Nurofen Cold & Flu 200mg/30mg - 24 Tablets

Buy Nurofen Cold & Flu Tablets

Nurofen Cold & Flu combines two active ingredients, ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, to tackle cold and flu symptoms from more than one angle. It's commonly used for:

• a blocked nose and sinuses
• headaches
• aches and pains
• a high temperature (fever)
• a sore throat

You can buy Nurofen Cold & Flu tablets over the counter, without needing a prescription.

How does it work?

Ibuprofen belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These work by reducing pain, swelling, and fever.

Pseudoephedrine, meanwhile, is a decongestant. It acts on the blood vessels in your nose to ease that blocked up feeling, so you can breathe more easily.

Together, these two ingredients help you feel more like yourself while your body fights off a cold or flu.

How to take Nurofen Cold & Flu

For adults, the elderly, and children aged 12 years and older, take two tablets with water, every eight hours. Space your doses at least four hours apart, and don't take more than six tablets in any 24-hour period.

Don't take it for longer than 10 days unless your doctor or prescriber tells you to. It's best to use the lowest dose that works for you, for as short a time as possible.

If your symptoms don't improve, or get worse, check in with your doctor or pharmacist.

When to avoid Nurofen Cold & Flu

Don't take this medicine if you:

• are allergic to ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine, aspirin, or any other NSAID
• have had asthma, a skin rash, or facial swelling triggered by aspirin or similar medicines in the past
• have, or have had, a stomach ulcer, or bleeding, or a perforation in your stomach
• are already taking other NSAID painkillers, or more than 75mg of aspirin a day
• have severe heart disease or very high blood pressure
• have severe kidney or liver problems
• are under 12 years old
• are taking, or have taken in the last 14 days, medicines known as MAOIs (used for depression)
• have a rare tumour called a phaeochromocytoma

Can I take Nurofen Cold & Flu during pregnancy?

During the first six months of pregnancy, Nurofen Cold & Flu should be avoided and only taken if your doctor says it's necessary, and always at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.

During the last three months of pregnancy, you shouldn’t take it at all, as it can affect your baby's heart, kidneys, and the timing of labour.

Can you take other medicines with Nurofen Cold & Flu?

Always check with your pharmacist before combining this medicine with anything else. Here are a few things to be aware of:

• Blood thinners, like aspirin or warfarin, can have a stronger effect when taken with this medicine.
• Blood pressure medicines, including ACE inhibitors, beta blockers and diuretics, may not work as well while you're taking this.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin shouldn't be taken alongside this medicine, as it already contains an NSAID.
• Antidepressants like SSRIs or lithium can interact with either ingredient in this medicine.
• MAOIs, taken for depression, shouldn't be combined with this medicine, or used within 14 days of stopping them.

Other medicines that may interact include:

• methotrexate
• ciclosporin
• tacrolimus
• zidovudine
• quinolone antibiotics
• ergot alkaloids like ergotamine

Nurofen Cold & Flu and alcohol

It's best to limit or avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as both can irritate the stomach lining, and drinking alcohol can increase your risk of side effects.

Nurofen Cold & Flu side effects

Like all medicines, Nurofen Cold & Flu can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them. Common side effects may include:

• indigestion
• heartburn
• feeling sick (nausea)
• being sick (vomiting)
• headaches
• tremors
• wind
• diarrhoea
• constipation

For the full list of side effects, take a look at the patient information leaflet that comes with your pack.

Alternatives to Nurofen Cold & Flu

If this medicine isn't quite right for you, here are a few other options to consider:

• Nurofen Day & Night Cold & Flu 200mg/5mg: contains ibuprofen and phenylephrine hydrochloride, a different decongestant to the pseudoephedrine used in Nurofen Cold & Flu. It offers non-drowsy relief from aches, fever, sore throat, and a blocked nose.
• Nurofen Cold & Flu Relief 200mg/5mg: combines ibuprofen with phenylephrine hydrochloride rather than pseudoephedrine, for relief from the same range of cold and flu symptoms.
• Lemsip: a well-known range of cold and flu remedies, including hot drinks and capsules, often including paracetamol rather than ibuprofen. It can be a good option if ibuprofen or an NSAID isn't suitable for you.

Your pharmacist can help you choose the option that best suits your symptoms and any other medicines you're taking.

Frequently asked questions about Nurofen Cold & Flu

Can I take paracetamol with Nurofen Cold & Flu?

Speak to your pharmacist first, but paracetamol works differently to ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine, so it can often be taken alongside this medicine if needed.

Can I take other cold and flu remedies at the same time?

It's best not to, as many cold and flu products already contain ibuprofen, paracetamol, or a decongestant, and doubling up can lead to taking too much of the same ingredient.

Will Nurofen Cold & Flu make me drowsy?

It's not typically associated with drowsiness or sleepiness, but everyone reacts differently. If you feel unwell or less alert after taking it, avoid driving or using machinery until you know how it affects you.

How long can I take Nurofen Cold & Flu for?

No longer than 10 days, unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise. If your symptoms haven't improved by then, or if they get worse at any point, check in with your doctor or pharmacist.

Sources

• Patient information leaflet. Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). [Accessed 27^th July 2026]