Good painkiller - but asthmatics beware! (Nurofen)

Member Name: sue.51

Product:	Nurofen
Date:	23/05/01 (178 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent painkiller, Wide variety of products available

Disadvantages: Not suitable for asthmatics and those with stomach problems

WHAT IS IT?
Nurofen (Generic name Ibuprofen) belongs to a group of drugs known as NSAID's (Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), and has similar properties to Aspirin, but is apparently not as harsh on the stomach.

Aspirin and Ibuprofen MUST never be combined as it will increase the risk of stomach bleeds. Users should be wary of using Nurofen (or any of the generic own brands such as Superdrug, Unichem, Tescos, Sainsburys and names such as Cuprofen & Brufen etc) if they suffer from asthma, stomach problems, ulcers, or have ever had an allergy/sensitivity to aspirin or any other NSAID.

It was originally used for its anti-inflammatory properties, but in recent years has become known for its additional painkilling abilities and was released as safe for general sale little more than a few years ago.

It does not contain ASPIRIN, PARACETAMOL OR CAFFEINE - in fact there has been suggestions that taking these tablets with a cup of coffee will speed up the effects.

WHERE CAN I GET IT?
Nurofen contains Ibuprofen and can be purchased from any pharmacy in pack sizes above 16, and in your local supermarket/ newsagent/garage forecourt for smaller packs.

All packs sold outide pharmacies will contain between 8-16 200mg tablets, white with Nurofen written on the front. Again, Ibuprofen in its generic form can be obtained on prescription for those entitled to get them free. Higher Doses of 600mg tablets can also be obtained on prescription.

Nurofen is produced by Crookes Healthcare and sold in a variety of forms including:

* Nurofen Tablets - Little round white tablets containing 200mg of Ibuprofen (max 6 in 24 hours)

* Nurofen Meltlets - you are supposedly able to take these without water, but personally I would rather struggle with the tablets as they taste disgusting;

* Nurofen Caplets - Little Oval Tablets, and much flatter. Presumably easier to swallow (they contain the sam
e product as the tablets).

* Nurofen Syrup for children (formally Junifen) - wonderful stuff - it is safe for all children over 6 months, whilst bearing in mind the normal contraindications for this drug, i.e. stomach ulcers, asthma and a sensitivity to aspirin (ASPIRIN SHOULD NEVER BE GIVEN TO CHILDREN UNDER 12). The bottle advises that it reduces temperatures in children, although my GP refutes this in adults, and advises combining it with a temperature reducer such as Paracetamol. Dose depends on age of child.

* Nurofen Capsules - Little red gelatine capsules each containing 200mg of liquid nurofen.

* Nurofen Plus (Pharmacy Only line - depicted by a P on the box) - Ibuprofen combined with Codeine (12.8mg) for when the pain is at its worst. Pretty powerful stuff. (max 6 tablets in 24 hours) The codeine contained in this tablet is the maximum available without prescription - beware though - they are quite a few other products on the market that also contain Codeine, including some other paracetamol painkillers and cough medicines (codeine is a cough suppressant). Codeine in even small doses can cause constipation; it is a narcotic analgesic and can be habit forming if taken for long periods. I stopped taking these after a long period whilst waiting for an operation, and didn't feel too good for a while.

* Nurofen 400mg tablets - bigger tablets containing double the dose - so you only need to take one at a time.

* Gels - there are also a variety of gels available at the pharmacy which can be applied topically to the joint to reduce pain and swelling, although luckily I have had no need for these products (touch wood) and therefore would not like to comment on them.

*** There will be a leaflet in every packsize, always ensure you read it carefully and if in any doubt, ask your pharmacist.

Nurofen is more well tolerated than some other NSAID's but caution should be noted if taking Antihype
rtensive drugs (to reduce bloodpressure), diuretics, other NSAID's and Lithium. See your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking.

Prices vary according to packsize and product chosen.

Generic forms of Nurofen (Ibuprofen) are undoubtedly cheaper and should not be any less effective (not my findings - but it could be psychological). The recent removal of the price fixing on OTC medicines will see an interesting time for these drugs, and something this popular with so many generic variations available has surely got to be a good candidate for a price reduction?

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