Nurofen: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
Ibuprofen 300 mg extended-release tablets for sustained 12-hour pain and inflammation relief
Quick Facts About Nurofen 300 mg
Key Takeaways About Nurofen 300 mg
- Extended-release ibuprofen for sustained relief: One tablet delivers 300 mg of ibuprofen gradually over about 12 hours, allowing convenient twice-daily dosing for persistent pain
- Swallow tablets whole: Do not crush, chew, or split Nurofen extended-release tablets – doing so destroys the release mechanism and delivers a dangerously high peak dose
- Prescription medicine: The 300 mg extended-release strength requires medical prescription and assessment; lower-strength Nurofen products are available over the counter
- Avoid in third trimester: Ibuprofen must not be used in the last three months of pregnancy; use during earlier pregnancy requires medical advice
- Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular precautions: Take with food, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, and discuss risks if you have heart disease, stomach ulcers, kidney impairment, or are taking blood thinners
What Is Nurofen 300 mg and What Is It Used For?
Nurofen 300 mg extended-release tablets contain ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce inflammation. The extended-release formulation releases the active ingredient gradually over approximately 12 hours, making it suitable for conditions that require sustained pain control, such as back pain, menstrual pain, muscle and joint pain, and osteoarthritis flares.
Nurofen is a globally recognized brand of ibuprofen, first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1983 and now sold in more than 40 countries. The Nurofen 300 mg extended-release tablet is a specific prescription formulation developed to provide prolonged drug delivery: the ibuprofen is embedded in a matrix that gradually dissolves in the gastrointestinal tract, keeping plasma concentrations therapeutic for longer than standard immediate-release ibuprofen. Clinically, this means fewer daily doses and more consistent pain relief overnight and during the day.
Ibuprofen itself belongs to the propionic acid derivative subclass of NSAIDs. It acts by non-selectively inhibiting both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes, which produce prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are signaling molecules that mediate inflammation, amplify pain signals, and regulate body temperature. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, ibuprofen delivers three simultaneous effects: analgesia (pain relief), antipyresis (fever reduction), and anti-inflammatory activity. The 300 mg dose produces meaningful anti-inflammatory action in addition to analgesia, which is why it is frequently prescribed for inflammatory musculoskeletal complaints rather than purely for headache or minor pain.
Nurofen 300 mg extended-release is typically prescribed for adults and adolescents over 12 years for conditions such as:
- Acute low back pain – especially when sustained relief during the day and night is required
- Musculoskeletal pain – including soft-tissue injuries, strains, sprains, and post-exercise inflammation
- Osteoarthritis flares – short-term control of joint pain and inflammation
- Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms – as part of a broader treatment plan under rheumatology supervision
- Primary dysmenorrhea (period pain) – sustained coverage during the first 48–72 hours of menstruation
- Tension-type headache and mild migraine – when longer-acting coverage is preferred over standard-release tablets
- Dental pain – post-procedural pain control, particularly after dental surgery
- Fever and symptoms of influenza – only under medical advice for prescription-strength use
The extended-release design is particularly useful for people whose pain disrupts sleep, because a single evening dose typically maintains therapeutic ibuprofen levels through the night. It is also practical for patients who find it difficult to adhere to frequent dosing schedules or who cannot easily take medicine during the working day.
Standard 200–400 mg ibuprofen tablets release the full dose within 15–30 minutes and act for approximately 4–6 hours, requiring three or four doses per day. Nurofen 300 mg extended-release tablets release ibuprofen gradually across the digestive tract, producing a slower rise in plasma concentration and a flat therapeutic level that typically lasts up to 12 hours. This reduces peak-related side effects and allows twice-daily dosing.
What Should You Know Before Taking Nurofen 300 mg?
Before taking Nurofen 300 mg extended-release tablets, be aware of key contraindications: active peptic ulcer, severe heart or kidney failure, the last trimester of pregnancy, and allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs. People with cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal bleeding history, asthma, liver or kidney impairment, or those taking anticoagulants should consult their doctor before use. Always take the tablets with food and swallow them whole.
Because the 300 mg extended-release formulation is only available on prescription, your doctor will already have assessed your suitability. Even so, knowing the main contraindications, warnings, and special precautions helps you use Nurofen safely, recognize problems early, and avoid dangerous drug combinations. As with all NSAIDs, the guiding principle is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary to achieve symptom control.
