Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Boots Max Strength Ibuprofen 10% w/w Gel
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Ibuprofen may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What you need to know before you take it
e Ibuprofen 10% Gel This medicine can be used by adults and children of 12 years and over. However, some people should not use this medicines or should seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor first. Do not use Ibuprofen 10% Gel:
- If you are allergic to ibuprofen or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
- If you are allergic to aspirin, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (you have ever had asthma, runny nose, itchy skin or swelling of the lips, face or throat after taking these medicines)
- On broken, damaged, diseases or infected skin
- If you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy Warnings and precautions Take special care with Ibuprofen 10% Gel: Serious skin reactions including exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been reported in association with ibuprofen treatment. Stop using Ibuprofen 10% Gel and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the symptoms related to these serious skin reactions described in section 4.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Ibuprofen 10% Gel:
- If you have a stomach ulcer or an ulcer in the intestine, or have had one in the past
- If you have any kidney problems
- If you have asthma, or a history of asthma
- If you develop a rash when using the gel and do not apply any more gel Other important information Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it. This gel may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Keep treated areas out of direct sunlight, but do not cover with plasters or dressings. Children Not recommended for children under 12 years. Other medicines and Ibuprofen 10% Gel Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
- Aspirin, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (if you use these medicines with Ibuprofen 10% Gel you may notice more side effects)
- Medicines to treat high blood pressure, or medicines to thin the blood (Ibuprofen 10% Gel may rarely affect these medicines) If you are unsure about interations with any other medicines, talk to your pharmacist. This includes medicines prescribed by your doctor and medicine you have brought yourself, including herbal and homeopathic remedies. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine. Do not use Ibuprofen 10% Gel if you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy. You should not use Ibuprofen 10% Gel during the first 6 months of pregnancy unless clearly necessary and advised by your doctor. If you need treatment during this period, the lowest dose for the shortest time possible should be used. Oral forms (e.g. tablets) of Ibuprofen 10% Gel can cause adverse effects in your unborn baby. It is not known if the same risk applies to Ibuprofen 10% Gel when it is used on the skin. You should not use Ibuprofen 10% Gel if you are breast-feeding. Driving and using machines: Ibuprofen 10% Gel should not affect the ability to drive or use machines. Ibuprofen 10% Gel contains benzyl alcohol and sodium: This medicine contains 1.25 mg benzyl alcohol in each 125mg, which is equivalent to 0.01mg/mg. Benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions and mild local irritation. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 125mg, that is to say essentially 'sodiumfree'.
How to take it
Ibuprofen 10% Gel
Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Ibuprofen 10% Gel is designed for topical (on the skin) application only. Never take the gel by
mouth.
Check the tube seal is not broken before first use. If it is, do not use the gel. Pierce tube seal with end of cap.
The recommended dose is: Age How much to use How often to use Adults and children of 12 2-5 cm of gel (50-125mg of ibuprofen) Every 4 hours, if you need to. years and over on the affected area Do not use more than 4 times in any 24 hours Do not use more frequently than every 4 hours Gently massage the gel into the affected area until it is absorbed. Wash your hands as soon as you have used the gel. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, lips or nose, or inflamed or broken skin. Do not apply plasters or dressings over the gel. Do not use on children under 12 years, unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use more than the amount recommended in the table. Stop using the gel if a rash develops. If symptoms worsen, or do not go away after 14 days talk to your doctor. Use in Children: Ibuprofen 10% Gel is not recommended for use in children under 12 years. If you accidentally swallow any Ibuprofen 10% Gel: If you accidentally swallow any gel, rinse out the mouth and contact your doctor, or nearest hospital, as soon as possible. Take your medicine and this leaflet with you. If you forget to use your Ibuprofen 10% Gel: If you miss a dose, just carry on with the next dose as normal. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Stop using ibuprofen and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms: •
All medicines can cause allergic reactions although serious allergic reactions are rare. Any unexplained wheezing (asthma), worsening of existing asthma, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, tongue, neck or throat (severe allergic reactions), skin reactions such as itchy, red, raised rash (which can sometimes be severe and include peeling, blistering, weeping and lesions of the skin) should be reported to a doctor immediately.
