Unifen contains ibuprofen 200 mg, an anti-inflammatory painkiller available without a prescription. It relieves period pain, headache, backache, muscular pain, dental pain and sprains, and reduces fever. Take it with food, and never alongside another anti-inflammatory.
What is Unifen?
Unifen contains ibuprofen 200 mg, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. At this strength it is a Schedule 1 medicine, available over the counter.
Ibuprofen blocks cyclo-oxygenase enzymes, which the body uses to produce prostaglandins. Prostaglandins generate inflammation, swelling, pain and fever, so blocking their production addresses all four. Those same prostaglandins also protect the stomach lining and support kidney blood flow — which is why a medicine this ordinary still carries real cautions.
The same ingredient is sold in South Africa as Brufen, Nurofen, Ibumol, Betagesic and plain ibuprofen, and it is a component of combination products such as Mybulen. Different names, one ingredient — which matters, because taking two ibuprofen-containing products at once multiplies the risks without improving the relief.
At 200 mg, Unifen sits at the lower end of the ibuprofen range. That is deliberate: it is the strength considered suitable for people to select for themselves, for short-term everyday pain.
What is Unifen commonly used for?
Unifen is used for short-term pain and fever:
- Period pain, where an anti-inflammatory is often distinctly more effective than paracetamol.
- Headache, including tension headache.
- Backache and muscular aches.
- Sprains, strains and minor sports injuries.
- Dental pain, while awaiting treatment.
- Cold and flu aches, and fever.
- Mild arthritis pain.
Period pain deserves the specific mention. Menstrual cramping is produced by prostaglandins acting on the uterus, so ibuprofen works on the mechanism itself rather than only dulling the result. Taking it as symptoms start, rather than once the pain is established, gives noticeably better control.
For fever and general aches where inflammation is not really the issue — an ordinary cold, for instance — paracetamol does the job with fewer cautions. Ibuprofen is the better choice when something is genuinely inflamed.
For localised pain near the surface, an ibuprofen gel delivers the medicine to the area with much less reaching the rest of the body. That is a useful option for anyone who should be careful with tablets.
How Unifen fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Simple analgesics | Paracetamol (Donapan, Napamol) | Pain and fever; minimal anti-inflammatory action |
| Standard NSAIDs | Ibuprofen (Unifen, Brufen), diclofenac | Also reduces inflammation |
| Potent NSAIDs | Indomethacin (Arthrexin) | Stronger; more stomach and CNS effects |
| COX-2 selective | Meloxicam, etoricoxib | Gentler on the stomach |
| Corticosteroids | Prednisone | Powerful anti-inflammatory, as courses |
See the pain, inflammation and musculoskeletal medicines hub.
What to check before using Unifen
Take it with food or milk, and use it for the shortest time that works.
Check other products for an anti-inflammatory. Combination painkillers, some cold and flu remedies, and other branded ibuprofen products all count. Never take two.
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor before using it if:
- You have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding, reflux or gastritis.
- You have kidney disease, or become dehydrated easily.
- You have heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, or have had a stroke.
- You have asthma. A minority of people with asthma react badly to NSAIDs.
- You take blood thinners, low-dose aspirin, a corticosteroid, an SSRI antidepressant, a diuretic, an ACE inhibitor, lithium or methotrexate.
- You are pregnant. NSAIDs are generally avoided, particularly in the third trimester.
- You are over 65.
- You have chickenpox, where NSAIDs are avoided.
Buying it without a prescription does not mean it suits everyone. Ibuprofen is the medicine most often taken by people it is not appropriate for, precisely because it is so easy to obtain. If any of the above applies, ask before buying.
Follow the pack instructions. This page does not set doses.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Stomach. NSAIDs can cause ulcers and bleeding, sometimes without preceding pain. Risk rises with how long you take it, your age, alcohol intake, and combination with steroids, blood thinners or SSRIs.
Kidneys. Ibuprofen can reduce kidney function, particularly when you are dehydrated, older, or on blood-pressure medicines. During a stomach bug with vomiting or diarrhoea, or in extreme heat, switch to paracetamol unless told otherwise — this is one of the more common ways an ordinary medicine causes harm.
Heart. Regular use at higher strengths is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Occasional use at 200 mg is a different matter from daily long-term use.
Asthma. Stop and seek advice if wheeze or breathlessness follows a dose.
Do not use it for more than a few days for a new pain without advice, and be alert to the headache trap: taking a painkiller for headache on most days can produce medication overuse headache, which feels like worsening headaches and drives more tablets.
Seek medical attention for stomach pain, vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds, black tarry stools, wheezing or breathlessness, chest pain, one-sided weakness, marked swelling of the face or legs, significantly reduced urine, or a blistering or peeling rash.
Related medicine guides
- Browse Pain, Inflammation & Musculoskeletal Medicines guides
- Read: Prednisone used for
- Read: Donapan used for
Frequently asked questions
What is Unifen 200 mg used for? Short-term pain and fever — period pain, headache, backache, muscular pain, dental pain and sprains. It contains ibuprofen.
Is it the same as Brufen or Nurofen? The active ingredient is the same. Brands and manufacturers differ, and they must not be combined.
Is it better than paracetamol? For inflammatory pain and period pain, usually. For fever and general aches in someone who should avoid NSAIDs, paracetamol is safer.
Can I take it with paracetamol? They are different medicines and are sometimes used together on advice. Never take it with another anti-inflammatory.
Why must I take it with food? To reduce stomach irritation. This helps with discomfort but does not remove the risk of ulceration with longer use.
Should I avoid it when I have a stomach bug? Yes, generally. Dehydration plus an NSAID is hard on the kidneys — use paracetamol instead unless your doctor has said otherwise.