Contraindications
You must not take Nurofen 300 mg if any of the following apply to you:
- Known allergy to ibuprofen or to any excipient in the tablet
- Previous allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs, including asthma, urticaria, rhinitis, angioedema, or anaphylaxis
- Active peptic ulcer or active gastrointestinal bleeding, or two or more prior episodes of confirmed ulceration or bleeding
- Previous NSAID-related gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation
- Severe liver impairment (e.g., Child-Pugh class C)
- Severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min)
- Severe heart failure (NYHA class IV)
- Last three months of pregnancy (third trimester)
- Any condition involving increased bleeding tendency
- Shortly before, during, or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
- Children under 12 years of age, for whom this extended-release strength is not appropriate
Warnings and Precautions
The following situations do not always prevent use of Nurofen but call for extra caution, closer monitoring, or dose adjustment. Discuss these points with your doctor or pharmacist before you start treatment:
Cardiovascular risk. NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, are associated with a small but measurable increase in the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, especially at high doses and with long-term use. The European Medicines Agency advises caution at daily doses of 2,400 mg or more. Although a daily dose of 600–1,200 mg of Nurofen extended-release is lower, the cardiovascular considerations still apply in patients with established heart disease, previous stroke, peripheral arterial disease, uncontrolled hypertension, significant hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or who smoke. Use the shortest treatment duration compatible with good symptom control.
Gastrointestinal risk. All NSAIDs can cause dyspepsia, gastritis, ulceration, bleeding, and perforation of the stomach or intestines. These events may occur without warning symptoms and can be fatal in rare cases. The risk is higher in elderly patients, in people with a history of ulcer disease, in those taking oral corticosteroids, aspirin, anticoagulants, SSRIs, or SNRIs, and in people who drink alcohol regularly. Concomitant use of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is often recommended in patients at increased GI risk to protect the stomach lining.
Renal risk. Ibuprofen reduces prostaglandin-mediated renal perfusion, which can unmask or worsen kidney impairment. The risk is higher in people who are dehydrated, elderly, or who have pre-existing kidney disease, congestive heart failure, or cirrhosis. The combination of ibuprofen with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), and diuretics – sometimes called the “triple whammy” – is a well-known cause of acute kidney injury, especially during intercurrent illness with vomiting or diarrhea.
Hepatic risk. Liver enzyme elevations occur rarely with ibuprofen and are usually reversible. Patients with chronic liver disease should be monitored more carefully. Stop the medicine and seek medical advice if you develop unexplained fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), dark urine, or right upper abdominal pain.
Nurofen can trigger severe allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with aspirin-sensitive asthma. Warning signs include hives, swelling of the face or throat (angioedema), sudden difficulty breathing, wheezing, or collapse. Stop the medicine immediately and seek emergency care if any of these symptoms occur. People with known NSAID allergy must avoid all forms of Nurofen.
Rarely, ibuprofen can trigger life-threatening skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), DRESS syndrome, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). Stop taking Nurofen and seek urgent medical attention if you develop a widespread rash, skin blistering, peeling, mucosal ulcers (mouth, eyes, genitals), or a high fever with rash.
Respiratory disease. Ibuprofen may provoke bronchospasm and should be used with caution in patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic rhinitis, nasal polyps, or other NSAID-sensitive respiratory conditions. Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a particular contraindication.
Masking of infection. Ibuprofen reduces pain, fever, and inflammation, which can hide the signs of a worsening infection. Avoid Nurofen during chickenpox (varicella), as NSAID use has been linked to an increased risk of serious bacterial skin and soft-tissue infections. If you develop new or worsening symptoms of infection while taking Nurofen, contact your doctor promptly.
Medication-overuse headache. Regular prolonged use of any analgesic, including ibuprofen, can paradoxically cause or worsen headaches. If your headaches increase in frequency while taking Nurofen, discuss alternative strategies with your doctor before increasing the dose.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The safety profile of ibuprofen in pregnancy changes substantially with each trimester:
- First trimester (weeks 1–12): Use only when clearly necessary and under medical supervision. Some observational studies suggest a small increased risk of miscarriage and specific malformations, although the absolute risk is low and evidence is not conclusive.