• •
• •
If you notice any signs of kidney problems (particularly in people who have a history of kidney disease) should contact your doctor straightaway. Reddish non-elevated, target-like or circular patches on the trunk, often with central blisters, skin peeling, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes. These serious skin rashes can be preceded by fever and flu-like symptoms [exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis]. Widespread rash, high body temperature and enlarged lymph nodes (DRESS syndrome). A red, scaly widespread rash with bumps under the skin and blisters accompanied by fever. The symptoms usually appear at the initiation of treatment (acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis).
Other side effects with the following frequency include:
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) • •
Abdominal pain (pains in your stomach). Indigestion.
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
- Skin becomes sensitive to light.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effect not listed in this leaflet.
You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
Ibuprofen 10% Gel Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package in order to protect from light. Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Ibuprofen 10% Gel contains The gel contains Ibuprofen 10% w/w, which is the active ingredient. As well as the active ingredient, the gel also contains hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium hydroxide, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, purified water. What Ibuprofen 10% Gel looks like and contents of the pack Ibuprofen 10% Gel is clear or slightly opalescent, colourless or almost colourless gel supplied in aluminium tubes containing 40g of gel. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Mercury Pharma Group Ltd, Dashwood House, 69 Old Broad Street, London, EC2M 1QS, UK. Manufacturer:
Farmasierra Manufacturing S.L, Carretera De Irun KM 26,200, 28706, SAN Sebastian De Los Reyes, Madrid, Spain. Distributor: The Boots Compacy PLC Nottingham NG2 3AA. This leaflet was last revised in June 2026. If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact The Boots Compacy PLC Nottingham NG2 3AA. Other formatsTo request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK only) Please be ready to give the following information Product name: Boots Max Strength Ibuprofen 10% Gel Reference number: PL 10972/0089 This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
Frequently asked questions about Boots Max Strength Ibuprofen 10% w/w Gel
How do I take Boots Max Strength Ibuprofen 10% w/w Gel?
Boots Max Strength Ibuprofen 10% w/w Gel comes as gel. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Boots Max Strength Ibuprofen 10% w/w Gel?
The active substance in Boots Max Strength Ibuprofen 10% w/w Gel is ibuprofen.
Are there equivalent medicines to Boots Max Strength Ibuprofen 10% w/w Gel?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Boots Ibuprofen 5% w/w Gel, Boots Max Strength Ibuprofen 10% Gel (GSL), Fenbid 5% w/w Gel. In total there are 15 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Boots Max Strength Ibuprofen 10% w/w Gel, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Boots Max Strength Ibuprofen 10% w/w Gel without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: ibuprofen
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
For the relief of pain and inflammation associated with backache, rheumatic pain, muscular aches, pains or swellings such as sprains, strains and sports injuries.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
Adults, the elderly, and children over 12 years: Squeeze 2 to 5cm (i.e. 0.8 to 2 inches) of gel (50mg to 125 mg ibuprofen) from the tube and lightly rub into the affected area until absorbed. Use up to four times daily with individual doses administered at least 4 hours apart. Patients should not apply more than 500mg ibuprofen (approximately 5g gel) in any 24 hour period.
Wash hands after each application. Review treatment after 2 weeks, especially if the symptoms worsen or persist.
Paediatric population: Do not use on children 12 years of age, except on the advice of a doctor.
Method of administration.
For cutaneous use.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Hypersensitivity to aspirin, ibuprofen or related painkillers (including when taken by mouth), especially where associated with a history of asthma, rhinitis or urticaria.
Not to be used on broken or damaged skin.
Third trimester of pregnancy.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Apply with gentle massage only.
Discontinue if rash develops.
Hands should be washed immediately after use.
Not for use with occlusive dressings.
Keep away from the eyes and mucous membranes.
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs)
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS syndrome), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), which can be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported in association with the use of ibuprofen (see section 4.8). Most of these reactions occurred within the first month.
If signs and symptoms suggestive of these reactions appear ibuprofen should be withdrawn immediately and an alternative treatment considered (as appropriate).
Oral NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, can sometimes be associated with renal impairment, aggravation of active peptic ulcers, and can induce allergic bronchial reactions in susceptible asthmatic patients.
Although systemic absorption of topically applied ibuprofen is less than for oral dosage forms, these complications can occur in rare cases. For these reasons, patients with an active peptic ulcer, a history of kidney problems, asthma or intolerance to aspirin or ibuprofen taken orally should seek medical advice before using the gel as should patients already taking other painkillers.
