With sharp and unexpected attacks of pain, no modern person can do without painkillers. Pharmacies are literally flooded with them, but not all in practice are really effective. Many have heard of Nurofen tablets, which have a huge number of positive reviews.

Types and composition of Nurofen tablets

The medicine has many varieties, although the basis of all these drugs is identical substances (mainly ibuprofen).

Currently available for sale:

  • Nurofen - the basic composition of the medicine, sold immediately in 3 types (gel, standard and dispersible tablets);
  • Nurofen Forte - tablet NSAID format;
  • Nurofen Ultracap - an anesthetic in the form of capsules;
  • Nurofen Active - lollipops intended for use in situations where there is no opportunity to drink the medicine with water;
  • Nurofen Express - tablets and capsules, characterized by an accelerated mechanism of action (they are nodified by Nurofen Express Neo, the distinguishing feature of which is the presence of a sweet, tasteful shell);
  • Nurofen Period - an anesthetic with an extended period of exposure;
  • Nurofen for children - a medicine intended for small patients, produced in the form of a suspension and capsules for rectal administration;
  • Nurofen Plus and Nurofen Plus N are tablets with a strengthened composition supplemented with codeine, which makes it possible to relieve pain syndrome with greater efficiency.

An obligatory component of the composition of all forms of the drug is ibuprofen. However, its concentration in one form or another of the drug will be different.

So at a dosage of 200 mg, it is present in the following variations of the drug:

  • Express;
  • Assets;
  • Ultracap;
  • Plus, as well as in standard and dispersible tablets.

In the children's version of the drug, the concentration of the active substance is reduced to 100 and 60 mg (in a single dosage of suspension and suppository, respectively).

If it is necessary to take high doses of the drug, it makes sense to consider the variety Period, which contains 300 mg of ibuprofen, as well as Forte and Ultracap, where its concentration is brought to 400 mg.

Among the auxiliary components present in the composition of the drug, it should be noted:

  • primrose;
  • polysorb;
  • sodium salt of lauryl sulfuric acid;
  • stearic acid;
  • sodium citrate.

In addition, additional components may be present as part of the drug coating.

Thus, based on the severity of symptoms, a specialist can choose the most suitable treatment option using Nurofen, with the help of which it will become possible not only to relieve pain, but also to eliminate tissue inflammation as soon as possible.

Pharmacological properties and pharmacokinetics

The drug has a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effect, due to which it belongs to the NSAID group. The therapeutic effect of this analgesic is aimed at blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins (mainly due to the relief of the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme). They are the cause of pain, inflammation, as well as a general or local (in the area of ​​injury) temperature increase.

Nurofen begins to provide assistance after 15 minutes after consumption. After such a short time, a decrease in pain begins to be observed, and after 15 minutes an antipyretic effect is manifested.

This anti-inflammatory drug is characterized by high absorption, binds mainly to albumin and other plasma proteins (up to 90%). The time to reach peak concentration depends on a meal. So, if the medication was taken on an empty stomach, then Tmax will be 1-2 hours, and if accompanied by food, then 1.5-3 hours. The maximum presence of ibuprofen is achieved in the synovial tissues after 5 hours. T1 / 2 when taken without food is noted after 2 hours, otherwise it occurs 30-50 minutes later.

The components of the drug are metabolized in the liver and excreted with the production of kidneys and bile. Moreover, urinary excretion is 70-90% and ends after 1 day.

What helps the drug

Thanks to widespread advertising and effective effects, the drug has become widespread among the population. The main purpose is to eliminate the pain syndrome, relieve inflammation and reduce the hyperthermic reaction.

In view of this, Nurofen tablets help with the following:

  • pains of various localization (myalgia, migraine, toothache, cramps during menstruation, bursitis, radiculopathy, etc.);
  • idiopathic brachial plexopathy;
  • arthritis of various genesis (including rheumatitis, psoriatic arthropathy, osteochondrosis, arthritis in SLE);
  • gout
  • Ankylosing spondylitis syndrome;
  • temperature caused by diseases of an infectious nature or a cold;
  • pain caused by surgery or trauma.

Nurofen has been widely used in gynecology. It is prescribed as an anesthetic during childbirth. Due to the fact that ibuprofen reduces the muscle activity of the uterus, it is often prescribed to pregnant women with the threat of early childbirth.

Instructions for use and dosage

An abstract to the medication contains a detailed basic scheme for use. However, the independent use of this tool is not recommended. The use of Nurofen must be preceded by a consultation with a specialist.

