What is Nurofen?

 

 
 
We all need painkillers from time to time, but when it comes to pain relief, there’s an overwhelming amount of options to choose from. Nurofen has provided millions of people with fast, effective pain relief for over 30 years. 
 
With products that target headaches, joint & muscular pain, period pain and more, there’s a Nurofen product suitable for many types of mild to moderate pain. In this guide, we’ll explore Nurofen’s expansive range so you can find out if there’s an option suitable for you. 
 
 

What is Nurofen?

 
Nurofen is a brand of painkillers that contain the active ingredient ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is an everyday painkiller classed as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), used to treat aches, pains and inflammation. 
 
NSAIDs like ibuprofen work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation. 
 
Ibuprofen tablets typically take up to half an hour to start working, but some Nurofen products such as Nurofen Express can be absorbed twice as fast. 
 
There’s also the Nurofen Plus range that combines ibuprofen with codeine for pain that’s more severe. These are classified as a pharmacy (P) medicine, so you’ll need to answer some questions from one of our pharmacists before purchase. 
 
Before considering any Nurofen product, make sure to read the patient information leaflet before use to check if it’s suitable for you. 
 
 

Which Nurofen product is right for me?

 
Nurofen is suitable for lots of different types of pain and there’s a lot of options available to tailor your pain relief to your needs. From headaches to joint & muscular pain, Nurofen have a wide range of products all containing ibuprofen in various strengths and doses. 
 

Headaches & Migraine

 

 

Joint & Muscular pain

 

 

Period pain

 

 

Cold & Flu

 

 
 

Is Nurofen suitable for children?

 
Ibuprofen products like Nurofen can be suitable for children, but they will typically need a smaller dose than adults. 
 
Nurofen provides a range of syrups and dissolvable tablets suitable for most children, but you must always be sure to read the product’s patient information leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child. 
 
 

 
 

Is Nurofen suitable for over-65s? 

 
Standard ibuprofen tablets or capsules like Nurofen are generally suitable for the over-65s, especially if it’s just for short-term use. Ibuprofen can, however, make you more likely to get stomach ulcers if you’re over 65. 
 
If you’re over-65 and you need to take ibuprofen on a long term basis, your doctor may need to prescribe a medicine alongside it to protect your stomach. 
 
It’s also important to talk to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking Nurofen if you have any underlying medical conditions. This is because ibuprofen isn’t suitable for people who suffer from certain health conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease or liver problems, for example. 
 
It’s also important to make sure you aren’t taking any other medicines that can be affected by ibuprofen, like anticoagulants (blood thinners) or diuretics. 
 
Always check with your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist and read the patient information leaflet before taking Nurofen if you’re taking any other medicines or herbal remedies.
 
 

Who shouldn’t take Nurofen? 

 
Whilst ibuprofen is a popular everyday painkiller, it isn’t suitable for everyone. Do not take Nurofen, or any other products containing ibuprofen, if: 
 

• You have had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen or any other medicines in the past
• You have had allergic symptoms like wheezing, runny nose or skin reactions after taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen
• You are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• You have high blood pressure that’s not under control

 
Before taking Nurofen, or any other products containing ibuprofen, talk to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist if you have: 
 

• Had bleeding in your stomach, a stomach ulcer or a hole in your stomach
• A health problem that means you have an increased chance of bleeding
• Liver problems, such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis or liver failure
• Heart disease or severe heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Chickenpox or shingles 

 
Some Nurofen products may contain certain flavourings, colourings, gelatin, soya or certain sugars like lactose or sucrose, so you should always make sure to read the list of ingredients if you may have an allergy or intolerance. 
 
Before taking any medicines, always check the patient information leaflet of the specific product you’re thinking of taking to make sure it’s right for you.