| Product: |
Nurofen |
| Date: |
12/07/08 (111 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Very effective pain relief, minimal side effects
Disadvantages: Expensive
Nurofen is not a brand that I regularly use, primarilly because its more expensive than its generic, plain ibuprofen alternatives. It is, however, a useful analgesic (painkiller) and reducer of inflammation.
~What is Nurofen?~
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Nurofen is a brand of analgesic medication originally produced by Boots Healthcare- it has now changed hands and is manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser.
Nurofen can be bought in a number of different forms or preparations. The various formulations are tailored to ease specific pain-related illnesses. Nurofen, as a simple caplet (small sausage shaped coated/uncoated pill), is composed of ibruprofen. Ibruprofen is a useful NSAID (Non-Steroidial Analgesic Drug) which can be used in conjunction with paracetomol, between doses, if the pain is severe enough.
Nurofen Plus is another preparation that includes codeine (slightly addictive, so use with caution), and is highly effective in more severe pains such as period pain, migraine, or flu.
Nurofen Cold and Flu concentrates on the pain and congestion experienced with head colds and excessive catarrh. The decongestant pseudephedrine is combined with ibruprofen to have a two-fold effect on discomfort.
Nurofen Express is a capsule that is said to target pain more speedily, so that sudden onset pain can be quickly attended to. There are also melt in the mouth tablets available for people with problems swallowing pills.
Nurofen Gel is a similar to 'Ibuleve' in that it is a topical NSAID for use on muscular tension, aches and pains.
Nurofen for Children is also available for kiddies aged 3 months and upwards. Ideal for severe teething pain I would say! See packet for details.
~What is Nurofen Useful in Treating?~
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NSAID's, like ibruprofen, which Nurofen includes, are effective in alleviating the following conditions:
*Fever*
*Muscular Pain*- Such as backache, or anything involving inflammation or burning discomfort.
*Menstrual Cramps*- Can be effective in easing the pain of period cramping.
*Headaches*- Especially tension headaches.
*Arthiritis/Rheumatism*
*Toothache/Ea rache/Sore Throat*- Again these involve inflammation, so Nurofen may help.
~Why Buy Nurofen?~
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Personally I dont have a problem with buying cheaper, generic forms of ibruprofen. Sainsburys own-brand ibruprofen is often adequate for my needs. However, I would buy Nurofen if that was the only NSAID available, as its clearly an effective brand. Some people buy it for the snobbery factor of purchasing a major brand, but I think that most people buy it because the trust the brand. If youve had a raging headache and Nurofen has eased it, you may be inclined to buy it again.
Overall I like Nurofen, and I like ibuprofen. It is, however, not advised to be used with some conditions.
~Who Cant Use Nurofen/Ibuprofen Prepartions?~
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Ibuprofen is actually a fairly safe medicine, as far as studies can confirm. Compared with other NSAID's, such as Aspirin (Anadin etc...), it isnt as problematic for people with gastrointestinal problems, ie. Stomach ulcers, IBS. People with such condtions should, naturally, take care and seek advise from the GP when taking these drugs.
Some people experience slight side-effects with ibuprofen. These include nausea, headache, and dizziness. Serious effects are pretty rare; this makes sense else why have ibuprofen as a non-prescription drug?
Ibuprofen should be avoided in pregnancy- especially in the third trimester, when its thought that miscarriage can possibly be induced. Seek advice from your GP.
~How Much does Nurofen Cost?~
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Nurofen standard caplets approx £2.50 for 16 tablets
(Other Supermarket ibuprofen tablets can cost as little as 99p for 16 tablets)
Nurofen Express capsules are around £3.49 for 16 tablets, but the ChemistDirect site are offering them for just £1.99 at the moment.
The Nurofen Gel for muscular pain is about £8.99 for 50g.
Summary: Effective, but expensive choice. Own brands may be as good and cheaper
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