It follows concerns about patient addiction and potentially fatal health complications.

But a peak industry body for consumer healthcare products including over the counter medicines says restrictions are already in place and anyone using recommended doses of the products should not be concerned.

Calvary Mater Newcastle general physician and internal medicine director Aidan Foy said ibuprofen was toxic and dangerous when linked with addictive codeine.

Potentially fatal medical problems that could arise included kidney failure, ulcers and gastrointestinal haemorrhaging.

Dr Foy and five fellow Mater clinicians have called for restrictions on over the counter availability of ibuprofen-codeine combination products in a letter published today in The Medical Journal of Australia.

The letter cites the cases of four patients who presented to the hospital with signs of kidney failure from long-standing misuse of ibuprofen taken in combination with codeine from over the counter medications.

Two of the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit.

Dr Foy said people were able to buy ibuprofen-codeine products over the counter with little restriction.

He said some patients were taking boxes and boxes of tablets.

"They should be available by prescription only and you could make a case for banning them altogether," he said.

Australian Self-Medication Industry regulatory and scientific affairs director Steven Scarff said the products should only be used for short periods.

Cases cited in the journal involved high doses, often in combination with other medications, he said.

In May 2010, access was restricted so products were only available behind the counter in pharmacies.

"That places pharmacists in a good position to engage with consumers and identify problem users," Mr Scarff said.