1. Name Of The Medicinal Product
Nurofen Meltlets Lemon
2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition
Ibuprofen 200 mg
For excipients, see 6.1.
3. Pharmaceutical Form
Orodispersible tablet
White to off-white tablets.
4. Clinical Particulars
4.1 Therapeutic Indications
For the relief of mild to moderate pain, such as headache, backache, period pain, dental pain, neuralgia, rheumatic and muscular pain, migraine, cold and flu symptoms and feverishness.
4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration
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 tablets up to three times a day as required.
Place a tablet on the tongue, allow it to dissolve and then swallow; no water is required.
Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
Do not exceed six tablets in any 24 hours.
Not for use by children under 12 years.
4.3 Contraindications
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
4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use
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.
Impaired female fertility:
There is limited evidence that drugs which inhibit cyclooxygenase/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.
Caution is required in patients with phenylketonuria or who are intolerant to phenylalanine. The product contains aspartame which is a source of phenylalanine. Each orodispersible tablet contains a source equivalent to 14 mg of phenylalanine.
The label will include:
Read the enclosed leaflet before taking this product
Do 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 pregnant
If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction
Ibuprofen should 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:
Anticoagulants. NSAIDs may enhance the effects of anti-coagulants, such as warfarin (see section 4.4).
Antihypertensives and diuretics: NSAIDs may diminish the effects of these drugs. Diuretics can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity of NSAIDs.
Corticosteroids: Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding (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 increases in plasma levels of lithium.
Methotrexate: There is a potential for an increase in plasma 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.
4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation
Whilst no teratogenic effects have been demonstrated in animal experiments, the use of ibuprofen 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).
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.
4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines
None expected at recommended doses and duration of therapy.
4.8 Undesirable Effects
Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported and these may consist of:
(a) Non-specific allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
(b) Respiratory tract reactivity, e.g. asthma, aggravated asthma, bronchospasm, dyspnoea
(c) Various skin reactions, e.g. pruritus, urticaria, angioedema and more rarely exfoliative and bullous dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme)
The following list of adverse effects relates to those experienced with ibuprofen at OTC doses, 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 pruritus.
Very rare: severe hypersensitivity reactions. Symptoms could be: facial, tongue and laryngeal swelling, dyspnoea, 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 and dyspepsia.
Rare: diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation and vomiting.
Very rare: peptic ulcer, perforation or gastrointestinal haemorrhage, sometimes fatal, particularly in the elderly. Melaena, haematemesis, ulcerative stomatitis, gastritis.
Exacerbation of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (see section 4.4).
Nervous System:
Uncommon: Headache
Very 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 urea 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 rashes
Very 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 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) (see section 4.4).
4.9 Overdose
In children ingestion of more than 400mg/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.
5. Pharmacological Properties
5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties
Ibuprofen is a propionic acid derivative, having analgesic, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory activity. The drug's therapeutic effects as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug are thought to result from inhibitory activity on prostaglandin synthesis. Furthermore, ibuprofen reversibly inhibits platelet aggregation.
Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may inhibit the effect of low dose aspirin on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. In one study, when a single dose of ibuprofen 400mg was taken with 8 h before or within 30 min after immediate release aspirin dosing (81mg), a decreased effect of ASA on the formation of thromboxane or platelet aggregation occurred. 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 relevant effect is considered to be likely for occasional ibuprofen use.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties
Nurofen Meltlets Mint consist of taste masked ibuprofen granules incorporated into a compressed tablet. When the tablet is placed on the tongue it rapidly dissolves to release the ibuprofen granules. The ibuprofen granules can then be swallowed without the need for water.
Ibuprofen is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Ibuprofen is extensively bound to plasma proteins. Ibuprofen diffuses into the synovial fluid.
Peak plasma concentrations from Nurofen Meltlets Mint occur approximately 1 hour 50 minutes after administration. When taken with food, peak plasma levels may be delayed.
Ibuprofen is metabolised in the liver to two major inactive metabolites and these together with unchanged ibuprofen are excreted by the kidney either as such or as conjugates. Excretion by the kidney is both rapid and complete.
Elimination half life is approximately 2 hours.
No significant differences in pharmacokinetic profile are observed in the elderly.
5.3 Preclinical Safety Data
No relevant information additional to that elsewhere in the Summary of Product Characteristics.
6. Pharmaceutical Particulars
6.1 List Of Excipients
Ethylcellulose (E462),
Silicon Dioxide (E551),
Hypromellose (E464),
Mannitol (E420),
Aspartame (E951),
Croscarmellose Sodium (E468),
Magnesium Stearate (E572),
Flavour (lemon flavours, maltodextrin).
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable
6.3 Shelf Life
3 years
6.4 Special Precautions For Storage
Do not store above 25°C.
6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container
The orodispersible tablets are packed in a cold formed blister pack. The blister pockets are formed from 60 μm PVC/ 45 μm aluminium / 25 μm polyamide film heat sealed to the 20μm aluminium foil blister lid .
The blister trays are packed into cardboard cartons containing 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 30, 36, 40 or 48 orodispersible tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling
None
7. Marketing Authorisation Holder
Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd
Slough
SL1 4AQ
8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)
PL 00063/0382
9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation
06/03/2009
10. Date Of Revision Of The Text
13/06/2011
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