Nurofen Express

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 07:39

Nurofen Express: instructions for use and reviews

1. Release form and composition
2. Pharmacological properties
3. Indications for use
4. Contraindications
5. Method of application and dosage
6. Side effects
7. Overdose
8. Special instructions
9. Application during pregnancy and lactation
10. Use in childhood
11. In case of impaired renal function
12. For violations of liver function
13. Use in the elderly
14. Drug interactions
15. Analogs
16. Terms and conditions of storage
17. Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
18. Reviews
19. Price in pharmacies

Latin name: Nurofen Express

ATX code: M01AE01

Active ingredient: Ibuprofen (Ibuprofen)

Manufacturer: Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare International Ltd. (United Kingdom)

Description and photo update: 2018-22-10

Prices in pharmacies: from 118 rubles.

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Nurofen Express is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Release form and composition

Nurofen Express is available in the following dosage forms:

film-coated tablets: capsule-shaped, uniform structure, white or almost white, with a polished surface, overprinted in black “N” on one side; the cross-section shows a mass of white or almost white color (in blisters of 6 and 12 pcs., in a cardboard box 1-2 blisters);
capsules: oval, soft, with a red translucent gelatinous shell, with the identifying white inscription NUROFEN; content - from colorless to light pink transparent liquid (in blisters of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 pcs., in a cardboard box 1-3 blisters);
gel: of uniform consistency, colorless, slightly opalescent or transparent, with a characteristic smell of isopropyl alcohol (in aluminum tubes of 30, 50, 60, 100, 120, 150, 180 and 200 g, in a cardboard box 1 tube).

Composition of 1 tablet:

active substance: ibuprofen (in the form of lysinate) - 200 mg;
auxiliary components: sodium carboxymethyl starch (36 mg), povidone (14 mg), magnesium stearate (3 mg);
the composition of the film shell: talc (1.6 mg), hypromellose (7.8 mg), white opaspray dye M-1-7 Sh V (2.6 mg), containing titanium dioxide (E171) and hypromellose;
ink composition: Opakod S-1-27794 black, including shellac, propylene glycol and iron oxide black dye (E172).

Composition of 1 capsule:

active substance: ibuprofen - 200 mg;
auxiliary components: water (17.07 mg), potassium hydroxide (25.6 mg), macrogol-600 (218.33 mg);
the composition of the capsule shell: gelatin (119.8 mg), water (15.02 mg), 76% sorbitol solution (58.19 mg), crimson dye Ponso 4R (E124) (0.485 mg);
composition of white ink: Opakod WB NS-78-18011 containing water (48%), titanium dioxide (E171) (29%), propylene glycol (10%), isopropanol (8%), hypromellose (5%).

Composition of 1 g of gel:

active substance: ibuprofen - 50 mg;
auxiliary components: purified water (862 mg), isopropanol (50 mg), hyetellose (18 mg), gasoline alcohol (10 mg), sodium hydroxide QS (9.3-10 mg).

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacodynamics

Ibuprofen, a propionic acid derivative, belongs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The mechanism of its action is explained by the ability to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins - mediators of pain, inflammation and hyperthermic reaction - due to the indiscriminate blocking of the enzymes COX-1 (cyclooxygenase 1) and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase 2).

The drug has a pronounced analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effect. Also, ibuprofen reversibly inhibits platelet aggregation.

When applied externally, Nurofen Express has an additional cooling effect due to the rapid evaporation of benzyl alcohol in the gel.

Pharmacokinetics

Ibuprofen lysinate, entering the body, dissociates into ibuprofen and lysine. When administered orally, it is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. About 60% of the pharmacologically inactive R-form of ibuprofen is slowly transformed into the active S-form. Lysine has no pharmacological activity.

After ingestion of 2 film-coated tablets or capsules in the blood plasma, ibuprofen is detected after 15 minutes, the maximum concentration reaches within 30-40 minutes, which is 2 times faster than taking an equivalent dose of Nurofen, produced in the form of film-coated tablets, at a dose of 200 mg. With the simultaneous consumption of food, the time to reach maximum concentration may increase.

