Nurofen Plus Tablets 200mg/12.8mg

What Is Nurofen Plus?

Nurofen Plus Tablets combine two active ingredients: Ibuprofen (200mg) and Codeine Phosphate (12.8mg). This dual-action formulation is designed to tackle mild-to-moderate pain quickly and effectively, making it suitable for conditions like headaches, migraines, period pain, and backaches. By reducing inflammation (through ibuprofen) and suppressing pain signals (via codeine), Nurofen Plus provides targeted relief that can help you carry on with daily activities.

This medicine is only recommended for short-term use for a maximum of three days. If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, you should seek further medical advice from a healthcare professional. Using Nurofen Plus in higher doses or for longer than three days can increase the risk of side effects, including dependence on codeine.

How Does Nurofen Plus Work?

Ibuprofen belongs to a group of medicines known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). It targets the source of pain by reducing inflammation and swelling, while also helping to lower fever when present. Codeine is an opioid that acts on the brain and nervous system to relieve pain, enhancing the overall effect of the ibuprofen.

This potent combination is what sets Nurofen Plus apart from regular ibuprofen. It provides a more comprehensive pain relief solution for those who find ibuprofen alone insufficient.

Directions and Dosage

Always follow the instructions on the product packaging or the advice of your pharmacist or doctor. The typical adult dose is:

• One or two tablets taken with water every four to six hours, as needed.
• Do not exceed six tablets in 24 hours.
• Limit continuous use to a maximum of three days.

For best results, take Nurofen Plus with or just after a meal. This helps reduce the chance of stomach problems. If symptoms persist for longer than three days, or worsen, please speak with your GP

Nurofen Plus 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 Codiene 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.

Side Effects

Like all medications, Nurofen Plus can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Common side effects may include:

• Mild dizziness or drowsiness.
• Upset stomach or nausea.
• Constipation, especially if taking codeine regularly.
• Headaches.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of an allergic reaction (such as swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or difficulty breathing) or if side effects become severe.

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel drowsy or dizzy after taking Nurofen Plus. Avoid alcohol as it may increase certain side effects like drowsiness and stomach irritation.

Drug interactions

The following medicines interact with Ibuprofen, it may not suitable or to only be used with caution if you take:

1. Other non-steriodal anti-inflammatories - you will need to stop taking them before starting Ibuprofen
2. Anti-anticoagulant medicine such as warfarin, apixaban or rivaroxaban
3. Corticosteroids - such as prednisolone
4. Diuretics - such as furosemide
5. Medicines for heart problems
6. Medicines for high blood pressure
7. Antidepressants - such as citalopram
8. 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.

Additional Advice

Nurofen Plus can be part of an effective pain management plan, but you MUST to use it responsibly. Taking the recommended dose, monitoring your symptoms, and limiting usage to short periods can help reduce the potential for codeine dependence. If your pain persists past the max dosage of this medication, speak to your GP about alternative treatments or an assessment of underlying causes and arrange a pain management plan.

In addition to medication, addressing lifestyle factors—such as hydration, regular rest, gentle exercise, and stress management—can support better pain control.

Nurofen Plus ingredients

Active Ingredients: Ibuprofen 200mg, Codeine Phosphate Hemihydrate 12.8 mg
Other Ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycollate, pregelatinised starch, hypromellose, opaspray white, and talc

Nurofen plus alternatives

Other alternatives include:

• Almus ibuprofen and codeine – a generic version of Nurofen plus.
• Co–codamol tablets
• Co–codamol soluble tablets
• Paramol tablets – these contain 7.46mg of dihydrocodeine instead of codeine, which some people prefer
• Solapdeine Plus capsules
• Solapdeine Plus soluble tablets
• Solapdeine Max tablets – these contain 12.8mg of codeine.
• Solapdeine Max Soluble tablets – these contain 12.8mg of codeine and disperse in water.

More Nurofen plus information

If you would like more information, you can find the SPC: Nurofen plus SPC

If you feel like you are becoming or are dependent on codeine you can get help: Drug addiction and getting help