What are Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets?

Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets contain two pain-relieving ingredients:

• Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce pain and inflammation.
• Codeine is an opioid painkiller that acts on the central nervous system to relieve pain.

They are used for the short-term treatment of acute moderate pain when painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin have not worked on their own.

They may be used for:

• Migraine and headache
• Dental pain
• Backache
• Muscular and rheumatic pain
• Neuralgia
• Period pain

This medicine is not intended for mild pain or long-term pain management.

Directions

Adults aged 18 years and over

Take one or two tablets with water every four to six hours when required.

• Leave at least four hours between doses.
• Do not take more than six tablets in 24 hours.
• Take with or just after food to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
• Do not take for longer than three days.

If your pain does not improve within three days, or becomes worse, stop taking the medicine and speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take more than the recommended dose. Contact NHS 111 immediately if you take more than directed, even if you feel well.

Important safety information

This medicine contains codeine and can cause addiction if taken continuously for more than three days.

Prolonged use may cause withdrawal symptoms when treatment is stopped. Taking painkillers for headaches for longer than recommended can also make headaches worse.

Do not take this medicine:

• If you are allergic to ibuprofen, codeine, aspirin, another NSAID or any ingredient in the tablets
• With another medicine containing ibuprofen, aspirin, codeine or another NSAID
• If you currently have, or have previously had, recurrent stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
• If you have severe heart, liver or kidney failure
• If you have breathing difficulties or respiratory depression
• If you have chronic constipation
• If you are breastfeeding
• During pregnancy
• If you take an MAOI or have stopped taking one within the last 14 days
• If you know that you are an ultra-rapid metaboliser of codeine

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor before taking it if you:

• Have asthma or allergic disease
• Have high blood pressure or heart problems
• Have kidney or liver problems
• Have inflammatory bowel disease
• Have a history of stomach problems
• Take anticoagulants, corticosteroids, antiplatelet medicines or certain antidepressants
• Are taking prescribed medication or have any other medical conditions
• Have a personal or family history of substance misuse or dependence

Codeine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if affected. Avoid alcohol because it can increase drowsiness and other side effects.

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

Possible side effects

Possible side effects include:

• Indigestion or stomach discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Headache
• Skin rash

Stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical help if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, a severe skin reaction, black stools, vomiting blood, severe abdominal pain, chest pain or signs of a serious allergic reaction.