codeine + ibuprofen at a glance
Medicine class
Opioid analgesic combined with an NSAID.
Usual role
Acute moderate pain when suitable single-ingredient painkillers have not provided adequate relief.
Administration
Swallow whole with water, preferably with or just after food.
Key safety point
Codeine can cause drowsiness, breathing problems and dependence; ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney injury.
What is codeine + ibuprofen used for?
Selected products are licensed for acute moderate pain not adequately relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone.
Rheumatic, muscular and back pain
Migraine and headache
Neuralgia
Period pain
Dental pain
How does codeine + ibuprofen work?
Ibuprofen reduces prostaglandin production, decreasing inflammation, swelling, fever and pain. Codeine is converted partly to morphine and acts at opioid receptors in the central nervous system, reducing pain perception. Conversion varies between people, affecting benefit and toxicity risk.
codeine + ibuprofen preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 200 mg + 12.8 mg
How to take codeine + ibuprofen
Follow the product leaflet and instructions from your pharmacist or prescriber.
Swallow tablets whole with water.
Take with or just after food to reduce stomach upset.
Check other pain, cold and flu products for ibuprofen, codeine, aspirin or another NSAID to avoid duplication.
Avoid alcohol because it can increase drowsiness and other adverse effects.
Do not drive or operate machinery if sleepy, dizzy or otherwise impaired.
codeine + ibuprofen side effects
Common or expected effects
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation and wind
- Sleepiness or dizziness
- Headache
Get urgent medical advice
- Slow, shallow or difficult breathing
- Gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation
- Kidney injury
- Severe allergic reaction or worsening asthma
- Serious blistering, peeling or widespread skin reaction
- Marked sedation, confusion, loss of consciousness or seizures
- Dependence, withdrawal symptoms or increased sensitivity to pain with repeated use
codeine + ibuprofen in pregnancy
Generally not recommended during pregnancy. Ibuprofen exposure from 20 weeks can affect fetal kidney function, amniotic fluid and the ductus arteriosus; these products are contraindicated in the last trimester. Codeine near delivery can cause newborn breathing, feeding or withdrawal problems. Discuss pregnancy, planned pregnancy or exposure after 20 weeks with a doctor, midwife or pharmacist.
codeine + ibuprofen while breastfeeding
Do not use while breastfeeding. Codeine and its active metabolite can enter breast milk and may cause dangerous sleepiness or breathing problems in the infant. Discuss non-opioid alternatives with a healthcare professional.
codeine + ibuprofen interactions
Check all prescribed, pharmacy and complementary products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important examples include:
Other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac
Increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, kidney injury and other adverse effects.
Aspirin
May increase adverse effects. Regular ibuprofen may also interfere with aspirin's antiplatelet action.
Anticoagulants, such as warfarin
Ibuprofen may enhance anticoagulation and increase bleeding risk.
Common questions about codeine + ibuprofen
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is it stronger than ibuprofen alone?
It combines two pain-relief mechanisms and is licensed when suitable single-ingredient painkillers have not provided adequate relief. It also carries opioid and NSAID risks, so it is not right for every pain.
Can I take paracetamol with it?
The NHS states that paracetamol can generally be taken alongside it. Check labels to avoid products containing codeine, ibuprofen, aspirin or another NSAID, and ask a pharmacist if uncertain.
Can it make me sleepy?
Yes. Codeine can cause sleepiness, dizziness and slowed reactions. Avoid driving, cycling or operating machinery if affected.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.