Flurbiprofen
Indications for use
- Symptomatic relief of sore throat
Age
- Lozenges (P; Honey and Lemon variant approved GSL Feb 2026): 12 years +
- Oro-mucosal spray (P): 18 years +
Dose/Directions
- Lozenges: One lozenge sucked/dissolved slowly in the mouth every 3 to 6 hours as required; max 5 in 24 hours
- Oro-mucosal spray: 3 sprays (8.75 mg) to the back of the throat every 3 to 6 hours; max 5 doses in 24 hours
Duration
- Maximum of 3 days prior to seeking medical advice
Contra-indications/referral criteria
- Hypersensitivity to product/excipients or NSAIDs
- Active or history of peptic ulcer/haemorrhage
- History of GI bleeds with NSAIDs
- Severe heart, renal or hepatic failure
- Last trimester of pregnancy
Examples of drug interactions
- Avoid use with aspirin (above 75mg daily) or other NSAIDs
- Anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin): NSAIDs may enhance the effects of anticoagulants
- Corticosteroids: increased risk of GI ulceration or bleeding
- SSRIs: increased risk of GI bleeding when used with NSAIDs
Side-effects
- Transient local irritation of the buccal mucosa, taste perversion
Other pertinent information
- Lozenges should be moved around the mouth, not retained in one place, to avoid irritation
- Available as Strefen 8.75 mg lozenges (P; Honey and Lemon variant approved GSL February 2026, other variants remain P) and Strefen Direct 8.75 mg oro-mucosal spray (P)
- Reclassified POM→P: 2001 (lozenges), 2024 (spray); P→GSL: February 2026 (Honey and Lemon lozenge only; other lozenge variants and spray remain P)