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
Who should not take Nurofen Plus?
- Do not use with an allergy to its ingredients or a previous asthma/allergic reaction to aspirin or another NSAID.
- Do not use with recurrent stomach ulcers/bleeding, previous NSAID-related bleeding, severe heart/liver/kidney failure, depressed breathing or chronic constipation.
- Do not use with an MAOI or within 14 days of stopping one, during the last three months of pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Do not give to children under 12, anyone known to convert codeine to morphine very rapidly, or anyone under 18 after tonsil or adenoid surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea. Codeine is not recommended for young people with breathing problems. Do not use while breastfeeding.
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 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.
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 be suitable or to only be used with caution if you take:
- Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories - do not add Nurofen Plus; ask a pharmacist or prescriber to review your medicines instead of 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.
Additional Advice
Nurofen Plus can be part of an effective pain management plan, but you must 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 pain remains uncontrolled at the recommended dose or continues after three days, 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
- 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
- Nurofen Plus patient information leaflet
- Nurofen plus SPC
- If you feel like you are becoming or are dependent on codeine you can get help: Drug addiction and getting help
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use Nurofen Plus for migraines?
Yes. Nurofen Plus can relieve migraines by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals. However if your headaches/migraines are frequent or severe, consult a healthcare professional.
How long can I take Nurofen Plus?
It’s important to only use Nurofen Plus for a maximum of three days at a time. Prolonged use can increase the risk of dependence and side effects. If you need to use this product for longer than three days please contact your GP.
What if Nurofen Plus doesn’t relieve my pain?
If symptoms remain or worsen, stop using Nurofen Plus and speak to a GP. They may suggest an alternative medication or investigate underlying causes.
Can I drive after taking Nurofen Plus?
Nurofen Plus may cause drowsiness or dizziness in some people. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel any impairment. Consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
