I'd be livid! I wouldn't give nurofen to my child whether they had asthma or not, it is so harsh on the stomach. But that's my opinion. Hope your friend has learnt not to medicate another child without permission again.
I've given a 12 year old panadol before - it was at church and her mum was away, was with dad and she was complaining to me about a really bad headache. I offered her panadol (I agree nurofen is a bit different) - but I felt she was old enough to know if she could take something like panadol. I suppose I should've asked permission - which I would with a child younger than that.