Despite the accelerated absorption, it is better to refuse to use the medicine on an empty stomach, because in this situation an excessive load on the stomach is noted. Nurofen tablets are approved for use by patients over 12 years of age. For young children, the drug can be prescribed in exceptional cases. However, in standard situations, it is better to use a variety of NSAIDs designed specifically for children (its reception is allowed from 3 months).

Nurofen tablets are prescribed for adults orally, at a dosage of 200 mg. The specified amount of the drug can be taken per day from 3 to 4 times. If it is necessary to obtain an accelerated effect, the dose can be increased by 2 times, however, tablets can be taken only 3 times a day. This is due to the fact that the maximum weft dose should not exceed 1200 mg.

It should be noted that if 3 days after the start of using Nurofen, the pain symptoms do not go away, then it is better to consult a doctor to find out the reasons.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

Women during the period of bearing a child can use Nurofen only after consultation and strictly under the supervision of a treating gynecologist. In the 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy, the drug can be used, however, the dosage should be as correct as possible, and the duration of administration should be minimal. During the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, the use of Nurofen is prohibited.

Due to the fact that the active component of the drug - ibuprofen - is able to penetrate into breast milk in small amounts, the lactation period can be considered a contraindication. Although during clinical trials there was no negative effect on the newborn, it is best to exclude the possibility of penetration of a strong pain medication into the fragile body of the child.

Drug interaction

Nurofen should be combined with other medicines with extreme caution, since it is incompatible with a number of medications. First of all, this applies to other NSAIDs and aspirin. Such a combination several times increases the likelihood of side effects.

Simultaneous administration with modern antidepressants of the 3rd generation is fraught with the appearance of bleeding in the digestive tract. Anticoagulants and thrombolytics, as well as cephalosporins, Depakin and Mitramycin, will cause a similar effect.

The list of drugs that can enhance the side effect of Nurofen and cause intoxication includes:

  • Cyclosporin;
  • Chrysanol;
  • Tauredon;
  • Auropan;
  • Epanutin;
  • Phenylbutazone, as well as tricyclics, barbiturates and ethyl alcohol.

Nurofen is able to stop the activity of diuretics, anti-gout and antihypertensive drugs. When taken together with hypoglycemic drugs, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticosteroids, estrogens, lithium compounds, glucosides and cytostatics, NSAIDs intensify their effect on the patient's body.

Nurofen Compatibility with Alcohol

The parallel use of pain medication and alcohol has a tremendous load on the liver, which is fraught with the appearance of serious pathologies in the work of this body. Therefore, the combination of the drug with alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Contraindications, side effects and overdose

The tablet format of Nurofen is contraindicated in some cases.

In particular, the drug is prohibited for patients:

  • under 12 years of age;
  • having special sensitivity to the components of the drug;
  • bronchial asthma, rhinitis or urticaria;
  • having ulcerative and erosive diseases of the digestive tract in the progressive phase;
  • with inflammation of the large and thin sections of the intestine;
  • with liver, heart, or kidney failure;
  • hypertensive patients;
  • with pathology of blood coagulability, leukopenia or hyperkalemia;
  • hemorrhagic stroke or vasculitis;
  • after surgery on the aorta or arteries.

In addition, Nurofen should not be used by women in a position in the last months of fetal development, nursing mothers.

Even for patients who do not have obvious contraindications, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage, because otherwise dangerous effects such as the following are possible:

  • cramps
  • bleeding of various localizations;
  • impaired sinus heart rhythm;
  • progression of heart failure;
  • respiratory arrest.

An overdose of the drug significantly increases the severity of side effects from taking Nurofen.

Among the negative reactions of the body to ibuprofen are:

  • allergic reactions to the skin and swelling;
  • mild visual and auditory disorders;
  • heavier breathing;
  • sleep disturbance and general psychomotor agitation;
  • hypertension, heart palpitations and arrhythmia;
  • violation of the bowel movement, nausea, vomiting, the development of stomatitis, pancreatitis, ulcers;
  • a decrease in the concentration of leukocytes and platelets in the blood;
  • in rare cases, renal failure.

However, under the supervision of a specialist, the probability of occurrence of these phenomena is minimized.

Analogs of NSAIDs

Nurofen has a whole range of synonyms and analogues.

The most popular remedies include:

  • Ibuprofen;
  • Moment;
  • Solpadein;
  • Nimesil;
  • Ibufen;
  • Bonifen;
  • Ibuklin;
  • Cefecon D.

Despite the huge number of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, it is not worth relying on the recommendations of other patients in choosing this or that remedy. If there is a need to use NSAIDs, then it is better to do this together with a specialist.

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