Ibuprofen is characterized by high bioavailability (over 90%). It slowly penetrates into the joint cavity, is retained in the synovial fluid, where it creates concentrations greater than in plasma.

The substance is metabolized. It is excreted mainly by the kidneys (with no more than 1% unchanged), to a lesser extent - with bile. T½ (half-life) is about 2 hours.

Nurofen Express passes into breast milk, but in very low concentrations.

There were no significant differences in the pharmacokinetic profile of ibuprofen in elderly and younger people.

When applied externally, ibuprofen penetrates the epidermis and dermis after about 24 hours. About 5% of the substance is absorbed into deeper tissues. There is practically no clinically significant systemic absorption. Repeated application of Nurofen Express gel is enough to achieve the required therapeutic concentration of ibuprofen in the underlying tissues.

Indications for use

Pills and capsules

as an anesthetic: toothache, rheumatic and muscle pains, neuralgia, back pain, headache, migraine, algomenorrhea;
as an antipyretic agent: febrile conditions for colds and flu.

Gel for external use

In this dosage form, Nurofen Express is recommended for use as a drug with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in the following cases: neuralgia, sprains, ligament injuries, back pain, muscle pain, arthritis, sports injuries.

Contraindications

Pills and capsules

Absolute contraindications:

erosive and ulcerative diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the stage of exacerbation (for example, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer);
active gastrointestinal bleeding or a history, if there is confirmed information about two or more episodes, as well as a history of perforation or bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract caused by the use of NSAIDs;
severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <30 ml / min);
the presence of active liver disease, severe liver failure;
confirmed hyperkalemia;
cerebrovascular or other bleeding;
decompensated heart failure;
period after coronary artery bypass grafting;
hemorrhagic diathesis, hemophilia or other bleeding disorders (including hypocoagulation);
fructose intolerance - for capsules;
children under 6 years old - for tablets, up to 12 years old - for capsules;
III trimester of pregnancy;
complete or incomplete syndrome of intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid (polyps of the nasal mucosa, urticaria, rhinosinusitis, bronchial asthma);
anamnestic data on hypersensitivity to other NSAIDs (including acetylsalicylic acid), including a history of rhinitis, urticaria, bronchial obstruction after taking NSAIDs;
hypersensitivity to any component of Nurofen Express.

Relative contraindications (for the following conditions / diseases, Nurofen Express can be taken only as directed by a doctor, if the expected benefits are higher than the potential risks):

a history of a single episode of gastric ulcer or bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract;
presence of Helicobacter pylori infection, colitis (including ulcerative colitis), gastritis, enteritis;
hyperbilirubinemia;
liver failure;
cirrhosis of the liver with portal hypertension;
nephrotic syndrome;
renal failure (creatinine clearance less than 30-60 ml / min), including with dehydration;
systemic lupus erythematosus or mixed connective tissue disease (Sharp's syndrome);
bronchial asthma or allergic diseases (including a history);
severe somatic diseases;
cerebrovascular diseases;
arterial hypertension and / or heart failure;
blood diseases of unknown etiology (anemia, leukopenia);
peripheral arterial disease;
diabetes;
dyslipidemia / hyperlipidemia;
frequent alcohol consumption;
smoking;
elderly age;
period of breastfeeding;
I – II trimesters of pregnancy;
concomitant use of other NSAIDs;
the need for the simultaneous use of drugs that increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as oral glucocorticosteroids (including prednisolone), anticoagulants (for example, warfarin), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (including paroxetine, sertraline, citalopram and fluoxetine), antiplatelet agents (including clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid).

Gel for external use

Absolute contraindications:

violation of the integrity of the skin at the site of application of the drug (including weeping dermatitis, infected wounds or abrasions, eczema);
urticaria, rhinitis, bronchial asthma in history due to the intake of acetylsalicylic acid or other NSAIDs;
III trimester of pregnancy;
children up to age 14;
hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid or other NSAIDs;
hypersensitivity to any component of the drug.

