion, heartburn, nausea
Stomach pain or other abnormal stomach symptoms
Rashes, itching
Headache

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

Constipation

Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):

Liver and kidney problems

Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):

Worsening of asthma
Sweating, thirst, muscle weakness or tremors, sleeplessness
Chest pain or fast, irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or drowsiness
Decreased appetite, depression, hallucinations, blurred vision
Skin becoming sensitive to light
Sleep apnea
Increased sensitivity to pain

Medicines like this one may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction) or stroke. How do I know if I am addicted? If you take the medicine according to the instructions on the pack, it is unlikely that you will become addicted. However, if the following apply to you, it is important to talk to your doctor:

You need to take the medicine for longer periods of time.
You need to take more than the recommended dose.
When you stop taking the medicine, you feel very unwell, but feel better when you start taking it again.

Reporting of side effects: If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Does Nurofen Plus interact with other medicines?

Some anticoagulant medicines (e.g., aspirin/acetylsalicylic acid, warfarin, ticlopidine) and some medicines that reduce high blood pressure (ACE inhibitors such as captopril, beta-blockers such as atenolol, or angiotensin-II receptor antagonists such as losartan) may affect or be affected by treatment with ibuprofen. The following medicines are known to interact with codeine (present in this medicine):

Moclobemide (for depression)
Hydroxyzine (an anti-anxiety medicine)
Loperamide and kaolin (medicines to treat diarrhea)
Quinidine or mexiletine (to treat abnormal heart rhythms)
Metoclopramide or domperidone (anti-sickness medicines)
Cimetidine (to treat stomach ulcers)
Naloxone

Medicines called Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) for the treatment of depression may affect or be affected by treatment with codeine. Therefore, always seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine with other medications.

Nurofen Plus FAQs

Can Nurofen Plus affect fertility in women?

Yes, this medicine belongs to a group that may impair fertility in women. This effect is reversible upon stopping the medication. Occasional use is unlikely to affect your chances of becoming pregnant. However, if you have difficulty becoming pregnant, inform your doctor before taking this medicine.

Is there a risk of heart attack or stroke with Nurofen Plus?

Medicines like this may be associated with a small increased risk of heart attack or stroke, especially with high doses or prolonged treatment. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take it for longer than necessary to control your symptoms (3 days). If you have heart problems, have had a stroke, or think you may be at risk (e.g., if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or are a smoker), discuss your treatment with your doctor or pharmacist.

How does codeine metabolism affect pain relief?

Codeine is transformed into morphine in the liver by an enzyme, providing pain relief. Variations in this enzyme can affect people differently. Some may not produce enough morphine for effective pain relief, while others may produce too much, leading to serious side effects. If you experience slow or shallow breathing, confusion, sleepiness, small pupils, nausea, constipation, or loss of appetite, stop taking this medicine and seek immediate medical advice.

Can Nurofen Plus cause sleep-related breathing disorders?

Nurofen Plus can cause sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep) and sleep-related hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood). Symptoms include breathing pauses during sleep, waking up due to shortness of breath, difficulty maintaining sleep, or excessive daytime drowsiness. If you or someone else notices these symptoms, contact your doctor. A dose reduction may be considered.

Can increasing the dose of Nurofen Plus increase sensitivity to pain?

Rarely, increasing the dose of this medicine can make you more sensitive to pain. If this occurs, consult your prescriber about your treatment.

Is there a risk of dependence and addiction with Nurofen Plus?

Nurofen Plus contains codeine, an opioid medicine. Repeated use may lead to tolerance (needing higher doses), dependence, abuse, and addiction, which can result in life-threatening overdose. If you are taking Nurofen Plus for longer than recommended or at higher doses, you are at risk of serious harm.

What should I do if I experience side effects or have concerns about using Nurofen Plus?

If you experience any side effects or have concerns about using this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional.

What are the serious harms of taking Nurofen Plus?

Serious harms can include damage to the stomach/gut and kidneys, as well as very low levels of potassium in your blood. These conditions can be fatal (see section 4 for more details).

How can I tell if I am dependent or addicted to Nurofen Plus?

If you experience any of the following signs, talk to your doctor or pharmacist as it may indicate dependence or addiction:

You need to take this medicine for longer than advised.
You need to take more than the recommended dose.
You are using this medicine for non-medical reasons, such as to 'stay calm' or 'help you sleep.'
You have made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to quit or control the use of this medicine.
When you stop taking this medicine, you feel unwell but feel better once you start taking it again ('withdrawal effects').

