This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Common side effects of combined ibuprofen and codeine
These side effects of ibuprofen and codeine happen to more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Headaches
If you get headaches after taking combined ibuprofen and codeine, do not take any more and see if the headache goes away.
It might be better to try another painkiller, like paracetamol.
Talk to your doctor if the headaches do not go away or are severe.
Feeling dizzy
If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. If you feel dizzy when you stand up, try getting up very slowly or stay sitting down until you feel better. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery while you feel like this.
Feeling sleepy
Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you're feeling drowsy. Do not drink any alcohol as this will make you feel more tired.
Constipation
Get more fibre into your diet, such as fresh fruit and vegetables and cereals. Try to drink several glasses of water or another non-alcoholic liquid each day. If you can, it may also help to increase your level of exercise.
Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your ibuprofen and codeine with or just after a meal or snack. Feelings of sickness normally wear off.
If you're being sick, try small, frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.
Do not take any other medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
If you take the combined contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill and you're being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.
Indigestion and heartburn (acid reflux)
Stop taking the medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible. If you need something to ease the discomfort, try taking an antacid, but do not put off speaking to your pharmacist or doctor if the symptoms do not go away.
Wind
Try not to eat foods that cause wind (like lentils, beans and onions). Eat smaller meals, eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly if you can.
There are pharmacy medicines that can also help, such as charcoal tablets or simeticone.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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