Nurofen Plus 32 Tablets – Dual Action Pain Relief

Nurofen Plus Tablets are for the short-term treatment of acute, moderate pain when standard painkillers (such as ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin) have not provided adequate relief. Each tablet contains ibuprofen and codeine, which work in different ways to help relieve pain. This medicine is suitable for adults and young people aged 12 years and over and should be used for no more than 3 days.

What is Nurofen Plus?

Nurofen Plus is a pharmacy-only pain relief medicine containing two active ingredients per tablet: ibuprofen 200mg (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID) and codeine phosphate 12.8mg (an opioid analgesic). It is intended for short-term use only. You can view more products in the Nurofen range on WithAid.

How it works

Ibuprofen helps reduce pain and inflammation by lowering the production of prostaglandins (substances involved in pain and swelling). Codeine acts in the central nervous system to reduce the perception of pain. Using these ingredients together can provide pain relief through both anti-inflammatory and central pain-modulating actions.

What it is used for

Nurofen Plus is used for short-term relief of acute, moderate pain such as:

• Headache and migraine (see related options in headache & pain relief)
• Dental pain and toothache (you may also find advice within aches & pains)
• Back pain
• Rheumatic, muscular, muscle and joint pain (see muscle & joint pain relief)
• Period pain (see period pain)
• Neuralgia

If you are unsure whether this medicine is appropriate for your symptoms, a pharmacist can advise on suitable alternatives from the pain relief range.

Dosage & How to Take

Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over:

• Take 1 or 2 tablets with water, preferably with or after food.
• If needed, repeat the dose every 4 to 6 hours.
• Do not take more than 6 tablets in any 24-hour period.

Do not take for longer than 3 days. If pain persists, worsens, or you need to take it for longer than 3 days, seek advice from a pharmacist or GP.

Not for children under 12 years.

Important Safety Information

This medicine contains codeine. Using codeine for longer than recommended can lead to dependence. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

Do not take Nurofen Plus if:

• You are allergic to ibuprofen, codeine, aspirin, or any other NSAID.
• You currently have, or have had, a stomach ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, or perforation.
• You have severe heart failure, severe liver failure, or severe kidney failure.
• You have breathing problems or respiratory depression.
• You are breastfeeding.
• You are under 12 years of age.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor before use if you:

• Have asthma (NSAIDs can worsen symptoms in some people) or other breathing conditions.
• Have a history of stomach problems (including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
• Have kidney, liver, or heart problems, high blood pressure, or circulation problems.
• Are elderly (higher risk of side effects).
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or in the last 3 months of pregnancy (do not use in the last 3 months unless a doctor specifically advises).

Interactions: Check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines, particularly blood thinners (such as warfarin), antiplatelets (such as aspirin or clopidogrel), SSRIs, corticosteroids, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, lithium, methotrexate, or other painkillers. Do not take with other NSAIDs or other codeine/opioid-containing products.

Alcohol and driving: Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Codeine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired concentration. Do not drive or use machinery if affected.

Always read the patient information leaflet before use. If you think you may be having a serious side effect (such as black stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, severe rash, facial swelling, wheezing, or sudden shortness of breath), seek urgent medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nurofen Plus used for?

Nurofen Plus is used for the short-term relief of acute, moderate pain such as headache, migraine, dental pain, back pain, period pain, neuralgia, and muscular or rheumatic pain when standard painkillers alone have not worked.

What are the active ingredients in Nurofen Plus?

Each tablet contains ibuprofen 200mg and codeine phosphate 12.8mg.

How should I take Nurofen Plus?

Adults and young people aged 12 years and over can take 1 or 2 tablets with water, preferably with or after food, up to every 4 to 6 hours if needed. Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours.

How long can I take Nurofen Plus for?

Do not take Nurofen Plus for more than 3 days. If pain continues, speak to a pharmacist or GP for advice.

Why is Nurofen Plus limited to 3 days’ use?

Nurofen Plus contains codeine, which can cause dependence if taken for longer than recommended. Limiting use reduces this risk.

Can I take Nurofen Plus with paracetamol?

Paracetamol can usually be taken alongside Nurofen Plus, but do not take other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen products, naproxen, or aspirin for pain) or any other codeine/opioid-containing medicines at the same time. If unsure, ask a pharmacist.

Can I take Nurofen Plus if I have asthma?

If you have asthma, speak to a pharmacist or doctor before taking it, as NSAIDs can trigger breathing difficulties in some people.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Nurofen Plus?

No. Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach bleeding with NSAIDs and can worsen drowsiness and other side effects from codeine.

Will Nurofen Plus make me drowsy?

It can. Codeine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or reduced alertness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel affected.

Can I take Nurofen Plus during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Do not take Nurofen Plus while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, speak to a healthcare professional before use; it should not be used in the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically advised by a doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Nurofen Plus is taken as needed. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, and do not exceed the maximum daily dose.

What side effects should I look out for?

Side effects can include stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, and indigestion. Serious side effects include signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (such as black stools or vomiting blood), severe allergic reaction, wheezing, or severe skin rash—seek urgent medical advice if these occur.

Can I take Nurofen Plus if I have a history of stomach ulcers?

You should not take it if you have a current or previous stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor about safer options from the pain relief range.

Is Nurofen Plus suitable for period pain?

It can be used for short-term relief of acute, moderate period pain when standard pain relief has not worked, provided it is suitable for you and you follow the dosage instructions.

Where can I find more pain relief options on WithAid?

You can browse related products in aches & pains or explore the broader pain relief section. If you need help choosing, see how to shop or contact the WithAid team via about us.