Nurofen Express gel should be used with caution and only after consulting a doctor in the following cases:

rhinitis, polyps of the nasal mucosa, urticaria, bronchial asthma;
the presence of concomitant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney or liver disease;
I – II trimesters of pregnancy;
lactation period.

Instructions for the use of Nurofen Express: method and dosage

Pills and capsules

These dosage forms of Nurofen Express are indicated for oral administration. Capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole without chewing and washed down with water; tablets - after meals.

Adults and adolescents from 12 years old are prescribed 200 mg 3-4 times a day at intervals of 6-8 hours.

For adults, to achieve a quick therapeutic effect, you can increase the dose to 400 mg 3 times a day.

The maximum doses of Nurofen Express: adults - 1200 mg, adolescents 12-17 years old - 1000 mg.

Children 6-12 years old (weighing at least 20 kg) are prescribed 200 mg (only in the form of tablets, capsules are contraindicated!) Up to 4 times a day at intervals of at least 6 hours.

Nurofen Express can only be used for short-term treatment. If symptoms persist within 2-3 days of taking, the drug should be discontinued and a doctor should be consulted.

Gel for external use

In this dosage form, Nurofen Express is applied externally, rubbing it into the skin on problem areas until completely absorbed.

A single dose is a 4–10 cm strip of gel (equivalent to about 50–125 mg ibuprofen). The interval between applications should be at least 4 hours. You can apply the gel no more than 4 times during the day.

When using the drug for the first time, open the lid, check that the protective foil located on the neck of the tube is not damaged, and open it by pressing the outer side of the cap.

Hands should be thoroughly washed after each application of the gel.

If symptoms persist or worsen within 2 weeks of treatment, you should cancel Nurofen Express and consult a doctor.

Side effects

Pills and capsules

Ibuprofen side effects are predominantly dose-dependent. The reactions described below were observed with short-term use of the drug in daily doses up to 1200 mg, so it must be borne in mind that with long-term treatment and therapy of chronic diseases, other undesirable symptoms may appear.

The incidence of side effects is estimated according to the following criteria: very often -> 1/10, often - from> 1/100 to 1/1000 to 1/10 000 to <1/1000, very rarely - <1/10 000), frequency unknown - no frequency data available.

Nurofen Express in oral dosage forms can cause the following side effects:

from the immune system: infrequently - hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylactic and nonspecific allergic), skin reactions (Quincke's edema, urticaria, pruritus, purpura, exfoliative and bullous dermatoses, including toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johns syndrome), eosinophilia, allergic rhinitis; very rarely - severe hypersensitivity reactions, including tachycardia, shortness of breath, edema of the face, larynx and tongue, arterial hypotension (Quincke's edema, anaphylaxis, severe anaphylactic shock);
on the part of the blood and lymphatic system: very rarely - hematopoietic disorders (leukopenia, anemia, including aplastic and hemolytic, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, pancytopenia), the first signs of which are flu-like symptoms, fever, superficial ulcers in the oral cavity, pain in throat, nosebleeds and subcutaneous hemorrhages, bruising and bleeding of unknown etiology, severe weakness;
from the liver and biliary tract: very rarely - jaundice, hepatitis, as well as liver dysfunction, especially with prolonged use;
from the nervous system: infrequently - headache; very rarely - aseptic meningitis;
from the gastrointestinal tract: infrequent - dyspepsia (including bloating, heartburn), nausea, abdominal pain; rarely - flatulence, diarrhea / constipation, vomiting; very rarely - gastritis, ulcerative stomatitis, perforation, peptic ulcer, melena, gastrointestinal bleeding, bloody vomiting (can be fatal, especially in old age); frequency unknown - exacerbation of colitis, Crohn's disease;
on the part of the cardiovascular system: the frequency is unknown - increased blood pressure, peripheral edema, heart failure; with prolonged use - thrombotic complications (for example, myocardial infarction);
on the part of the kidneys and urinary tract: very rarely - cystitis, nephrotic syndrome, nephritic syndrome, interstitial nephritis, papillary necrosis, as well as compensated and decompensated acute renal failure (especially with prolonged use) in combination with an increase in the concentration of urea in the blood plasma, the appearance of edema, proteinuria and hematuria;
from the respiratory system and mediastinal organs: the frequency is unknown - shortness of breath, bronchospasm, bronchial asthma or its exacerbation, dyspnea;
others: very rarely - edema, including peripheral;
laboratory indicators: a decrease in hematocrit, hemoglobin, creatinine clearance, plasma glucose concentration, an increase in the activity of hepatic transaminases, plasma creatinine concentration, bleeding time.

