Nurofen Plus Overdose: Understanding Safe Dosage Limits

Nurofen Plus is a combination painkiller containing ibuprofen and codeine, commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation. Understanding the potential for overdose is crucial, as taking too many tablets can lead to severe health risks, including stomach damage, kidney failure, and even death. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Recommended Dosage

Recommended Dosage of Nurofen Plus:

• Adults and children 12 years and older: Take 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
• Maximum dosage: Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours.

Risks of Exceeding the Recommended Dosage:

• Overdose Symptoms: Exceeding the recommended dosage can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, and in severe cases, respiratory depression, coma, or even death.
• Ibuprofen Risks: High doses of ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Codeine Risks: Excessive codeine can lead to severe respiratory depression, addiction, and potentially fatal overdose.

Always follow the dosage instructions and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Symptoms of Overdose

Taking too many Nurofen Plus tablets can lead to serious symptoms of overdose. These include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Drowsiness and lethargy
• Double vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Coma in severe cases

If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.

Risks and Complications

Overdosing on Nurofen Plus, which contains ibuprofen and codeine, can lead to serious health risks and complications.

Short-term Effects:

1. Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
2. Renal Problems: Acute kidney injury, renal tubular acidosis, and severe hypokalaemia.
3. Neurological Symptoms: Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
4. Respiratory Depression: Due to the codeine component, leading to slowed or difficult breathing.

Long-term Effects:

1. Chronic Kidney Disease: Prolonged use can lead to chronic renal failure.
2. Gastrointestinal Damage: Persistent ulcers, perforations, and bleeding.
3. Addiction and Dependence: Physical and psychological dependence on codeine.
4. Cardiovascular Risks: Increased risk of heart attack or stroke with long-term high doses of ibuprofen.

These effects highlight the importance of using Nurofen Plus strictly as directed and consulting a healthcare professional if pain persists.

Emergency Response

1. Call emergency services (112 in Latvia) immediately.
2. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
3. Check for symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty breathing.
4. Keep the person awake and breathing.
5. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking if they are unconscious.
6. Take the medication packaging with you to the hospital.

Seek medical help immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Important Safety Information

Taking more than 6 tablets of Nurofen Plus in 24 hours can lead to severe health risks, including stomach damage, kidney failure, and even death.

It is crucial to follow the recommended dosage instructions:

• Adults and children 12 years and older should take 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
• The maximum dose in 24 hours is 6 tablets.

Exceeding this dosage can cause symptoms such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Respiratory depression

Always consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about using Nurofen Plus.