What is Almus ibuprofen and codeine?
Almus ibuprofen and codeine is a combination medication used to relieve moderate pain when ibuprofen alone isn’t enough. It contains 200mg of ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory, and 12.8mg of codeine, an opioid pain reliever.
They can safely be combined with another analgesic such as Paracetamol to provide even more pain relief if needed.
What can ibuprofen and codeine be used for?
These tablets can be taken for a variety of aches and pains including but not limited to:
- Headaches
- Menstrual periods
- Toothaches
- Backaches
- Osteoarthritis
- Injuries
Be aware that this medication can make headaches worse, only use this medication to treat headaches where other treatment has not previously worked.
When should I take ibuprofen and codeine tablets?
If you are suffering from pain such as migraines, back pain, period pain, tooth ache, muscle aches and strains and self-care has not helped you can try taking painkillers.
It is generally recommended to start with Paracetamol, Ibuprofen or Aspirin by themselves.
If you find that your pain is still not controlled, you can then try the next step of painkillers such as combination products. These can help provide pain relief from short-term acute moderate pain that has not responded to Paracetamol, Ibuprofen or Aspirin alone.
How to buy Almus ibuprofen and codeine tablets online
You can use our online pharmacy service to buy Almus ibuprofen and codeine tablets online in the UK. We are a registered pharmacy based in the UK with free delivery and next day delivery available. As this medication is a 'Pharmacy-only' (P) medicine a pharmacist needs to have a consultation to make sure treatment is appropriate before you can purchase them.
Upon completion of your order, our pharmacist will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
How Almus ibuprofen and codeine tablets work
They contain ibuprofen which belongs to a class of drugs called NSAIDs and codeine which is an opioid.
Ibuprofen works by inhibiting enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2, which are involved in the production of prostaglandins—chemical messengers that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. By blocking these enzymes, ibuprofen reduces the formation of prostaglandins, helping to relieve pain and lower inflammation and fever in the body.
Codeine works directly on opioid receptors in the central nervous system and reduces feelings of pain by interrupting the way nerves signal pain between the brain and the body.
How to take Almus ibuprofen and codeine tablets
For adults and children aged 12 years and over: swallow one or two tablets with water, up to three times a day if needed. Leave at least four hours between doses. Take with or just after food if possible. Do not take more than six tablets in any 24 hours or use for longer than three days.
Do not take more than six tablets in any 24-hour period. Seek advice if pain is not controlled; never increase the dose yourself.
Do not give under age 12, to someone known to convert codeine to morphine very rapidly, or after tonsil/adenoid surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea in anyone under 18. Codeine is not recommended for young people with breathing problems. Check the supplied pack and speak to a pharmacist about suitability.
If you take more than the recommended dose, or a child takes the tablets accidentally, contact a doctor or the nearest hospital immediately for advice. Take the pack with you.
Almus ibuprofen and codeine side effects
The most common side effects are:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Stomach irritation
- Heartburn
To help cope with the side effects there are a few things you can do:
- Constipation: drink enough fluid, include fibre and keep active if able. Ask a pharmacist if you need a laxative rather than adding several medicines yourself.
- Nausea: simple meals and taking the tablets with or just after food may help.
- Headaches: if headaches develop after taking this medicine, stop and seek advice if they continue or are severe.
- Heartburn: stop taking it and speak to a doctor. Do not cover up persistent symptoms by starting a PPI such as omeprazole or lansoprazole without assessment.
Get urgent help: stop taking the medicine and contact NHS 111 for black stools, blood in vomit or breathing problems. Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain or severe stomach pain.
Who cannot take ibuprofen and codeine tablets?
Do not take these tablets if any of the following apply:
- You are under 12, are breastfeeding, or are in the last three months of pregnancy.
- You are allergic to ibuprofen, codeine, another ingredient, aspirin or another NSAID, including a previous asthma attack or swelling after one of these medicines.
- You have breathing difficulties, raised pressure inside the skull, severe heart, liver or kidney problems, or chronic constipation.
- You have a stomach ulcer, bleeding or perforation, have had repeated episodes, or have previously had bleeding or perforation with an NSAID.
- You take another NSAID, more than 75mg of aspirin daily, or an MAOI antidepressant now or within the last 14 days.
- You convert codeine to morphine very rapidly, or are under 18 and need pain relief after tonsil or adenoid surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea.
Ask a pharmacist or doctor first about asthma, other heart, liver or kidney problems, high or low blood pressure, a head injury, fits or seizures, increased bleeding risk, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Seek advice if you have chickenpox, shingles, dehydration or another infection. Do not use during pregnancy or while trying to conceive without medical advice; see the pregnancy section below.
