Ibuprofen and Codeine 200mg/12.8mg Tablets

What are Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets?

An Ibuprofen and Codeine tablet is a medication that combines two active ingredients: ibuprofen and codeine. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works to reduce pain and inflammation, while codeine is an opioid analgesic that helps to relieve pain by acting on the central nervous system.

These tablets are typically used for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain, such as headaches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, and musculoskeletal pain. The combination of ibuprofen and codeine is often prescribed when other pain relievers alone are not sufficient to provide relief. It's important to note that this medication should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to the potential for side effects and the risk of dependence associated with codeine.

How do Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets work?

Ibuprofen and Codeine tablets work through the combined actions of their active ingredients: ibuprofen and codeine.

• Ibuprofen (a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug - NSAID): Ibuprofen works by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals in the body that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. By blocking the action of COX, ibuprofen reduces the production of prostaglandins, thereby decreasing inflammation, relieving pain, and lowering fever.
• Codeine (an Opioid Analgesic): Codeine binds to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord known as opioid receptors. By binding to these receptors, codeine alters the perception of pain and reduces the transmission of pain signals in the central nervous system. This action results in pain relief.

The combination of ibuprofen and codeine in a single tablet provides complementary mechanisms of action for pain relief. Ibuprofen targets inflammation and reduces pain, while codeine acts centrally to modulate the perception of pain. This combination can provide effective relief for moderate to severe pain that may not respond adequately to other pain relievers alone.

However, it's important to use Ibuprofen and Codeine tablets as directed by a healthcare professional, as they can have side effects and may carry a risk of dependence, particularly with prolonged use.

How long does it take for Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets to work?

The time it takes for Ibuprofen and Codeine tablets to start working can vary depending on factors such as the individual's metabolism, the severity of the pain, and whether the tablet is taken on an empty stomach or with food.

Generally, these tablets typically start to take effect within 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion. However, some people may experience relief more quickly, while for others, it may take a bit longer.

It's essential to follow the dosage instructions provided by a healthcare professional or as indicated on the medication packaging. Additionally, for optimal effectiveness, Ibuprofen and Codeine tablets should be taken with a full glass of water, and it's usually recommended to take them with food or milk to minimise the risk of gastrointestinal irritation.

How long can you take Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets for?

Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets should only be taken for a maximum of 3 days.

If your symptoms get worse or do not go away in 3 days, you must speak to your doctor or our pharmacist.

If you take this medicine for headaches for more than 3 days it can make them worse.

What can happen if you take Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets for too long?

Using Ibuprofen and Codeine tablets for too long may result in you becoming accustomed to it (needing to take higher doses). Frequent usage of Ibuprofen and Codeine tablets can potentially result in dependency, misuse, and addiction, potentially leading to a life-threatening overdose. Overuse or extended use beyond the recommended duration or dosage poses significant risks, such as severe damage to the gastrointestinal system and kidneys, along with dangerously low levels of potassium in the bloodstream, which could be fatal.

If you experience any of the following signs whilst taking Ibuprofen and Codeine tablets, talk to your doctor or pharmacist as it could be an indication that you are dependent or addicted:

• You need to take this medicine for longer than advised
• You need to take more than the recommended dose
• You are using this medicine for reasons other than medical reasons, for instance, 'to stay calm' or to 'help you sleep'
• You have made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to quit or control the use of this medicine
• When you stop taking this medicine you feel unwell, and you feel better once taking this medicine again ('withdrawal effects')

Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablet dosage

Before taking Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets please make sure that you have read and understood the full information provided in the Patient Information Leaflet.

If you have an infection, consult a doctor without delay if symptoms persist or worsen.

Take the lowest amount for the shortest possible time to relieve your symptoms.

Taking any amount of Ibuprofen over the stated dose is an overdose and can potentially cause you harm.

If you think you have taken too much Ibuprofen you must seek medical advice or attend your nearest emergency department as soon as possible, even if you do not feel unwell.

