You can buy ibuprofen and codeine combined as a single medicine from pharmacies.
It's used to treat a range of aches and pains, including:
It's usually taken when everyday painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin, have not worked on their own.
Each tablet usually contains 200mg of ibuprofen and 12.8mg of codeine.
Ibuprofen belongs to a group of medicines called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It works by reducing hormones that cause pain and swelling in the body.
Codeine is from a group of medicines called opioids. It works in the central nervous system and the brain to block pain signals to the rest of the body. It also reduces the anxiety and stress caused by pain.
Key facts
- If you buy combined ibuprofen and codeine from a pharmacy and your pain is not better after 3 days, it's important to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice about ongoing pain relief.
- You can become addicted to the codeine in this medicine, if you take it for too long. Only take it when you need it for pain relief.
- Do not take more than 6 combined ibuprofen and codeine tablets in 24 hours.
- It's best to take your tablets with food or a drink of milk. You'll be less likely to get indigestion or stomach pain.
- The most common side effects are indigestion, feeling sleepy and constipation.
- It's best not to drink alcohol when you're taking combined ibuprofen and codeine. You're more likely to get side effects like feeling sleepy.