Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
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 lysine may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
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Do not take Nurofen Express 342mg Caplets it you:
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Nurofen Express 342mg Caplets comes as tablet containing 342mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Nurofen Express 342mg Caplets is ibuprofen lysine.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Boots Ibuprofen Lysine 342mg Tablets, Boots Migraine Pain Relief 342mg Tablets, Ibuprofen Lysine 342 mg film-coated tablets. In total there are 4 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Nurofen Express 342mg Caplets, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
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.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
For the relief of headache and migraine pain.
For oral administration and short-term use only.Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years: The lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms. The patient should consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen, or if the product is required for more than 10 days.Take 1 or 2 caplets with water, up to three times a day as required.Leave at least 4 hours between doses. Do not take more than 6 caplets in any 24 hour period.
Hypersensitivity to ibuprofen or any of the excipients in the product.Patients who have previously shown hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. asthma, rhinitis, angioedema, or urticaria) in response to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Active or history of recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage (two or more distinct episodes of proven ulceration or bleeding).History of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, related to previous NSAIDs therapy.Severe heart failure, renal failure or hepatic failure (see section 4.4)Last trimester of pregnancy (see section 4.6).
Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see GI and cardiovascular risks below). The elderly have an increased frequency of adverse reactions to NSAIDs especially gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation which may be fatal. Respiratory:
Bronchospasm may be precipitated in patients suffering from, or with a previous history of bronchial asthma or allergic disease. Other NSAIDs:
The use of Ibuprofen with concomitant NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors should be avoided (see section 4.5). SLE and mixed connective tissue disease:
Systemic lupus erythematosus and mixed connective tissue disease – increased risk of aseptic meningitis (See section 4.8). Renal:
Renal impairment as renal function may further deteriorate (see sections 4.3 and 4.8). Hepatic:
Hepatic dysfunction (see sections 4.3 and 4.8) Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects:
Caution (discussion with doctor or pharmacist) is required prior to starting treatment in patients with a history of hypertension and/or heart failure as fluid retention, hypertension and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy. Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of ibuprofen, particularly at high doses (2400mg daily) and in long-term treatment may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke). Overall, epidemiological studies do not suggest that low dose ibuprofen (e.g. ≤ 1200mg daily) is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction. Impaired female fertility:
There is limited evidence that drugs which inhibit cyclo-oxygenase/prostaglandin synthesis may cause impairment of female fertility by an effect on ovulation. This is reversible upon withdrawal of treatment. Gastrointestinal:
NSAIDs should be given with care to patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) as these conditions may be exacerbated (see section 4.8).GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation, which can be fatal has been reported with all NSAIDs at anytime during treatment, with or without warning symptoms or a previous history of GI events.The risk of GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation is higher with increasing NSAID doses, in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation (see section 4.3), and in the elderly. These patients should commence treatment on the lowest dose available.Patients with a history of GI toxicity, particularly the elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially GI bleeding) particularly in the initial stages of treatment.Caution should be advised in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants such as warfarin, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or anti-platelet agents such as aspirin (see section 4.5).When GI bleeding or ulceration occurs in patients receiving ibuprofen, the treatment should be withdrawn. Dermatological:
Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported very rarely in association with the use of NSAIDs (see section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk for these reactions early in the course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. Ibuprofen should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity. The label will include:
Read the enclosed leaflet before taking this productDo not take if you:• have (or have had two or more episodes of ) a stomach ulcer, perforation or bleeding • are allergic to ibuprofen, to any of the ingredients, or to aspirin or other painkillers• are taking other NSAID pain killers or aspirin with a daily dose above 75mg Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking if you:• have or have had asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, a stroke, heart, liver, kidney or bowel problems• Are a smoker• Are pregnantIf symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
The following drug interactions have been identified for ibuprofen acid: Ibuprofen (like other NSAIDs) should be avoided in combination with:
Aspirin: unless low-dose aspirin (not above 75mg daily) has been advised by a doctor as this may increase the risk of adverse reactions (see Section 4.4).Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may inhibit the effect of low dose aspirin on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. However, the limitations of these data and the uncertainties regarding extrapolation of ex vivo data to the clinical situation imply that no firm conclusions can be made for regular ibuprofen use, and no clinically relevant effect is considered to be likely for occasional ibuprofen use (see section 5.1).Other NSAIDs including cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of two or more NSAIDs as this may increase the risk of adverse effects (see section 4.4) Ibuprofen should be used with caution in combination with:
Corticosteroids: as these may increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding (see Section 4.4)Antihypertensives and diuretics: since NSAIDs may diminish the effects of these drugs. Diuretics can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity of NSAIDs.Anticoagulants. NSAIDs may enhance the effects of anti-coagulants, such as warfarin (See section 4.4).Anti-platelet agents and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (see section 4.4).Cardiac glycosides: NSAIDs may exacerbate cardiac failure, reduce GFR and increase plasma glycoside levels.Lithium: There is evidence for potential increase in plasma levels of lithium.Methotrexate: There is evidence for the potential increase in plasma levels of methotrexate.Ciclosporin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.Mifepristone: NSAIDs should not be used for 8-12 days after mifepristone administration as NSAIDs can reduce the effect of mifepristone.Tacrolimus: Possible increased risk of nephrotoxicity when NSAIDs are given with tacrolimus.Zidovudine: Increased risk of haematological toxicity when NSAIDs are given with zidovudine. There is evidence of an increased risk haemarthroses and haematoma in HIV (+) haemophiliacs receiving concurrent treatment with zidovudine and ibuprofen.Quinolone antibiotics:Animal data indicate that NSAIDs can increase the risk of convulsions associated with quinolone antibiotics. Patients taking NSAIDs and quinolones may have an increased risk of developing convulsions.
