Ibuprofen & Codeine

About Ibuprofen & Codeine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Analgesics.

This medicine contains two drugs ibuprofen and codeine. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and Codeine is an opioid analgesic.

This medicine can be used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by rheumatic and muscular pain, headaches, migraine, back ache, period pain (menstrual), postoperative pain and dental pain. It can also be used to relieve cold and 'flu-like' symptoms.

This medicine works by reducing the effect of irritant chemicals which are produced by the body as a response to inflammation and high temperature and also blocks the pain pathways in the body.

This medicine is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Codafen Continus; Nurofen Plus; Solpaflex. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Ibuprofen & Codeine

Before taking this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver, kidney, heart or prostate problems
• if you suffer from rhinitis, asthma, or breathing problems
• if you suffer from epilepsy or any other disorders which cause fits
• if you have ever had an unusual reaction from taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Other NSAIDs include Naproxen and Diclofenac.
• if you suffer from hypothyroidism (an under active thyroid gland)
• if you suffer from peptic ulcer or blood clotting problems
• if you suffer from high blood pressure or SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus)
• if you suffer from indigestion, heartburn or other digestion or bowel problems
• if you have been constipated for more than one week (with or without tummy pain and bloating)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you have ever had a problem with drug or alcohol abuse
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to Take Ibuprofen & Codeine

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Swallow this medicine whole, not crushed or chewed.
• Take this medicine with or immediately after food.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside this medicine.
• If you experience indigestion after taking this medicine try taking the next dose with a glass of milk.
• This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effects on you.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking this medicine.
• This medicine may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds and use a sun protection cream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.
• This medicine may cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or a piece of ice. If a dry mouth becomes too troublesome speak with your doctor.
• This medicine may cause dizziness, particularly when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help.
• This medicine may cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes and bran and by drinking plenty of water.

Can Ibuprofen & Codeine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick, diarrhoea or constipation, indigestion, rash, headache, nervousness, depression, problems sleeping, ringing in the ears, difficulty urinating (passing water) sweating, hot flushes, a fast heartbeat, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), mood changes, sexual problems, skin rashes or itching.

Important: If you experience swelling of the lips, mouth and throat or breathing problems stop taking ibuprofen immediately and consult your doctor or accident and emergency department of your local hospital as soon as possible

Important: If you experience black or bloody stools or blood in the urine, stop taking this medicine and make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying side effects which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Ibuprofen & Codeine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 22/07/2005