Cuprofen

What is Cuprofen?

Cuprofen is a pain killer that is effective in the short term treatment of pain in those over 12 years of age.

Cuprofen maximum strength tablets contain 400mg of the active ingredient ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is an effective pain killer and falls into a category of medication called Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

NSAIDs, including Cuprofen, are a commonly used group of medicines which are used to relieve mild to moderate pain, reduce inflammation and are also effective in reducing high temperatures and fevers.

Cuprofen can be taken safely alongside paracetamol and other opioid-containing painkillers to provide further pain relief.

Cuprofen should however not be taken alongside other NSAIDs such as:

• Ibuprofen containing medication
• Naproxen
• Diclofenac
• High-doses of aspirin

It is important that before starting treatment using Cuprofen that you read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

If you are struggling to manage your pain with Cuprofen after 3 days in those under 18 years and 10 days in those over 18 years, you should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

What is Cuprofen used for?

Cuprofen is used to treat mild to moderate pain, reduce inflammation and reduce fevers caused by:

• Dental pain
• Period pain
• Backache
• Muscular pain
• Arthritis
• Nerve pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Migraine and headache
• Symptomatic relief from colds and flu

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. If you are unsure as to whether this medication is suitable to treat your pain, inflammation or fever, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Cuprofen.

How does Cuprofen work?

Cuprofen contains the active ingredient ibuprofen and like other NSAIDs, ibuprofen works by blocking the effects of an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase (COX).

The COX enzyme is responsible for the production of chemicals called prostaglandins. It is these prostaglandins that can produce pain, inflammation and a rise in body temperature.

By blocking the action of the COX enzyme, Cuprofen, therefore, reduces the number of prostaglandins that are produced which in turn reduces symptoms of pain and fever.

Cuprofen dosage

Cuprofen is suitable for those over 12 years old. Cuprofen should be taken as a single dose of one 400mg tablet, orally up to 3 times a day.

For more information about the dosage of Cuprofen maximum strength tablets please see the directions section on this page (link to this).

It is important that before taking any medication you read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

Can I take two Cuprofen tablets?

You should not take more than one Cuprofen maximum strength tablet at one time.

Cuprofen contains 400mg of Ibuprofen which is the same amount of ibuprofen that would be contained in two regular tablets.

Taking over the stated dose of any medication can increase the chances of unwanted and more serious side effects. If you have taken over the stated dose of Cuprofen stop taking straight away. If you feel unwell contact a doctor immediately.

Cuprofen Vs Ibuprofen

Cuprofen is a branded maximum-strength form of the medicine ibuprofen and therefore Cuprofen should not be taken at the same time as any other medicine containing the active ingredient ibuprofen.

Cuprofen should also not be taken with any other anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as aspirin or naproxen.

Cuprofen and ibuprofen are used to treat pain, inflammation and fevers.

Cuprofen maximum strength tablets contain 400mg of the active ingredient ibuprofen in each tablet. Only one Cuprofen tablet can be taken at one time.

Regular ibuprofen tablets will contain 200mg per tablet and up to 2 tablets can be taken at one time.

Cuprofen side effects

Like all medications, some people may experience unwanted side effects when taking Cuprofen. The most commonly reported side effects of Cuprofen are abdominal pain and nausea.

To reduce the chances of experiencing gastric symptoms it is recommended all ibuprofen containing medicines are taking with or after food. For more information please see our Cuprofen side effects section on this page.

Before commencing treatment with any medication you must familiarise yourself with the information included in the Patient Information Leaflet.

If you are concerned or have questions about side effects when taking Cuprofen, speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Sources

• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/ibuprofen.html
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nsaids/
• https://patient.info/treatment-medication/painkillers/anti-inflammatory-painkillers
• https://www.healthline.com/health/infection/fever-reducers#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1
• Cuprofen, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/10971/pil

Cuprofen directions

For use in children and adults over 12 years only:

Take one 400mg tablet every 4-6 hours up 3 times in 24 hours.

If you think you have taken over the stated dose of Cuprofen stop taking this medication straight away. If you begin to feel unwell you should seek medical advice immediately.

Cuprofen is for oral use only and is suitable for the short term treatment of mild-moderate pain, inflammation and fever in people over the age of 12 years.

You should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice if you are unable to manage your pain using Cuprofen alone or alongside basic painkillers such as paracetamol:

• After 3 days in those under 18 years old
• After 10 days in those over 18 years old

Cuprofen can irritate the digestive tract (gastric irritation), it is therefore recommended that Cuprofen should be taken with or after food.

For full information on Cuprofen dosage please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Cuprofen ingredients

Each Cuprofen maximum strength tablet contains 400mg of the active ingredient ibuprofen.

Each tablet also contains lactose and magnesium stearate.

For a full list of ingredients please ensure you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

Cuprofen side effects

As with all medication, some people may experience unwanted side effects when taking Cuprofen. If you do experience side effects you should stop taking Cuprofen and speak to a doctor or pharmacist about your concerns and discuss other available options.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of reported side effects associated with Cuprofen. Before taking any prescribed or non-prescribed medication you should make sure you have familiarised yourself with the full information enclosed in the Patient Information Leaflet.

Most commonly reported side effects:

• Indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea
• Headaches
• Skin rashes

If you experience black or bloody stools or notice blood in your vomit when taking Cuprofen you should speak to a doctor immediately.

Cuprofen warnings

For full details about the warnings and precautions associated with Cuprofen please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

You should not take Cuprofen if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients (Cuprofen contains lactose)
• You have had 2 or more episodes of stomach ulcers, perforation or abdominal bleeding

Cuprofen and pregnancy

It is not recommended to take Cuprofen during pregnancy. If you are experiencing pain, inflammation or fever and you are pregnant you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist about your options.

Cuprofen may be suitable for treatment in those that are breastfeeding. It is however recommended that you speak to a doctor or pharmacist before starting Cuprofen.

Cuprofen and other medication

Cuprofen contains ibuprofen which is an NSAID. If you are taking any other form of NSAID including suppositories and gels to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Cuprofen as this is likely to increase the chances of experiencing side effects.

Cuprofen may affect or be affected by some other medication such as some anticoagulants, medications to lower high blood pressure and corticosteroids. If you are therefore taking any other medication you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Cuprofen.