Nurofen is a popular brand of pain relief medication primarily containing ibuprofen. However, Nurofen Plus is a specific variant that includes both ibuprofen and codeine. This combination is particularly relevant for consumers seeking stronger pain relief options, as codeine is an opioid that enhances the pain-relieving effects of ibuprofen. Understanding whether Nurofen contains codeine is crucial for consumers to make informed choices, especially considering the potential for addiction and side effects associated with codeine.
Nurofen Product Range
Here are the different products under the Nurofen brand:
- Nurofen Tablets: Standard ibuprofen tablets for general pain relief.
- Nurofen Express: Fast-acting ibuprofen in caplet or liquid capsule form.
- Nurofen Meltlets: Orally disintegrating tablets for quick relief without water.
- Nurofen for Children: Ibuprofen suspension for pain and fever in children.
- Nurofen Cold & Flu: Contains ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine for cold and flu symptoms.
- Nurofen Tension Headache: Ibuprofen lysine for faster absorption.
- Nurofen Period Pain: Formulated specifically for menstrual pain.
- Nurofen Joint & Back Pain: Targeted relief for joint and back pain.
- Nurofen Migraine Pain: Fast-acting ibuprofen for migraine relief.
- Nurofen Plus: Contains both ibuprofen (200 mg) and codeine phosphate (12.8 mg) for stronger pain relief.
Nurofen Plus is the only product in the Nurofen range that contains codeine.
Nurofen Plus
Nurofen Plus Tablets contain the following active ingredients:
Intended Use:
- For the relief of pain in conditions such as rheumatic and muscular pain, backache, migraine, dental pain, dysmenorrhea, feverishness, and symptoms of cold and flu.
- Indicated for patients older than 12 years for the treatment of acute moderate pain not relieved by other analgesics like paracetamol or ibuprofen alone.
Safety and Usage
Safety Considerations:
- Dependence and Addiction: Prolonged use can lead to physical and psychological dependence.
- Serious Clinical Harms: Risks include renal tubular acidosis, severe hypokalaemia, gastrointestinal perforations, haemorrhages, severe anaemia, and renal failure.
- Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, and constipation.
Recommended Usage:
- Dosage: Use the lowest effective dose. Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours.
- Duration: Limit use to 3 days. If pain persists, consult a doctor.
- Supervision: Should be used under a pharmacist’s supervision and not for self-selection.
Nurofen Plus: A Pain Reliever with Codeine
Nurofen Plus is the only product in the Nurofen range that contains codeine, an opioid that enhances pain relief when combined with ibuprofen.
The presence of codeine in Nurofen products is crucial for consumers to consider due to its potential for addiction and side effects. Codeine can lead to physical and psychological dependence, as well as serious clinical harms such as renal tubular acidosis and gastrointestinal perforations.
Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, and constipation.
It is recommended to use the lowest effective dose, not exceeding 6 tablets in 24 hours, and limiting use to 3 days. Nurofen Plus should be used under a pharmacist’s supervision and not for self-selection.
