Description

Dual-Action Relief for Moderate Pain When Standard Painkillers Are Not Enough

Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets Overview

CONTAINS OPIOID – Can cause Addiction. Use For NO MORE THAN 3 DAYS

Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets are a combination pain relief medicine used for the short-term treatment of moderate pain when simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone have not provided sufficient relief. They combine ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory painkiller, with codeine, an opioid analgesic, to deliver enhanced pain control.

In the UK, ibuprofen and codeine combination tablets are available as an over-the-counter pharmacy medicine for short-term use in adults.

Understanding Moderate Pain

Why some pain needs combination treatment

Moderate pain may involve both inflammation and heightened pain signalling, such as after dental procedures, injury, surgery, or during acute musculoskeletal flare-ups. In these situations, targeting pain through more than one mechanism can provide improved relief.

Why combination analgesics are used

Combination painkillers work by addressing pain through different pathways, offering stronger relief than single-ingredient medicines while still being suitable for short-term use.

What Are Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets?

These tablets contain:

• Ibuprofen – a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation, swelling and pain
• Codeine phosphate – a weak opioid that acts centrally to reduce pain perception

Together, they provide broader pain control than either medicine alone.

How Do Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets Work?

Anti-inflammatory action

Ibuprofen inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins that drive pain, swelling and inflammation.

Central pain relief

Codeine is converted in the body to morphine in small amounts, where it acts on opioid receptors in the central nervous system to reduce pain signals.

Combined effect

This dual mechanism makes the combination effective for pain that is both inflammatory and centrally mediated.

What These Tablets Help With — and What They Do Not

What they help with

Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets are used to relieve:

• dental pain
• back pain
• muscular aches and sprains
• injury-related pain
• period pain when severe
• pain following minor surgery

They are intended for short-term use only.

What they do not treat

These tablets do not:

• cure underlying medical conditions
• treat chronic pain long-term
• relieve nerve pain effectively
• replace medical assessment for persistent pain

Ongoing pain requires professional review.

Who Are Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets For?

This medicine may be suitable for:

• adults with moderate pain
• people whose pain has not responded to paracetamol or ibuprofen alone
• short-term use where stronger pain relief is required

A pharmacist can confirm suitability.

Who Should Avoid This Medicine

Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets should not be used if:

• you have stomach ulcers or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding
• you are allergic to ibuprofen, codeine or other opioids
• you have breathing problems
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• you have kidney, liver or heart disease without advice

They are not suitable for children under 18 years.

How to Take Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets

Tablets should be taken with or after food and swallowed with water. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.

Do not take for more than 3 days unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Safety, Warnings and Side Effects

Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation and indigestion. Codeine can cause dependence if used for longer than recommended.

Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

Risk of Dependence and Overuse

Codeine-containing medicines should only be used short term. Regular use can lead to tolerance, dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

If pain persists beyond a few days, seek medical advice rather than continuing treatment.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Speak to a GP or pharmacist if:

• pain does not improve within 3 days
• pain worsens
• you experience stomach pain, black stools or vomiting blood
• you feel excessively drowsy or unwell

Urgent advice is needed if overdose is suspected.

How This Combination Compares to Other Painkillers

Ibuprofen and codeine vs ibuprofen alone

The combination provides stronger pain relief by adding central pain control to anti-inflammatory action.

Ibuprofen and codeine vs paracetamol combinations

Paracetamol combinations do not reduce inflammation. Ibuprofen-based combinations may be more effective where inflammation is present.

Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets Summary

Almus Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets provide effective short-term relief from moderate pain by combining anti-inflammatory and opioid pain-relieving action. When used correctly and briefly, they can help manage pain that has not responded to standard treatments.

Persistent or severe pain should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.