No specific studies have been conducted with ibuprofen lysine. Whilst no teratogenic effects have been demonstrated in animal experiments, the use of Nurofen Migraine Pain should, if possible, be avoided during the first 6 months of pregnancy. During the 3rd trimester, ibuprofen is contraindicated as there is a risk of premature closure of the foetal ductus arteriosus with possible persistent pulmonary hypertension. The onset of labour may be delayed and the duration increased with an increased bleeding tendency in both mother and child. (See section 4.3 Contraindications).In limited studies, ibuprofen appears in the breast milk in very low concentration and is unlikely to affect the breast-fed infant adversely.See section 4.4 regarding female fertility.
None expected at recommended doses and duration of therapy.
Possible side effects are those experienced with ibuprofen acid. These may include: Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following treatment with ibuprofen. These may consist of (a) non-specific allergic reaction and anaphylaxis, (b) respiratory tract activity comprising asthma, aggravated asthma, bronchospasm or dyspnoea, or (c) assorted skin disorders, including rashes of various types, pruritis, urticaria, purpura, angioedema and, more rarely, bullous dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme). The list of the following adverse effects relates to those experienced with NSAIDS at doses available over the counter for short-term use. In the treatment of chronic conditions, under long-term treatment, additional adverse effects may occur.Hypersensitivity reactions:Uncommon: Hypersensitivity reactions with urticaria and pruritisVery rare: severe hypersensitivity reactions. Symptoms could be facial, tongue and laryngeal swelling, dysponoea, tachycardia, hypotension, (anaphylaxis, angioedema or severe shock).Exacerbation of asthma and bronchospasm. Gastrointestinal:
The most commonly observed adverse events are gastrointestinal in nature.Uncommon: abdominal pain, nausea, dyspepsiaRare: Diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation and vomitingVery rare: peptic ulcer, perforation or gastrointestinal haemorrhage, melaena, haematemesis, sometimes fatal, particularly in the elderly. Ulcerative stomatitis, gastritis.Exacerbation of colitis and Crohn's disease (section 4.4). Nervous System:
Uncommon: HeadacheVery rare: Aseptic meningitis – single cases have been reported very rarely. Renal:
Very rare: Acute renal failure, papillary necrosis, especially in long-term use, associated with increased serum and oedema. Hepatic:
Very rare: liver disorders. Haematological:
Very rare: Haematopoietic disorders (anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis). First signs are fever, sore throat, superficial mouth ulcers, flu-like symptoms, severe exhaustion, unexplained bleeding and bruising. Dermatological:
Uncommon: Various skin rashesVery rare: Severe forms of skin reactions such as bullous reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme and toxic epidermal necrolysis can occur. Immune System:
In patients with existing auto-immune disorders (such as systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease) during treatment with ibuprofen, single cases of symptoms of aseptic meningitis, such as stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever or disorientation have been observed (see section 4.4). Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular
Oedema, hypertension and cardiac failure, have been reported in association with NSAID treatment.Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that the use of NSAIDS (particularly at high doses 2400 mg daily) and in long-term treatment may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example myocardial infarction or stroke) (see section 4.4).
In children ingestion of more than 400 mg/kg may cause symptoms. In adults the dose response effect is less clear cut. The half-life in overdose is 1.5-3 hours. Symptoms
Most patients who have ingested clinically important amounts of NSAIDs will develop no more than nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, or more rarely diarrhoea. Tinnitus, headache and gastrointestinal bleeding are also possible. In more serious poisoning, toxicity is seen in the central nervous system, manifesting as drowsiness, occasionally excitation and disorientation or coma. Occasionally patients develop convulsions. In serious poisoning metabolic acidosis may occur and the prothrombin time/ INR may be prolonged, probably due to interference with the actions of circulating clotting factors. Acute renal failure and liver damage may occur. Exacerbation of asthma is possible in asthmatics. Management
Management should be symptomatic and supportive and include the maintenance of a clear airway and monitoring of cardiac and vital signs until stable. Consider oral administration of activated charcoal if the patient presents within 1 hour of ingestion of a potentially toxic amount. If frequent or prolonged, convulsions should be treated with intravenous diazepam or lorazepam. Give bronchodilators for asthma.
Ask anything about Nurofen Express 342mg Caplets. 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.
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