Nurofen Plus 200mg/12.8mg - 24 Tablets

Nurofen Plus 200mg/12.8mg Tablets (24) is a pharmacy medicine for the short-term treatment of acute, moderate pain when other painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone have not relieved symptoms. It contains two active ingredients that work in different ways:

• Ibuprofen 200mg (an anti-inflammatory painkiller) helps reduce pain, inflammation and swelling.
• Codeine phosphate hemihydrate 12.8mg (an opioid painkiller) helps relieve pain by acting on pain signals.

Suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over, for up to 3 days use only. This medicine contains codeine and can cause addiction if taken continuously for more than 3 days.

• Common uses include short-term relief of moderate pain such as headache, migraine, dental pain, period pain, backache, rheumatic and muscular pain, and neuralgia (when simpler painkillers have not worked). 

Always use exactly as described in the leaflet or as advised by a pharmacist.

Adults and children aged 12 years and over:

• Take 1–2 tablets with water.
• If needed, repeat every 4–6 hours. Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
• Maximum: 6 tablets in 24 hours.

Important use limits (codeine safety):

• Do not use for more than 3 days. If you still have pain after 3 days, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
• Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed.

How to take:

• Swallow tablets whole with water. Preferably take with or after food if you have a sensitive stomach.

Active ingredients (per tablet):

• Ibuprofen 200mg
• Codeine phosphate hemihydrate 12.8mg

Other ingredients (excipients):

Microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, pregelatinised starch, hypromellose, Opaspray white (film coat), talc.

(Always check the carton for the most up-to-date ingredient list.)

Key warnings (read before use):

• Contains codeine. Taking codeine regularly for more than 3 days can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms when you stop.
• May cause drowsiness, dizziness or impaired concentration. Do not drive or use tools/machinery if affected.
• Do not take with other products containing ibuprofen, aspirin (for pain), other NSAIDs, or other codeine/opioid painkillers. (Risk of side effects/overdose.)
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine (can increase drowsiness and side effects).

Do not use if:

• You have (or have had) a stomach ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, or perforation related to NSAIDs.
• You are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin/NSAIDs, codeine, or any ingredients.
• You have severe heart, liver or kidney problems, or significant breathing depression.
• Children under 12 years.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• If you are pregnant (especially in the last 3 months), trying for a baby, or breastfeeding, ask a pharmacist or doctor before use. NSAIDs and codeine may not be suitable.

Possible side effects (seek advice if troublesome):

• Common opioid effects: constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness.
• NSAID effects: indigestion, stomach pain, heartburn.
• Serious (stop and seek urgent help): signs of allergic reaction (wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, severe rash), black/tarry stools or vomiting blood (GI bleeding).

When to seek medical help:

• If pain is not improving, if you need pain relief beyond 3 days, or if symptoms worsen.

Side effects can be reported via the Yellow Card Scheme.