- Second trimester (weeks 13–27): Avoid unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. From week 20 onwards, prolonged NSAID use can cause low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) and fetal kidney dysfunction. The U.S. FDA and the European Medicines Agency both recommend against routine NSAID use after week 20.
- Third trimester (weeks 28–40): Nurofen must not be used. Ibuprofen can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus, fetal heart and kidney toxicity, oligohydramnios, increased bleeding at delivery, and prolonged or delayed labor.
Breastfeeding. Ibuprofen passes into breast milk in very small quantities and is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding at standard therapeutic doses. The extended-release formulation maintains more consistent maternal plasma levels; nevertheless, infant exposure remains negligible. If you need to take Nurofen regularly while breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor.
Fertility. NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, can temporarily impair ovulation and may slightly reduce female fertility. The effect is reversible on stopping the drug. Nurofen is not recommended for women actively trying to conceive or undergoing fertility investigations or treatment.
Special Populations
Children and adolescents. Nurofen 300 mg extended-release is not suitable for children under 12 years, because the dose and release profile are calibrated for adult pharmacokinetics. Younger children should receive weight-based immediate-release ibuprofen preparations.
Elderly patients. People over 65 years are at higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular events, heart failure, and acute kidney injury with NSAIDs. If your doctor prescribes Nurofen extended-release for an older person, the aim is usually the lowest effective dose and the shortest practical duration, often with gastroprotection by a proton pump inhibitor.
Driving and operating machinery. Ibuprofen may cause dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, and – rarely – visual disturbances. If you experience these effects, do not drive, cycle, or operate heavy machinery until they have resolved.
How Does Nurofen 300 mg Interact with Other Drugs?
Nurofen (ibuprofen) interacts with many medicines, including anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, other NSAIDs, aspirin, lithium, methotrexate, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, corticosteroids, and SSRIs. These interactions can increase the risk of bleeding, kidney damage, or reduced efficacy of other drugs. Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every medicine, herbal product, or supplement you take.
The interactions listed below are the most clinically important but are not exhaustive. Because Nurofen extended-release delivers ibuprofen over a prolonged window, interactions tend to be constant throughout the day rather than peaking and resolving as they do with immediate-release tablets. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any co-medication.
Major Interactions
These combinations carry significant clinical risk and often require avoidance or close monitoring:
| Drug or Drug Class | Effect of Interaction | Clinical Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Low-dose aspirin (cardioprotective) | Ibuprofen may block the antiplatelet effect of aspirin and increase the combined risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. | Avoid if possible. If aspirin is essential, take it at least 30 minutes before, or 8 hours after, ibuprofen. Discuss with your doctor. |
| Warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) | Markedly increased risk of gastrointestinal and intracranial bleeding. | Avoid unless clearly necessary. If unavoidable, monitor INR and look for bleeding signs. Consider paracetamol or topical NSAIDs as alternatives. |
| Other NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen, diclofenac) or COX-2 inhibitors | Overlapping effects on prostaglandins, significantly increasing GI, renal, and cardiovascular risk without added benefit. | Do not combine NSAIDs. Use only one at a time. |
| Methotrexate | Reduced renal clearance of methotrexate, raising plasma levels and risk of myelosuppression and mucositis. | Avoid within 24 hours of high-dose methotrexate. With low-dose methotrexate (rheumatology), monitor blood counts and kidney function carefully. |
| Lithium | Reduced renal clearance of lithium, potentially raising lithium levels into the toxic range. | Avoid if possible. If combined, monitor lithium levels and watch for tremor, confusion, or worsening mood. |
| Ciclosporin or tacrolimus | Additive nephrotoxicity. | Avoid if possible. If necessary, monitor kidney function and drug levels closely. |
| SSRIs and SNRIs (e.g., sertraline, venlafaxine) | Both classes impair platelet function – increased risk of upper GI bleeding. | Use with caution. Consider gastroprotection with a PPI, particularly in older patients or those with prior GI disease. |
Other Important Interactions
The following interactions are clinically relevant and may require dose adjustment, monitoring, or alternative therapy:
