You can take Ibuprofen tablets to relieve mild to moderate pain, reduce inflammation and swelling and lower high temperatures.

The most common uses for Ibuprofen include the following:

• Headaches and migraines
• Back pain
• Arthritic pain
• Toothache
• Fever
• Symptoms of the common cold and flu
• Period pain
• Muscle and joint pain

Ibuprofen is an active ingredient which falls into a category of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs work to reduce pain and inflammation by blocking the production of the chemical known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are released when the body is damaged or injured and are one of the components responsible for causing you to feel pain.

You should expect to start to feel the effects of Ibuprofen tablets within 20 to 30 minutes. The effects of Ibuprofen will usually last for around 4-6 hours.

Ibuprofen should only be taken for up to 10 days continuously. If you are continuing to experience pain after 10 days you must speak to a pharmacist or doctor for further advice.

Ibuprofen and paracetamol are both widely used painkillers that target pain in different ways making them a safe options to take at the same time. Taking alternative doses of Ibuprofen and paracetamol throughout the day is an effective way to stay on top of mild to moderate pain.

You can safely take Ibuprofen at the same time as codeine. Codeine is an opioid pain reliever unlike Ibuprofen, which is an NSAID. The two medications work differently inside the body to reduce pain.

It is safe to take Ibuprofen at the same time as Co-codamol and can quickly provide extra pain relief. 

Please note that you should not take any medicine that contains codeine for more than 3 days as it can cause addiction. If you are struggling to control your pain after 3 days you should speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Ibuprofen, when taken as directed in the Patient Information Leaflet for less than 10 days does not regularly cause people problems.

However, like most other medicines, Ibuprofen can cause people to experience side effects and some people may find that they are allergic to Ibuprofen itself or one of the other ingredients included in the tablets.

Ibuprofen tablets are currently recommended to reduce symptoms of COVID-19 including reducing fever and offering pain relief from muscle aches, headaches and sore throat. There is currently inadequate evidence to verify a connection between taking Ibuprofen and worsening symptoms.

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

Ibuprofen should only be taken orally and should be taken at the same time as food or a glass of milk to avoid stomach irritation.

Ibuprofen 400 mg tablets are only suitable for children and adults over the age of 12 years.

You should not take Ibuprofen tablets at the same time as any other medicine containing Ibuprofen, including Ibuprofen gel, as this can cause an overdose.

Children and adults over the age of 12 years old: Take one 400mg tablet up to 3 times a day.

You should leave at least 4 hours between each dose of Ibuprofen and you should not take more than 3 tablets in 24 hours.

Children under the age of 12 years old can take smaller doses of Ibuprofen but this should be of either 200mg tablets or in liquid suspension.

Ibuprofen 400mg tablets are only suitable for children over the age of 12 years and you should not cut up or chew these tablets.

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.

Possible signs of an Ibuprofen overdose include:

• Stomach pain, feeling and being sick
• Drowsiness
• Ringing in your ears
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased or decreased heart rate

Before taking Ibuprofen tablets please make sure that you have read and understood all the ingredients included in the Patient Information Leaflet.

Each tablet contains the active ingredient: 400mg of ibuprofen.

Each tablet contains the inactive ingredients: Lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, aluminum lake (E127), titanium dioxide (E171).

Ibuprofen, like other medication, can cause you to experience some unwanted side effects. For full details on reported side effects please take the time to read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

If you experience severe side effects or an allergic reaction while taking Ibuprofen tablets you must attend your nearest emergency department as soon as possible.

Most side effects will stop after you finish taking Ibuprofen tablets. If your side effects do not improve or you are concerned about any side effects you should speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

The common side effects associated with Ibuprofen use are:

• Headaches
• Feeling sick or vomiting
• Excessive wind
• Indigestion, constipation or diarrhoea
• Skin rashes and itching (hives)

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.

You should not take Ibuprofen if any of the following apply to you:

• You have had a bleed in your stomach, a stomach ulcer, or a hole in your stomach
• You have problems with your liver, kidneys or heart

You should speak to a pharmacist or doctor before taking Ibuprofen if any of the following apply to you:

• You have ever had asthma, diabetes, or a stroke
• You have high cholesterol or blood pressure
• You have a long term gastrointestinal disorder or Lupus
• You have recently been taking or are currently taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medication

You should not take Ibuprofen tablets on an empty stomach as this can cause you to experience stomach irritation. Always swallow Ibuprofen tablets whole with a drink and take at the same time as a snack or meal.

Taking Ibuprofen tablets is not recommended during pregnancy. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you are suffering from pain, inflammation or fever at this time.

If you are breastfeeding you can take Ibuprofen tablets at the recommended dose.

Ibuprofen can make some people more tired than normal. You should therefore make sure that you know how Ibuprofen will affect you before you drive or operate any heavy machinery.

When taking Ibuprofen you should be aware that drinking too much alcohol at the same time may increase your chances of experiencing irritation to your stomach. 

• https://www.gov.uk/government/news/commission-on-human-medicines-advice-on-ibuprofen-and-coronavirus-covid-19
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/how-to-treat-symptoms-at-home/
• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/
• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/naproxen/
• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/ibuprofen.html

We have tried to include all of the important information regarding this treatment on here. However, more comprehensive and up to date information is available on the patient information leaflet that will be provided with your treatment. You can also view and download this leaflet by pressing/ clicking on the button above. 

If you have any other questions, concerns or you would like some specific clinical advice regarding taking this medication. You can call Goodcure pharmacy and ask to speak to the pharmacist. Sometimes our pharmacist is busy and may not be available to take your query straight away. However, be assured that they will get back to you as soon as possible. 

You can also send us an email, SMS or WhatsApp message. We will do our best to reply to you as soon as possible.  

Clinical advice and consultations are always free with us and we would be more than happy to help you.