The risk of side effects is reduced when Nurofen Express is used in the minimum effective dose in a short course.

Gel for external use

from the gastrointestinal tract: abdominal pain, dyspeptic disorders;
hypersensitivity reactions: skin reactions at the site of application of the gel (tingling or burning sensation, rash, urticaria, flushing of the skin, less often - bullous and exfoliative dermatoses, including erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis), reactions from the respiratory tract (shortness of breath, bronchospasm, Quincke's edema, development of bronchial asthma or its exacerbation), anaphylactic and nonspecific allergic reactions.

With long-term external use of Nurofen Express, systemic side effects typical of NSAIDs may occur.

Overdose

Pills and capsules

Symptoms: epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, less often diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, headache, tinnitus. In more severe cases, disturbances from the central nervous system may occur: drowsiness, less often - agitation, disorientation, convulsions, coma. In severe poisoning, renal failure, liver tissue damage, metabolic acidosis, an increase in prothrombin time, cyanosis, respiratory depression, and a decrease in blood pressure are possible. In patients with bronchial asthma, the disease may worsen.

For the development of symptoms of an overdose in children, a dose of more than 400 mg / kg is sufficient. In adults, the dose-dependent effect is less pronounced. T½ of ibuprofen in case of overdose - from 1.5 to 3 hours.

In case of an overdose, treatment is symptomatic. Until the patient's condition is normalized, the following measures are required: ensuring airway patency, monitoring the electrocardiogram and vital signs. If no more than an hour has elapsed since taking a potentially toxic dose of ibuprofen, it is recommended to perform a gastric lavage and take activated charcoal. If more time has passed, then alkaline drinking and forced diuresis are recommended to accelerate the excretion of the acidic ibuprofen derivative by the kidneys. Frequent or prolonged seizures are treated with intravenous lorazepam or diazepam. In case of worsening of the course of bronchial asthma, bronchodilators are prescribed.

Gel for external use

Cases of ibuprofen overdose with external application of Nurofen Express gel are unknown.

If you accidentally take the drug inside, the following symptoms are possible: vomiting, drowsiness, headache, decreased blood pressure. As a first aid to such patients, gastric lavage is recommended (if no more than 1 hour has passed since the moment of swallowing), alkaline drinking, taking activated charcoal, forced diuresis. Further treatment is symptomatic.

special instructions

Pills and capsules

Nurofen Express is recommended to be taken for the shortest possible period in the lowest effective dose to eliminate symptoms.

With prolonged therapy, the peripheral blood picture, the functional state of the kidneys and liver should be monitored.

In the event of symptoms of gastropathy, a thorough examination is required, including an analysis of feces for occult blood, a general blood test (to determine hemoglobin), and an esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Patients who are referred for a study to determine 17-ketosteroids should stop taking the drug in 48 hours.

During treatment, you should refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages.

Ibuprofen can increase blood pressure, cause fluid retention and edema, therefore, patients with chronic heart failure and patients with hypertension (including a history) need to consult a doctor before taking Nurofen Express.

Women who are planning a pregnancy should be aware that NSAIDs suppress the synthesis of prostaglandins and cyclooxygenase, affect the ovulation process, thereby disrupting female reproductive function (this effect is reversible after the end of the course of treatment).