| Drug or Drug Class | Effect of Interaction | Clinical Advice |
|---|---|---|
| ACE inhibitors (e.g., ramipril, enalapril) | Reduced antihypertensive effect and increased risk of acute kidney injury, especially if dehydrated. | Monitor blood pressure and kidney function. Maintain good hydration. Stop Nurofen during intercurrent illness with fluid loss. |
| Angiotensin-receptor blockers (e.g., losartan, valsartan) | Similar to ACE inhibitors – reduced BP control and risk of renal impairment. | Monitor BP and creatinine. Avoid the “triple whammy” of NSAID + ACE/ARB + diuretic where possible. |
| Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone) | Reduced diuretic effect; sodium and fluid retention; increased risk of acute kidney injury. | Monitor fluid balance, weight, and kidney function. Reinforce hydration. |
| Oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone) | Additive gastrointestinal toxicity and ulcer risk. | Co-prescribe a PPI. Use the lowest doses possible and reassess necessity frequently. |
| Digoxin | Increased plasma digoxin levels, particularly if kidney function declines. | Monitor digoxin levels and renal function, especially in older patients. |
| CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., voriconazole, fluconazole) | Slower ibuprofen metabolism, higher plasma levels, greater side-effect risk. | Consider using a lower Nurofen dose. Monitor for new or worsening side effects. |
| Sulfonylureas (e.g., glimepiride, gliclazide) | May potentiate hypoglycemia. | Monitor blood glucose more closely while starting or stopping Nurofen. |
| Quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) | Possibly increased risk of seizures. | Use caution in people with epilepsy or a history of seizures. |
| Zidovudine (HIV therapy) | Increased risk of hematologic toxicity, particularly in HIV-positive hemophilia patients. | Avoid or monitor blood counts closely. |
Take Nurofen extended-release tablets with or shortly after food or a glass of milk. Food slows absorption slightly but significantly reduces stomach irritation without meaningfully blunting the 12-hour release profile. Alcohol should be minimized or avoided. Alcohol amplifies NSAID-related GI bleeding risk and adds strain on the liver and kidneys. Even moderate alcohol combined with regular NSAID use significantly raises the risk of peptic ulcer disease.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Nurofen 300 mg?
For adults and adolescents over 12 years, the usual dose of Nurofen 300 mg extended-release is one or two tablets (300–600 mg) twice daily, taken 10–12 hours apart. The maximum daily dose is 1,200 mg (four tablets). Always swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water and take them with food. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets.
Your doctor will prescribe the Nurofen dose most appropriate for your condition, age, body weight, and other medicines. The guidance below reflects the typical posology for adults; follow your personal prescription if it differs. Because Nurofen 300 mg extended-release is designed for sustained relief, it is best suited to conditions requiring continuous coverage rather than brief pain episodes, for which immediate-release ibuprofen is usually more appropriate.
Adults and Adolescents Over 12 Years (> 40 kg)
Standard Pain and Inflammation Dosing
- Starting dose: 1 tablet (300 mg) twice daily, ideally morning and evening
- Usual maintenance dose: 1–2 tablets (300–600 mg) twice daily
- Interval between doses: at least 10–12 hours
- Maximum daily dose: 1,200 mg (4 tablets per 24 hours)
- Administration: swallow whole with water, preferably with or after food
- Duration: use the shortest time that controls symptoms; reassess at 2–4 weeks if longer treatment is considered
Acute Back Pain and Musculoskeletal Pain
- Dose: 1–2 tablets (300–600 mg) twice daily
- Typical course: 3–7 days, or until pain is controlled
- Tip: combine with short-term movement therapy and postural advice; prolonged bed rest is not recommended
Primary Dysmenorrhea (Period Pain)
- Dose: 1 tablet (300 mg) twice daily, starting at the first sign of symptoms or the onset of bleeding
- Duration: usually 1–3 days per cycle
- Tip: starting before peak pain improves effectiveness; food reduces GI side effects
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Flares
- Dose: 1–2 tablets (300–600 mg) twice daily under medical supervision
- Monitoring: blood pressure, kidney function, and hemoglobin should be reviewed periodically during longer-term use
- Gastroprotection: PPIs are commonly co-prescribed in patients at increased GI risk
Elderly Patients
Older adults are at increased risk of NSAID side effects: gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular events, heart failure, and acute kidney injury. Whenever possible, use the lowest effective dose – often 1 tablet (300 mg) twice daily – for the shortest time. Blood pressure and kidney function should be checked before starting long-term Nurofen therapy and at regular intervals afterwards. Concomitant gastroprotection is generally recommended.