Almus ibuprofen and codeine and addiction
The codeine can be addictive, do not use this product for more than 3 days of continuous use. If you find yourself needing to use it for more than 3 days, contact your doctor. It is unlikely you will become addicted if you take them as instructed. If you experience any of the following you should talk to your GP:
- You feel you have to take Almus ibuprofen and codeine for longer than 3 days
- Your symptoms persist
- When you stop taking Almus ibuprofen and codeine you feel unwell, but if you start taking the medicine again you feel better
Signs of codeine addiction include but are not limited to:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood Swings
- Behavioural changes
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Shaking
- Itching
- Restlessness
- Breathing problems
- hallucinations
- Memory problems
- Ringing in your ears (Tinnitus)
It is unlikely you will experience the above if you take them as instructed but it is important if you experience any of the above to talk to your GP.
Taking more than directed or using it for too long can also damage the stomach, bowel or kidneys and cause dangerously low potassium levels. Speak to a doctor if you are taking more than recommended or find it difficult to stop.
Ibuprofen and codeine and driving
One of the main side effects is drowsiness. It is now an offence to drive in England, Wales or Scotland if your ability to drive is affected by medication. Do not drive or operate any tools or machinery if this medication makes you drowsy or if you do not know how this medicine will affect you.
Ibuprofen and codeine and other pain killers
They are commonly taken with paracetamol tablets.
Do not take them with other codeine containing products as this may make you extremely drowsy.
Codeine tolerance
If you take codeine for a prolonged period of time, you may find you become tolerant to it and it becomes less effective at providing pain relief. You may also become dependent on the codeine if taken regularly for a long period of time. For these reasons you should keep use to as short of a period time with as few tablets taken as possible. Overuse of codeine can also lead to chronic migraines.
Ibuprofen and codeine and pregnancy
Do not take this medicine in the last three months of pregnancy. During the first six months, use only if a doctor considers it necessary, at the lowest dose for the shortest time. Ask a doctor for advice if you are trying to become pregnant. If paracetamol is not controlling pain during pregnancy, contact your GP.
Ibuprofen and codeine and breastfeeding
Do not take this medicine while breastfeeding because codeine and morphine can pass into breast milk. If paracetamol is not controlling your pain, ask a doctor or pharmacist about an alternative.
Drug interactions
The following medicines interact with Ibuprofen, it may be unsuitable or may need extra caution if you take:
- Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories - do not add this medicine; ask a pharmacist or prescriber to review the combination rather than stopping prescribed treatment yourself
- Anticoagulant medicine such as warfarin, apixaban or rivaroxaban
- Corticosteroids - such as prednisolone
- Diuretics - such as furosemide
- Medicines for heart problems
- Medicines for high blood pressure
- Antidepressants - such as citalopram
- Medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis - such as methotrexate
Please note: As this medication is NSAID it is important you do not take any other anti-inflammatory medicines.
You should also be aware that any herbal or alternative remedies you take may also interact with this medication and cause side effects. If you are taking any herbal or alternative remedies make sure to mention them to your GP, or on the consultation form so we can make sure they are safe to take together.
For a full list of interactions see: Ibuprofen interactions.
Codeine also interacts with medicines that cause drowsiness, including sleeping tablets, other opioid painkillers, gabapentin, pregabalin and some medicines for anxiety, depression or allergies. Ask a pharmacist to check all your medicines before combining them. Do not drink alcohol while taking these tablets; it can increase drowsiness.
Almus ibuprofen and codeine ingredients
Active ingredients: ibuprofen 200mg and codeine phosphate hemihydrate 12.8mg per tablet.
Other ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, pregelatinised maize starch and hypromellose. The coating contains hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171) and talc. Check the leaflet supplied with your pack if you have an ingredient allergy.
Almus ibuprofen and codeine alternatives
Other alternatives include:
- Nurofen plus tablets
- Co–codamol tablets
- Co–codamol soluble tablets
- Paramol tablets – these contain 7.46mg of dihydrocodeine instead of codeine, which some people prefer
- Solpadeine Plus capsules
- Solpadeine Plus soluble tablets
- Solpadeine Max tablets – these contain 12.8mg of codeine.
- Solpadeine Max Soluble tablets – these contain 12.8mg of codeine and disperse in water.
Sources and further information
- NHS: ibuprofen and codeine
- Almus ibuprofen and codeine patient leaflet (December 2015; archived transcript)
- Ibuprofen and codeine patient leaflet (March 2026; licence PL00014/0662)
- Almus ibuprofen and codeine patient information leaflet (August 2026)
- Ibuprofen and codeine professional information (same product licence, alternate packaging)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you take codeine and ibuprofen together?
Yes they are safe to take together and do not interact.
Can I take Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine for headaches?
Yes, but use sparingly and avoid prolonged use for headaches as it may lead to dependency on codeine.
How long can I take Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine?
It’s advised to use for short-term relief, generally not more than three days without consulting a doctor.
Can I take Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine tablets when pregnant?
Do not take it in the last three months of pregnancy. Earlier in pregnancy, use only if your doctor considers it necessary. If paracetamol is not enough for your pain, contact your doctor.
Can I take Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine when breastfeeding?
No. Do not take it while breastfeeding because codeine and morphine can pass into breast milk. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about an alternative.
Is Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine addictive?
Codeine can be habit-forming, so it's important to follow the recommended dose and duration guidelines.
Is it safe to buy Almus ibuprofen and codeine tablets from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.