If you take more Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets than you should

If you have taken more tablets than you should, or if children have taken the medicine by accident, always contact a doctor or nearest hospital to get an opinion on the risk and advice on action to be taken. The symptoms can include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting (may be blood streaked), headache, ringing in the ears, confusion and shaky eye movement. At high doses, drowsiness, chest pain, palpitations, loss of consciousness, convulsions (mainly in children), weakness and dizziness, blood in urine, cold body feeling, and breathing problems have been reported.

Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablet ingredients

The active ingredients of each film-coated tablet are: Codeine Phosphate Hemihydrate 12.8 mg and Ibuprofen 200 mg.

As well as the active ingredients, the film-coated tablets also contain: microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, pregelatinised maize starch, hypromellose. The tablet coating contains hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), talc.

Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablet side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you are elderly you may be more likely to have some of these side effects (especially stomach bleeding which can be fatal in the elderly).

If you have any unwanted side effects you should seek advice from your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.

If you get any of these serious side effects, stop taking the tablets.

See a doctor at once if:

• You are sick and it contains blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds
• Pass blood in your stools or pass black tarry stools
• Stomach problems including pain, indigestion or heartburn
• Unexplained wheezing (asthma), worsening of existing asthma, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, tongue, neck or throat, fast heart rate, feeling faint or dizzy or collapse (severe allergic reaction)
• Allergic skin reactions such as itchy, red, raised rash (which can sometimes be severe and include peeling, blistering and lesions of the skin)
• Frequency "Not known": A red, scaly widespread rash with bumps under the skin and blisters mainly localised on the skin folds, trunk, and upper extremities accompanied by fever at the initiation of treatment (acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis). Stop taking this medicine if you develop these symptoms and seek medical attention immediately.
• A severe skin reaction known as DRESS syndrome can occur. Symptoms of DRESS include: skin rash, fever, swelling of lymph nodes and an increase of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell)
• Meningitis (e.g. sti neck, fever, disorientation)
• Kidney problems, which may lead to kidney failure (you may pass more or less urine, have blood in the urine or cloudy urine, or feel breathless, very tired or weak, have no appetite, or have swollen ankles)

Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablet warnings

Please make sure that you have read the full list of warnings and precautions in the Patient Information Leaflet contained within the product packaging before taking Ibuprofen tablets.

Do not take Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets:

• For pain relief in children and adolescents (0-18 years of age) after removal of their tonsils or adenoids due to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
• If you know that you metabolise very rapidly codeine into morphine
• If you have a stomach ulcer, perforation or bleeding, or have had one twice or more in the past
• If you have had perforation or a bleeding stomach after taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (you may have been sick and it contained blood or dark particles that look like coffee grounds, passed blood in your stools or passed black tarry stools)
• If you are allergic to ibuprofen, codeine, or any other ingredient of this medicine , aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (you have ever had asthma, runny nose, itchy skin or swelling of the lips, face or throat after taking these medicines)
• If you are taking aspirin with a daily dose above 75 mg, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines
• If you have severe heart, kidney or liver failure
• If you have difficulty breathing or breathing problems
• If you have constipation on a regular basis or are continually constipated
• If you are pregnant, and in the last 3 months of pregnancy
• If you are breastfeeding

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Ibuprofen and Codeine tablets:

• If you have asthma, a history of asthma or other allergic disease, bowel problems or Crohn’s disease
• If you have other kidney, heart or liver problems
• If you have a connective tissue disorder such as SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
• If you have low blood pressure or an underactive thyroid
• If you have a head injury or a condition where there is raised pressure in the head
• If you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs for depression), or have taken them in the last 14 days
• If you are elderly – you may get more side effects
• If you are taking any other painkillers or receiving regular treatment from your doctor
• If you have heart problems including heart failure, angina (chest pain), or if you have had a heart attack, bypass surgery, peripheral artery disease (poor circulation in the legs or feet due to narrow or blocked arteries), or any kind of stroke (including ‘mini-stroke’ or transient ischaemic attack “TIA”)
• If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, have a family history of heart disease or stroke, or if you are a smoker
• If you are pregnant, and in the first 6 months of pregnancy
• During chicken pox (varicella) as it is advisable to avoid the use of ibuprofen.
• If you have an infection

Read the full Patient Information Leaflet contained within the product packaging for full list of warnings and side effects.