Nurofen Plus Tablets

What is Nurofen Plus?

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

Nurofen Plus is suitable for use in children and adults over the age of 12 years to get on top of pain caused by headaches, period pain, toothache and much more.

These tablets can be used for up to 3 days. If after 3 days you can not manage your pain without the use of Nurofen Plus you should speak to a pharmacist or doctor for further advice.

What is Nurofen Plus used for?

Nurofen Plus Tablets combine both ibuprofen and codeine. They work by reducing inflammation and easing discomfort in both adults and children over 12 years old. Unlike paracetamol or ibuprofen, Nurofen contains codeine which works in the central nervous system and the brain to block pain signals to the rest of the body.

Nurofen Plus can be used to treat mild to moderate pain caused by the following:

• Migraine and headaches
• Nerve pain
• Period pain
• Toothache
• Back pain
• Rheumatic pain
• Muscular pain

These easy to swallow tablets provide short-term relief but should not be taken for more than 3 days consecutively. If your pain or discomfort continues, you should stop using the tablets and speak to a pharmacist or your GP for advice.

How does Nurofen Plus work?

Because Nurofen Plus contains both ibuprofen and codeine it works in separate ways to combat pain.

Ibuprofen on its own is a pain killer and is a medication known as an Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Pain and inflammation are caused by the body producing a chemical called prostaglandin as a result of infection or injury. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which reduces the pain sensation and any associated swelling.

Codeine belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics which works directly on the central nervous system to block pain signals reaching the brain.

How long does Nurofen Plus take to work?

You should start to notice the pain relieving effects of Nurofen Plus within 30 to 60 minutes of taking the tablets. The effects should continue to provide you with comfort for between 4-6 hours.

How much codeine is in Nurofen Plus?

Each Nurofen Plus tablet contains 12.8mg of codeine and 200mg of ibuprofen.

Nurofen Plus for next day delivery

At The Independent Pharmacy we strive to provide a service that is accessible and entirely focused towards our customers. We therefore provide a choice of multiple delivery options, including next day delivery, that are designed to work around you.

You will be able to select the delivery option that works for you when you check out. If you would like more information about what we offer, please see our Delivery Information page.

Nurofen Plus and alcohol

It is not recommended to drink alcohol at the same time as taking Nurofen Plus, this is because it significantly increases your chances of being affected by side effects, most commonly making people feel more drowsy.

Can you take Nurofen Plus with paracetamol?

Nurofen Plus can be taken at the same time as paracetamol to give extra relief from pain. It is advisable to stagger the doses of Nurofen Plus and Paracetamol to ease pain more consistently throughout the day.

Nurofen Plus and other medicines

You should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice before using Nurofen Plus if you are recently taken or are currently taking any prescribed or non-prescribed medication. A full list of medications that may interact with Nurofen Plus can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet.

Please be aware that Nurofen Plus contains both ibuprofen and codeine. You should not take any other medicines that also contain these ingredients (or other anti-inflammatories, such as Aspirin or Naproxen) at the same time as Nurofen Plus.

Nurofen Plus withdrawal

Nurofen Plus contains codeine which can cause addiction. It is therefore recommended that you do not take this medication for more than 3 consecutive days.

If you stop taking Nurofen Plus and this you may be addicted or are suffering with withdrawal symptoms you should speak to a doctor for advice as soon as possible.

Possible signs of withdrawal include:

• Irritability and anxiety
• Difficulties sleeping
• Watery eyes and a runny nose
• Sweating
• Feeling achy
• Increased heartbeat

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-and-codeine-nurofen-plus/
• https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/nurofen-plus-addiction-signs-symptoms-and-recovery
• Nurofen Plus Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5627/pil

Nurofen Plus dosage

Before taking Nurofen Plus ensure that you have read and understood the full information provided in the Patient Information Leaflet on how to take Nurofen Plus.

Nurofen Plus is for oral use only and should only be used by children and adults over the age of 12 years.

Children and adults over 12 years old: Take 1-2 tablets up to three times a day leaving at least 4 hours between doses. Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours.

Nurofen Plus should only be taken for a maximum of 3 consecutive days. If you are continuing to have problems managing your pain after 3 days you need to speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Nurofen Plus and Food

You should always take Nurofen Plus tablets with food or a drink of milk as ibuprofen can cause indigestion or stomach pain when taken on an empty stomach.

Nurofen Plus ingredients

The active ingredients contained in Nurofen Plus tablets is/are:

Ibuprofen, Codeine Phosphate.

Nurofen Plus tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:

Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Starch Glycollate, Starch Pregelatinised, Hypromellose, Opaspray White M-1-17111 B and Talc.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before use.

Nurofen Plus side effects

As with other medication, Nurofen Plus can cause some people to experience unwanted side effects. Please ensure that you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly for full details of reported side effects.

Side effects are uncommon when taking Nurofen Plus, but possible side effects include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Feeling or being sick
• Indigestion or stomach pain

If you experience severe side effects or an allergic reaction as a result of taking Nurofen Plus you should get help from your nearest emergency department straight away.

If you are concerned about any side effects or your condition does not improve after stopping Nurofen Plus you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Nurofen Plus warnings

Before taking Nurofen Plus please take the time to read and understand the warnings and precautions detailed in the Patient Information Leaflet.

You should not take Nurofen Plus if any of the following apply to you:

• You have had two or more episodes of a stomach ulcer, perforation or bleeding
• You have breathing difficulties
• You suffer from problems with your liver, kidneys or heart
• You suffer from chronic constipation
• You know that you metabolise codeine quickly

You should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Nurofen Plus if any of the following apply to you:

• You have recently taken or are currently taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medication
• You have low or high blood pressure
• You have high cholesterol
• You suffer from a gastrointestinal disease, Lupus or have a thyroid disorder
• You have recently suffered from a head injury

Nurofen Plus and addiction

Nurofen Plus contains codeine which can cause addiction if taken continuously for more than 3 days. If you think you may be addicted to Nurofen Plus or suffer from withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Nurofen Plus you need to speak to a pharmacist or doctor for support and advice.

What if I take too much Nurofen Plus?

Taking over the recommended dose of Nurofen Plus is classed as an overdose and you should always contact a doctor or go to your nearest emergency department as soon as possible for advice.

Symptoms of taking too much Nurofen Plus may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Ringing in the ears
• confusion and drowsiness

Nurofen Plus and pregnancy

You should not take Nurofen Plus if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are struggling with mild to moderate pain at this time you should speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Nurofen Plus may also temporarily impair fertility in women but is reversible when you stop taking it. It is rare for Nurofen Plus to stop you from getting pregnant if only used occasionally but if you are trying to get pregnant you should tell your doctor before taking Nurofen Plus.

Nurofen Plus and driving

The codeine contained in Nurofen Plus can cause you to feel drowsy. You should therefore not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.