Liver or Kidney Impairment
In mild-to-moderate liver or kidney impairment, lower doses and careful monitoring are required. Severe impairment is a contraindication. Dehydration of any cause substantially increases renal risk – discuss whether to pause Nurofen during episodes of gastroenteritis, heat illness, or other causes of fluid loss.
Missed Dose
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed tablet and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one – doing so raises the peak plasma level and the risk of side effects.
Overdose
If you or someone else takes more Nurofen 300 mg than prescribed, contact a poison control center or emergency department immediately for assessment, even if there are no symptoms. Overdose symptoms can appear within 4 hours but may be delayed with the extended-release formulation, because drug absorption continues over many hours. Features of overdose include:
- Nausea, vomiting (possibly with blood), abdominal pain, and diarrhea
- Headache, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and dizziness
- Confusion, blurred vision, and involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)
- Drowsiness, in severe cases progressing to loss of consciousness
- Seizures, especially in children or at very high doses
- Low blood pressure, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and breathing difficulties
- Acute kidney injury and metabolic acidosis
There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive and may include activated charcoal (if given early), intravenous fluids, monitoring of electrolytes and renal function, and management of any seizures or cardiovascular instability. Because of the prolonged absorption, patients should be observed for longer than with standard ibuprofen overdose.
What Are the Side Effects of Nurofen 300 mg?
Common side effects of Nurofen 300 mg include gastrointestinal symptoms (heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea), headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Rare but serious effects include gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke), kidney or liver impairment, severe allergic reactions, and severe skin reactions. Using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time substantially reduces risk.
Every medicine can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The probability and severity of NSAID side effects increases with dose and duration. The frequency categories below follow the standard classification used by regulators (EMA, FDA) and apply to ibuprofen across formulations. The extended-release profile in Nurofen 300 mg tends to produce slightly lower peak plasma concentrations than equivalent total doses of immediate-release ibuprofen, which may reduce peak-related effects such as dyspepsia, but the cumulative 24-hour exposure remains similar.
Stop taking Nurofen and seek emergency care immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Facial, tongue, or throat swelling; difficulty swallowing; hives with breathing difficulty (angioedema or anaphylaxis)
- Target-like or circular red patches, blisters, peeling skin, or mucous membrane ulcers (possible Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- Widespread rash with high fever and swollen lymph nodes (DRESS syndrome)
- Vomiting blood, black tarry stools, or passing blood rectally (GI bleeding)
- New-onset chest pain, sudden severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, or slurred speech (possible cardiovascular event)
Common
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Skin rash
Uncommon
- Insomnia, anxiety, restlessness
- Visual disturbances, reduced hearing, tinnitus
- Nosebleeds, bruising, prolonged bleeding
- Asthma exacerbation, bronchospasm, allergic rhinitis
- Gastric or duodenal ulceration; GI inflammation or bleeding
- Urticaria (hives), pruritus, photosensitivity
- Mild elevation of liver enzymes
Rare
- Aseptic meningitis (especially in patients with autoimmune disease)
- Severe soft-tissue infections associated with chickenpox
- Hematologic changes: anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis
- Fluid retention, peripheral edema, worsening of heart failure
- Confusion, depression, mood changes
- Stroke, myocardial infarction, severe hypertension
- Hepatitis, jaundice, liver failure
- Acute kidney injury, interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome
- GI perforation, pancreatitis, colitis
Very Rare
- Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, DRESS, AGEP)
- Erythroderma (exfoliative dermatitis)
- Kounis syndrome (allergic coronary vasospasm)
- Severe anaphylaxis
Other side effects reported with unknown frequency include fixed drug eruption (a recurrent skin reaction in the same location) and generalized pruritus without rash. Patients on long-term NSAID therapy may also experience worsening control of hypertension or heart failure, which may present as new leg swelling or shortness of breath.
If you experience any side effects while taking Nurofen – including any not listed here – tell your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report suspected adverse reactions to your national pharmacovigilance authority (e.g., the MHRA Yellow Card scheme in the UK, the FDA MedWatch program in the US, or the EMA EudraVigilance network in the EU). Spontaneous reporting helps monitor the ongoing benefit–risk balance of medicines.
How Should You Store Nurofen 300 mg?
Store Nurofen 300 mg extended-release tablets in their original packaging at room temperature, below 25°C (77°F), away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton and blister. Return unused or expired tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal – do not flush them down the toilet or put them in household waste.