The label should include the following warnings:
• Do not apply more of this medicine than the label tells you to.
• Not recommended for children under 12 years.
• Use this medicine only on your skin.
• Not to be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or have experienced problems with aspirin, ibuprofen or related painkillers (including when taken by mouth).
• If symptoms do not get better after 2 weeks or if they worsen, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Patients with asthma, an active peptic ulcer or history of kidney problems should consult their doctor before use, as should patients already taking aspirin or other painkillers.
Patients should be advised against excessive exposure to sunlight of area treated in order to avoid possibility of photosensitivity.
Instruct patients not to smoke or go near naked flames - risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.
This medicine contains 1.25 mg benzyl alcohol in each 125mg, which is equivalent to 0.01mg/mg. Benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions and mild local irritation.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 125mg, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may interact with blood pressure lowering drugs, and may possibly enhance the effects of anticoagulants, although the chance of either of these occurring with a topically administered preparation is extremely remote.
Where aspirin or other NSAID tablets are taken concurrently, it is important to bear in mind that these may increase the incidence of undesirable effects.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Not to be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Pregnancy:
Although no teratogenic effects have been demonstrated, ibuprofen should be avoided during pregnancy. The onset of labour may be delayed and the duration of labour increased.
There are no clinical data from the use of topical forms of Ibuprofen Gel during pregnancy. Even if systemic exposure is lower compared with oral administration, it is not known if the systemic Ibuprofen Gel exposure reached after topical administration can be harmful to an embryo/fetus. During the first and second trimester of pregnancy, Ibuprofen Gel should not be used unless clearly necessary. If used, the dose should be kept as low and duration of treatment as short as possible.
During the third trimester of pregnancy, systemic use of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors including Ibuprofen Gel may induce cardiopulmonary and renal toxicity in the fetus. At the end of the pregnancy prolonged bleeding time in both mother and child may occur, and labour can be delayed. Therefore, Ibuprofen Gel is contraindicated during the last trimester of pregnancy (see Section 4.3).
Breastfeeding:
Ibuprofen appears in breast milk in very low concentrations but is unlikely to affect breast fed infants adversely.
Fertility:
No data available.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Not relevant
4.8. Undesirable effects
The following adverse reactions are classified by system organ class and ranked under heading of frequency using the following convention:
Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100)
Very rarely, susceptible patients may experience the following side effects with ibuprofen, but these are extremely uncommon when ibuprofen is administered topically. If they occur, treatment should be discontinued:-
System Order Class
Frequency
Adverse effects
Immune system disorders
Uncommon
Hypersentivity1
Gastrointestinal disorders
Uncommon
Abdominal pain
Dyspepsis
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Very rare
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) (including Erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis)
Not known
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome)
Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)
Renal and urinary disorders
Uncommon
Renal impairment2
1Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following treatment with ibuprofen. These may consist of (a) non-specific allergic reaction and anaphylaxis (b) respiratory tract reactivity comprising of asthma, aggravated asthma, brochospasm or dyspnoea, or (c) assorted skin disorders, including rashes of various types, pruritis, urticaria, purpura, angioedema and less commonly, bullous dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme).
2Renal impairment can occur in patients with a history of kidney problems.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions:
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
Overdosage with a topical presentation of ibuprofen is extremely unlikely.
Symptoms
Symptoms of severe ibuprofen overdosage (eg following accidental oral ingestion) include headache, vomiting, drowsiness and hypotension.
Management
Correction of severe electrolyte abnormalities should be considered.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Boots Max Strength Ibuprofen 10% w/w Gel. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
Medicines containing Ibuprofen
- Anadin Joint Pain 200mg Tablets
- Anadin Ultra
- Boots 3 Months Plus Ibuprofen 100mg/5ml Suspension Strawberry Flavour (GSL)
- Boots Ibuprofen 200mg Tablets (P)
- Boots Ibuprofen 3 Months Plus 100mg/5ml Oral Suspension Strawberry Flavour (P)
- Boots Ibuprofen 400 mg Tablets
- Brufen 400 mg Tablets
- Brufen 600 mg Granules
- Brufen Retard
- Calprofen 100mg/5ml Oral Suspension Ibuprofen
- Calprofen Ibuprofen Suspension
- Cuprofen Tablets 400 mg
- Fenbid 10 %w/w Gel
- Fenbid 5% w/w Gel