Description

What are codeine and ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen and codeine is a combination of two active ingredients that work differently. Ibuprofen can help to ease pain, swelling and inflammation. Meanwhile, codeine changes the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. As a result, this combination can relieve various types of moderate pain.

Some combination products contain 200 mg of ibuprofen and 12.8 mg of codeine per tablet, but the strengths vary between products and countries. Always read the product packaging and leaflet.

What are ibuprofen and codeine used for?

Health care providers may recommend this combination for short-term pain such as:

• Migraine and headaches
• Backache
• Menstrual cramps
• Tooth pain
• Sprains and Stretches
• Some pain from arthritis

The combination is usually used when less powerful painkillers are not strong enough.

But this medicine is not suitable for everyone. Your chemist or doctor can advise you whether it is suitable for your symptoms and medical history.

What does it do?

First, ibuprofen reduces substances involved in pain and inflammation. This may cause less swelling and discomfort.

Then, in the central nervous system, codeine alters how the body processes pain signals. Thus, the two ingredients can provide pain relief in a complementary manner.

Side Effects Common

Like other medicines, ibuprofen and codeine can have side effects. Typical problems are:

• Heartburn or indigestion
• Feeling tired or dizzy
• Constipation
• Nausea and/or emesis
• Headache.

Fortunately, many adverse effects are mild and resolve after stopping short-term treatment. If symptoms are severe or persistent, however, seek medical advice.

Important Safety Information

Ibuprofen can increase the chances of developing stomach ulcers and bleeding, particularly when taken in large amounts or for an extended duration. It can also raise the risk of heart disease in some people.

Codeine can also cause sleepiness, dependence and possibly serious breathing problems. Follow the directions on the package or on the prescription label of this medication exactly as directed by your healthcare professional.

Avoid alcohol while you are taking this combination. Alcohol can make you drowsy and increase the risk of other side effects. Also, check the other medicines that you are taking carefully because some products may already contain ibuprofen, codeine, aspirin or another NSAID.

FAQs

Is codeine and ibuprofen good for pain?

It can temporarily relieve many types of aches and pains. But this combination is not suitable for everyone, so follow the instructions on the product and the advice of a professional.

Does ibuprofen and codeine get you hooked?

Yes. The use of codeine may lead to addiction, abuse and misuse that can result in overdose and death. So, use it for the least appropriate amount of time.

Is it safe to drink alcohol with ibuprofen and codeine?

The best is to stay away from alcohol. Alcohol may make you sleepier and may increase the risk of serious side effects.

How often should you use it?

Some combination products in pharmacies are only for short-term use. For example, NHS advice states the pharmacy version should not be used for more than three days if pain continues without seeking medical advice.

Summary

For short term pain relief, ibuprofen and codeine can work well – the two ingredients work by different means. But the medicine comes with big risks – ibuprofen can cause stomach problems, and codeine can cause dependence or breathing problems. So read the medicine leaflet thoroughly and talk to a chemist or doctor if you have persistent pain, existing health conditions or queries about your medicines.