Proper storage protects the extended-release matrix from degradation and keeps the dose reliable. Follow these guidelines:
- Temperature: store at or below 25°C (77°F). Do not refrigerate or freeze unless instructed on the specific product label.
- Moisture: keep tablets in the original blister pack until use. Moisture can affect the extended-release coating.
- Light: avoid direct sunlight and prolonged heat, such as the dashboard of a car.
- Location: do not store in bathrooms, kitchens, or other humid places. A cool, dry, locked cabinet is ideal.
- Child safety: keep out of the sight and reach of children. Childhood poisoning with NSAIDs is a preventable cause of emergency department visits.
- Expiry: do not use the tablets after the expiry date (month/year) printed on the outer carton and blister strip. The stated date refers to the last day of that month.
Disposal. Return any unused or expired Nurofen tablets to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater, household waste, or recycling. These measures protect the environment and prevent accidental ingestion by others.
What Does Nurofen 300 mg Contain?
Each Nurofen 300 mg extended-release tablet contains 300 mg of ibuprofen as the active ingredient. The extended-release matrix typically includes hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal anhydrous silica, and magnesium stearate, with a film coat made of polymers, plasticizers, and pigments. Specific excipients may vary between manufacturers and markets – always check the patient information leaflet that comes with your pack.
Nurofen 300 mg is supplied only as extended-release film-coated tablets for oral use. Each tablet has a carefully engineered release profile that depends on both the active drug and the inactive excipients. The tablet structure must remain intact after swallowing to deliver ibuprofen gradually over approximately 12 hours – this is why crushing, chewing, or splitting Nurofen extended-release tablets is not permitted.
| Component | Typical Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Ibuprofen 300 mg | Analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory (NSAID) |
| Release-controlling polymer | Hypromellose (HPMC) | Forms the matrix that slows drug release over ~12 hours |
| Filler / bulking agent | Microcrystalline cellulose, lactose (some products) | Provides tablet volume and structure |
| Glidant | Colloidal anhydrous silica | Improves powder flow during manufacturing |
| Lubricant | Magnesium stearate | Prevents sticking during tablet compression |
| Film coat | Hypromellose, macrogol/polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, pigments | Protects the tablet, improves appearance and swallowability |
Patients with specific sensitivities should check the exact excipient list on their pack. Products containing lactose are unsuitable for people with galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption. Most Nurofen 300 mg extended-release tablets contain less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per tablet, making them essentially sodium-free, which is useful for patients on a low-sodium diet.
Appearance. Nurofen 300 mg extended-release tablets are typically oval or round, white to off-white, film-coated, and may be debossed with an identifying mark. Exact dimensions and markings vary between markets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nurofen 300 mg
Medical References
All medical information is based on peer-reviewed sources and international guidelines. Evidence level: 1A (systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials).
- World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines – 23rd List, 2023. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2023.
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Ibuprofen – Summary of Product Characteristics and PRAC Assessment. EMA/CHMP, 2024.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ibuprofen Drug Label – Prescribing Information. FDA, 2023.
- British National Formulary (BNF). Ibuprofen – modified-release preparations. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2025.
- Davies NM. Clinical pharmacokinetics of ibuprofen: the first 30 years. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1998;34(2):101–154.
- Bhala N, Emberson J, Merhi A, et al. Vascular and upper gastrointestinal effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: meta-analyses of individual participant data from randomised trials. Lancet. 2013;382(9894):769–779.
- Moore RA, Derry S, Wiffen PJ, et al. Overview review: comparative efficacy of oral ibuprofen and paracetamol (acetaminophen) across acute and chronic pain conditions. Eur J Pain. 2015;19(9):1213–1223.
- Derry CJ, Derry S, Moore RA. Single dose oral ibuprofen for acute postoperative pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(7):CD001548.
- European Medicines Agency. Updated advice on use of high-dose ibuprofen. EMA/325007/2015.
- FDA Drug Safety Communication. FDA recommends avoiding use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2020.
- Rainsford KD. Ibuprofen: Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Side Effects. Springer Basel; 2012. doi:10.1007/978-3-0348-0496-7.
- Lanas A, Chan FKL. Peptic ulcer disease. Lancet. 2017;390(10094):613–624.
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