Cuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDS). Cuprofen is a range of ibuprofen based painkillers used for the relief of pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, treatment of menstrual pain, and relief of mild to moderate pain, migraine and to reduce fever.
How does it work?
Cuprofen tablets and Cuprofen maximum strength tablets both contain the active ingredient ibuprofen, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). (NB. Ibuprofen is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Ibuprofen is a simple painkilling medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain, inflammation and fever.
Ibuprofen works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. NSAIDs block the production of these prostaglandins and are therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.
Ibuprofen also reduces fever by reducing the production of prostaglandins. Fever is associated with an increase in prostaglandins in the brain, and these prostaglandins cause the body temperature to increase. By reducing prostaglandins in the brain, ibuprofen lowers body temperature and hence reduces fever.
Ibuprofen reduces inflammation and related pain and so can be used to relieve muscular and rheumatic aches and pains. It can also be used to relieve other painful conditions such as headaches, migraine, toothache, nerve pain (neuralgia) and period pain. It is also useful for reducing fever and discomfort associated with colds and flu.
What is it used for?
- Mild to moderate pain including rheumatic and muscular pain, sprains and strains, backache, nerve pain (neuralgia), migraine, headache, toothache, period pain.
- Feverishness and symptoms of colds and flu.