flurbiprofen at a glance
Medicine class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Licensed roles
Inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions and pain with tablets; sore-throat symptoms with lozenges or spray.
What is flurbiprofen used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for:
Rheumatoid disease, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries, including bursitis, tendinitis, low-back pain, sprains and strains.
Mild to moderate pain associated with dental procedures, operations, periods or migraine.
Symptomatic relief of throat pain, soreness, swelling and difficulty swallowing. Selected lozenges are for people over 12; the selected spray is for adults.
How does flurbiprofen work?
Flurbiprofen inhibits cyclo-oxygenase activity, reducing prostaglandins involved in pain, inflammation and fever. Throat formulations deliver it directly to the mouth and throat, although some is absorbed into the bloodstream.
flurbiprofen preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg, 100 mg
Lozenge
Route: Oromucosal
Strengths: 8.75 mg
Oromucosal preparation
Route: Oromucosal
Strengths: 8.75 mg
How to take flurbiprofen
Follow the product leaflet or prescriber's directions because administration differs by formulation.
Swallow coated tablets with or after food.
Let lozenges dissolve slowly, moving them around the mouth to reduce irritation.
Direct the oromucosal spray towards the back of the throat and do not inhale while spraying. Prime the pump as described in its leaflet.
Stop using a throat formulation if significant mouth irritation develops.
flurbiprofen side effects
Common or expected effects
- Indigestion, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or wind.
- Headache, dizziness or tiredness.
- Fluid retention or swelling, particularly with systemic treatment.
- Throat irritation, mouth discomfort, tingling, burning or mouth ulcers with throat formulations.
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction, including wheezing, breathing difficulty or facial swelling.
- Stomach or intestinal ulceration or bleeding.
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread skin reaction.
- Kidney, liver or heart problems, including reduced urine, jaundice, breathlessness or increasing swelling.
- Possible heart attack or stroke symptoms, particularly with higher systemic exposure or prolonged treatment.
flurbiprofen in pregnancy
Do not self-treat with flurbiprofen during pregnancy. UK safety advice recommends avoiding systemic NSAIDs from 20 weeks unless clinically necessary because fetal kidney problems, low amniotic fluid and constriction of a fetal heart vessel may occur. Selected products are contraindicated in the third trimester, after 28 weeks; earlier use requires prescriber assessment.
flurbiprofen interactions
Check prescribed and non-prescription medicines before use. Important interactions include:
Other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, naproxen and COX-2 inhibitors
Combining NSAIDs increases gastrointestinal and other adverse effects and should generally be avoided.
Aspirin and antiplatelet medicines
The combination can increase ulceration and bleeding. Do not stop prescribed aspirin without clinical advice.
Common questions about flurbiprofen
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is flurbiprofen the same as ibuprofen?
No. They are different active ingredients, although both are NSAIDs and share several risks and interactions. They should not normally be used together.
Can children use flurbiprofen?
It depends on the product. Selected lozenges are for people over 12, the selected spray is for adults, and tablets are not recommended below 12.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.