Gel for external use

Nurofen Express should not be applied under an occlusive (sealed) dressing.

Avoid contact of the gel with eyes, mucous membranes, damaged or inflamed skin areas.

During treatment, it is recommended to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight.

Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and complex mechanisms

During the period of therapy with the use of Nurofen Express in oral dosage forms, patients should refrain from performing potentially hazardous activities that require speed of reactions and increased attention.

Application during pregnancy and lactation

According to the instructions, Nurofen Express is strictly contraindicated in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Women who are 1–6 months pregnant are advised to avoid taking the drug, if possible, as ibuprofen can delay and prolong labor. Application is possible only as directed by a doctor, after assessing the balance of benefits and risks.

Ibuprofen passes into breast milk only in small quantities, therefore it can be used during lactation for a short course. If there is a need for long-term treatment, you should consult your doctor about the advisability of continuing breastfeeding.

Pediatric use

In the form of film-coated tablets, Nurofen Express is contraindicated for children under 6 years old, in capsules - up to 12 years old, in the form of a gel for external use - up to 14 years old.

With impaired renal function

Tablets and capsules are contraindicated in severe renal impairment.

All dosage forms of Nurofen Express should be used with caution in the presence of concomitant kidney diseases, since their functional state may deteriorate.

For violations of liver function

Tablets and capsules are contraindicated for severe hepatic impairment.

All dosage forms of Nurofen Express should be used with caution in the presence of concomitant liver diseases.

Use in the elderly

In elderly patients, the drug should be used with caution.

Drug interactions

Pills and capsules

Due to the risk of developing adverse reactions of interaction, ibuprofen is not recommended to be used simultaneously with the following drugs:

acetylsalicylic acid in daily doses of more than 75 mg: the risk of side effects increases, the antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effect of acetylsalicylic acid decreases, which can lead to the development of acute coronary insufficiency in patients who receive it as an antiplatelet agent;
other NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors: the likelihood of side effects increases.

Ibuprofen should be used with caution in combination with the following drugs:

thrombolytic drugs and anticoagulants (warfarin): their effect is enhanced;
diuretics and antihypertensive drugs (angiotensin II antagonists, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors): their effectiveness may decrease and the nephrotoxicity of ibuprofen may increase;
glucocorticosteroids: the risk of ulceration and bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract increases;
cardiac glycosides: a decrease in their glomerular filtration rate and an increase in concentration, as well as aggravation of heart failure, are possible;
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antiplatelet agents: the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding increases;
tacrolimus: increased nephrotoxicity;
cefotetan, plikamycin, cefamandol, valproic acid, cefoperazone: the incidence of hypoprothrombinemia increases;
mifepristone: its effectiveness decreases (ibuprofen can be taken at least 10-12 days after discontinuation of mifepristone);
zidovudine: hematotoxicity increases, hemarthrosis and hematomas may develop in HIV-positive patients with hemophilia;
quinolone antibiotics: seizures may occur;
lithium preparations, methotrexate: their concentration in blood plasma may increase;
cyclosporine: increased nephrotoxicity;
means that block tubular secretion: the excretion of ibuprofen decreases, its plasma concentration increases;
inducers of microsomal oxidation (barbiturates, tricyclic antidepressants, rifampicin, phenytoin, phenylbutazone, ethanol): the production of hydroxylated active metabolites increases and, as a result, the risk of severe intoxication;
oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin, sulfonylurea derivatives: increased effect;
caffeine: increased analgesic effect;
antacids and cholestyramine: absorption of ibuprofen decreases.

With the simultaneous use of inhibitors of microsomal oxidation, the risk of developing hepatotoxic effects decreases.

Gel for external use

There is no information on drug interactions for Nurofen Express in gel form.

It should be borne in mind that even with external use of ibuprofen, the likelihood of its systemic action cannot be completely excluded, therefore, theoretically, it is possible to increase the effects with the simultaneous use of other NSAIDs.

