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Nurofen Plus: Strong Anti-Inflammatory Painkiller

Mohommed Essop-Adam
Reviewed by Mohommed Essop-AdamReviewed on 30.10.2023 | 3 minutes read
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Nurofen Plus is a dual-action tablet containing ibuprofen and codeine, two painkillers. This combined product is one of the strongest painkillers available over the counter. It can be used for the short-term treatment of moderate pain in various conditions, including headache, migraine, toothache, period pain, muscle aches and pains. You should try other painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen before turning to Nurofen Plus.

Doctor’s advice

How do I take Nurofen Plus?

Nurofen Plus is suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over. Take one or two tablets every four to six hours. Do not take more than six tablets in one day. Ensure you don’t take other ibuprofen or codeine-containing products simultaneously as Nurofen plus.

You should take these tablets for a maximum of three days. If pain relief is not enough or worsens, we recommend we speak to your doctor.

Can I become addicted to Nurofen plus?

Yes, it’s possible to become addicted to Nurofen Plus if you take it too long. It contains codeine which belongs to a family of drugs called opioids. They block pain signals and release large amounts of dopamine, which can give us a good feeling, and we seek to repeat the experience. We also feel unwell without it. This is called dependency.

It also carries the risk of tolerance with prolonged use, whereby you need to keep increasing the dose to have the same effect. Therefore, if you take codeine over the counter, you must not take it for more than three consecutive days.

Are there any side effects?

Some people are bound to get unwanted side effects, as with any medication.As with any medications, some people are bound to get some unwanted side effects.

Common side effects can include:

If you experience drowsiness, it is best to avoid driving and drinking alcohol.

Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining, especially when taken for more than a few days. We recommend taking Nurofen plus with food to avoid these side effects. If you are taking ibuprofen regularly or getting side effects, then you should stop and speak to your doctor about stomach protection to prevent stomach ulcers. If you are taking ibuprofen regularly, or getting side effects, then you should stop and speak to your doctor about stomach protection to prevent stomach ulcers.

Should anybody avoid taking Nurofen plus?

Nurofen plus is not suitable for children under the age of 12. Do not take them if you have previously had an allergic reaction to the ibuprofen, codeine or any other listed ingredient. Do not take these if:

  • you have a salt-restricted diet
  • severe kidney disease
  • liver problems
  • other medications or medical conditions you would typically discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before starting something new

If you are asthmatic and haven’t had anti-inflammatories, ibuprofen can sometimes cause an acute asthma attack. Do not take Nurofen Plus if you are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant, as there is not enough information about safety during pregnancy.

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Mohommed Essop-Adam
Reviewed by Mohommed Essop-Adam
Reviewed on 30.10.2023
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