Who can and cannot take ibuprofen and codeine

Most adults and children aged 12 years and over can take combined ibuprofen and codeine.

However, it should only be taken if painkillers like paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin have not worked on their own. Do not give aspirin to anyone under 16 years old.

Combined ibuprofen and codeine is not suitable for some people.

Never give combined ibuprofen and codeine to children aged 11 years or under.

To make sure combined ibuprofen and codeine is safe for you, tell your pharmacist or doctor if you or your child:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), codeine or any other medicine
• are trying to get pregnant, already pregnant, or breastfeeding
• are 18 years old or under and have recently had your tonsils or adenoids taken out to treat a sleep problem called obstructive sleep apnoea
• have asthma, breathing problems or any other lung condition
• have a head injury or a condition where there is raised pressure in your head
• have adrenal gland problems
• have a condition that causes seizures or fits
• have ever had bleeding in your stomach, a stomach ulcer, or a hole (perforation) in your stomach
• have a health problem that means you have an increased chance of bleeding, such as haemophilia or thrombocytopenia
• have liver problems such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis or liver failure
• have high blood pressure, heart disease or severe heart failure, or have ever had a stroke
• have kidney failure
• have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• regularly drink more than the maximum recommended amount of alcohol (14 units a week)
• often have constipation
• have a connective tissue disorder such as lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
• have low blood pressure (hypotension) or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• have chickenpox