Analogs

Nurofen Express analogues are:

for oral administration: Advil, Advil Maximum, Bonifen, Brudol for children, Brufen SR, Deblok, Faspik, Ibuprofen, Ibuprofen-Hemofarm, Ibuprofen-Sandoz, Ibufen, Maxikold for children, Nebolin caps, MIG 400, MIG for children, Next Express, Solpaflex, Nurofen, Nurofen forte, Nurofen Rapid Forte, Nurofen Express Forte, Nurofen Express Neo, Sedalgin SPRINT;
for external use: Dolgit, Deep Relief, Ibuprofen, Ibuprofen-Verte.

Terms and conditions of storage

Keep out of the reach of children, in a dry place with temperatures up to 25 ° C.

Shelf life:

film-coated tablets - 3 years;
capsules - 2 years;
gel for external use - 3 years.

Terms of dispensing from pharmacies

Available without a prescription in any dosage form.

Reviews about Nurofen Express

On medical forums, there are rare reviews, which indicate that the drug in the form of tablets and capsules was ineffective (did not help to relieve pain) or caused side effects, due to which further taking the tablets / capsules is impossible.

The disadvantages of many include a large list of contraindications, the inability to take Nurofen Express for a long time, a relatively high price. Some patients consider the prefix "express" in the name unreasonable, referring to the fact that there is no emergency effect, the drug works like other drugs containing ibuprofen as an active ingredient.

And yet, most of the reviews about Nurofen Express in the form of tablets and capsules are positive: it relieves pain well, including headache and pain in women during menstruation, and very quickly brings down fever. Most of the patients taking the drug claim that it rarely causes side effects if the recommended dosing regimen is followed.

As for the reviews about Nurofen Express gel, opinions were divided. Some consider it to be a good external anesthetic, while others consider it completely ineffective.

Price for Nurofen Express in pharmacies

Prices for Nurofen Express depend on the form of release and packaging. On average, they vary in the following ranges:

film-coated tablets, 12 pcs. in the package - 145-165 rubles;
capsules: 8 pcs. in the package –105–150 rubles, 10 pcs. in the package - 130-155 rubles., 20 pcs. in the package - 175-300 rubles;
gel for external use: tube 50 g - 150–170 rubles, tube 100 g - 255–340 rubles.

Nurofen Express: prices in online pharmacies

Drug name

Price

Pharmacy

Nurofen Express 200 mg capsules 8 pcs.

118 RUB

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Nurofen Express 5% gel for external use 50 g 1 pc.

126 RUB

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Nurofen Express Neo 200 mg film-coated tablets 12 pcs.

142 RUB

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Reviews Nurofen Express Neo

142 RUB

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Nurofen Express forte 400 mg capsules 10 pcs.

172 r

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Reviews Nurofen Express forte

172 r

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Nurofen Express Forte capsules 400mg 10 pcs.

187 r

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Nurofen Express Lady tablets p.o. 400mg 12 pcs.

199 RUB

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Nurofen Express Lady 400 mg film-coated tablets 12 pcs.

199 RUB

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Reviews Nurofen Express Lady

199 RUB

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Nurofen Express 200 mg capsules 16 pcs.

214 r

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Nurofen Express capsules 200mg 16 pcs.

244 RUB

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Nurofen Express forte 400 mg capsules 20 pcs.

277 r

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Reviews Nurofen Express forte

277 r

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Nurofen Express 200 mg capsules 24 pcs.

286 r

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Nurofen Express 5% gel for external use 100 g 1 pc.

288 r

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Nurofen Express Forte capsules 400mg 20 pcs.

328 RUB

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Nurofen Express capsules 200mg 24 pcs.

355 RUB

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Nurofen Express Neo 200 mg film-coated tablets 24 pcs.

399 RUB

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Anna Kozlova Medical journalist About the author

Education: Rostov State Medical University, specialty "General Medicine".

Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!