Can children and adolescents use Nurofen Plus after surgery?

No, codeine should not be used for pain relief in children and adolescents after the removal of their tonsils or adenoids due to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome.

Can children with breathing problems use Nurofen Plus?

Codeine is not recommended for children with breathing problems, as symptoms of morphine toxicity may be worse in these children.

Can I take Nurofen Plus during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: Do not take this product during the last 3 months of pregnancy as it could harm your unborn child or cause problems at delivery. It can cause kidney and heart problems in your unborn baby, affect bleeding tendencies, and cause delayed or prolonged labor. During the first 6 months of pregnancy, take Nurofen Plus only if absolutely necessary and as advised by your doctor. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time possible. If taken for more than a few days from 20 weeks of pregnancy onward, it can cause kidney problems in your unborn baby, leading to low levels of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) or narrowing of a blood vessel (ductus arteriosus) in the baby's heart. If you need treatment for longer than a few days, your doctor may recommend additional monitoring.
Breastfeeding: Do not take codeine while breastfeeding, as codeine and morphine pass into breast milk.

Can I drive or use machines while taking Nurofen Plus?

This medicine can affect your ability to drive as it may make you sleepy, dizzy, or cause drowsiness.

Do not drive while taking this medicine until you know how it affects you.
If affected, do not drive or operate machinery.
It may be an offense to drive while taking this medicine.

However, you would not be committing an offense if:

The medicine has been taken to treat a medical or dental problem, and
You have taken it according to the information provided with the medicine, and
It was not affecting your ability to drive safely.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure whether it is safe for you to drive while taking this medicine. For more information about the new driving offense concerning drug use in the UK, please visit: UK Drug Driving Law.

What are the active ingredients in Nurofen Plus and how do they work?

The active ingredients in this medicine are Ibuprofen and Codeine phosphate.

Ibuprofen: This belongs to a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs provide relief by altering the body’s response to pain, swelling, and high temperature.
Codeine: This is an opioid analgesic, which acts to relieve pain. It can be used on its own or in combination with other painkillers, such as paracetamol.

Can children use Nurofen Plus?

This medicine, which contains codeine, can be used in children over 12 years of age for the short-term relief of acute, moderate pain that is not relieved by other painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin alone. It is suitable for conditions such as:

Migraines, headaches, neuralgia
Period pain, dental pain, back pain, rheumatic and muscular pains.

Looking for weight loss, ED or hair loss treatment without needles or tablets?

Can Nurofen Plus affect fertility in women?

Is there a risk of heart attack or stroke with Nurofen Plus?

How does codeine metabolism affect pain relief?

Can Nurofen Plus cause sleep-related breathing disorders?

Can increasing the dose of Nurofen Plus increase sensitivity to pain?

Is there a risk of dependence and addiction with Nurofen Plus?

What should I do if I experience side effects or have concerns about using Nurofen Plus?

What are the serious harms of taking Nurofen Plus?

How can I tell if I am dependent or addicted to Nurofen Plus?

Can children and adolescents use Nurofen Plus after surgery?

Can children with breathing problems use Nurofen Plus?

Can I take Nurofen Plus during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Can I drive or use machines while taking Nurofen Plus?

What are the active ingredients in Nurofen Plus and how do they work?

Can children use Nurofen Plus?

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Nurofen Plus Tablets (32)

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What is Nurofen Plus?

What are the active ingredients in Nurofen Plus?

What is Nurofen Plus used for?

How does Nurofen Plus work?

How do you take Nurofen Plus?

Who should not take Nurofen Plus?

What are the side effects of Nurofen Plus?

Does Nurofen Plus interact with other medicines?

Nurofen Plus FAQs

Can Nurofen Plus affect fertility in women?

Is there a risk of heart attack or stroke with Nurofen Plus?

How does codeine metabolism affect pain relief?

Can Nurofen Plus cause sleep-related breathing disorders?

Can increasing the dose of Nurofen Plus increase sensitivity to pain?

Is there a risk of dependence and addiction with Nurofen Plus?

What should I do if I experience side effects or have concerns about using Nurofen Plus?

What are the serious harms of taking Nurofen Plus?

How can I tell if I am dependent or addicted to Nurofen Plus?

Can children and adolescents use Nurofen Plus after surgery?

Can children with breathing problems use Nurofen Plus?

Can I take Nurofen Plus during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Can I drive or use machines while taking Nurofen Plus?

What are the active ingredients in Nurofen Plus and how do they work?

Can children use Nurofen Plus?

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