Can you take Ibuprofen with Codeine together?

Yes, it is completely safe to have codeine and ibuprofen when used in conjunction with each other. But, do not take the drug combinations consisting of codeine and ibuprofen with ibuprofen, codeine and ibuprofen with aspirin, or codeine and ibuprofen with naproxen. This is because Ibuprofen, Aspirin and Naproxen all belong to the exact same group of pain relief medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs.

Key Takeaways

Safe combination:

Codeine and ibuprofen can be taken together safely to manage pain, but avoid combining them with other NSAIDs like aspirin or naproxen to prevent harmful side effects.

Effective for various pains:

This combination is commonly used for conditions like back pain, arthritis, and period pain when standard painkillers such as paracetamol or aspirin aren’t effective.

Dosage and safety:

Adults and children over 12 can take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours. Always follow dosage instructions, avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.

Learn more about the combination drug 

Each tablet often has 12.8 mg of codeine and 200 mg of ibuprofen. Codeine and ibuprofen can be bought as one combined medicine in pharmacies. It is used to treat a wide array of pains and aches in the body, including dysmenorrhea, pain in the back, muscle aches, arthritis, and toothache. 

It is often administered when everyday painkillers like aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol alone are not working. 

Whenever you purchase codeine and ibuprofen, avoid using for more than three days without asking your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist about it. Have the drug with food or a glass of milk to prevent the incidence of any stomach pains; Do not take this medication if you have not eaten anything. 

Side effects of Codeine and Ibuprofen

The usual side effects of codeine and ibuprofen are feeling dizzy, feeling sleepy, and headaches. The combination medication of codeine and ibuprofen can cause side effects, however not everyone will experience these. 

For sprains and strains, some nurses, doctors, or pharmacists will advise that you allow an interval of two days before you have this medicine combination, as ibuprofen can be ineffective. Ask your doctor about it if you are unsure. 

Do not drink alcohol when you are taking codeine and ibuprofen as you will be more likely to feel drowsy and about to sleep. Combined codeine and ibuprofen is also known by various other names such as Solpadeine Migraine and Nurofen Plus.

Who can take the Codeine and Ibuprofen combination 

Kids who are twelve years old and above and adults can have codeine and ibuprofen combination drugs. It is allowed to be administered to children only if they are at least 12 years old and for adults 18 years old and above, when painkillers such as aspirin and paracetamol on their own have not been found effective. 

Avoid taking this combination if you have:

• Kidney failure

• Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis

• Allergies to codeine or ibuprofen, or NSAIDs in general

• Tried to get pregnant, are already pregnant, or breastfeeding

• Taken aspirin for pain over seventy five milligrams a day or any other NSAID

• 18 years old or below and have surgery on their adenoid glands or where they have sleep problems

Before taking the codeine and ibuprofen combination, ask your nurse, doctor, or pharmacist if you have:

• Asthma or allergies

• Allergic reaction to codeine and ibuprofen combination

• Accidents in the head

• Problems with the adrenal gland 

• An illness that may cause fits of anger or panic

• Heart disease or severe heart failure

• Ulcer and any bleeding in the stomach area

• Ailments that can cause bleeding

• Liver ailments or reduced functioning thereof

Moreover, you have to inform your doctor and or pharmacist, when you:

• Are using low dose aspirin of about 75 mg

• Are having alcoholic drinks of at least 14 units per week

How to administer Codeine and Ibuprofen

Each tablet often has 12.8 mg of codeine and 200 mg of ibuprofen. Various brands come in different dosages, so it is important to take note and read the product label information, so you are aware of how to use the drug safely.

The regular dose for adults and children at least 12 years and older is 1 to 2 tablets taken every four to six hours interval. If you are not certain, how much to have, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. 

If you have been prescribed Codeine then always follow the dosage instructions given, and only take over-the-counter amounts of Ibuprofen in line with the patient information leaflet. If you are ever unsure of how to take your medications safely then you should check with a doctor or pharmacist.

Codeine and Ibuprofen with other painkillers

It's safe to take combined codeine and ibuprofen with paracetamol. This is because each of the drugs falls into a different category of painkiller, and they act on the body in different ways. However, you should never take a combination of codeine and ibuprofen with naproxen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. The drugs Ibuprofen, and aspirin, all pertain to the same medicine group classified as NSAIDs.

When you take them together, the combination of ibuprofen plus aspirin or naproxen can increase the chances of you getting side effects like stomach ache, stomach upset, or serious issues such as stomach bleeding. Some other pain relieving medications include Meptid, Vimovo (Naproxen/Esomeprazole) and Nefopam (Nefopam Hydrochloride).