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Advil Allergy and Congestion

chlorpheniramine / ibuprofen / phenylephrine
Used for Nasal Congestion, Allergic Rhinitis, Pain, Fever
Used for Nasal Congestion, Allergic Rhinitis, Pain, Fever

Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief is a combination of three medications, chlorpheniramine (antihistamine), ibuprofen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)), and phenylephrine (decongestant). It's available over the counter (OTC) and used to treat symptoms from allergies and the common cold.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 17, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesPricesMedicare
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What is Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief?

What is Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief used for?

  • Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies and the common cold: runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, headache, minor aches and pains, fever

  • Lowers swelling in the sinuses around the nose

  • Restores breathing through the nose

How Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief works

Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief is a combination of three medications that work together to relieve symptoms caused by allergies and the common cold. Both chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine) and ibuprofen (an NSAID) block certain chemicals in you body that cause inflammation (swelling). Ibuprofen also blocks chemicals that cause pain. Phenylephrine (a decongestant) clears your sinuses to relieve sinus pressure.

Are you looking for information on Advil Allergy Sinus (chlorpheniramine / ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine), Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine), or Advil (ibuprofen) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAdvil Allergy and Congestion Relief, Advil Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu
Drug ClassAntihistamine / NSAID / Decongestant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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What are the side effects of Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Constipation
  • Upset stomach
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth

Other Side Effects

  • Loss of appetite
  • Swelling in legs
  • Skin rash
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Changes in blood pressure

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart attack: chest pain or tightness, pain that radiates up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
  • Stroke: chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness in one part of your body or face, slurred speech, leg swelling
  • Stomach bleeding: feeling faint, vomiting blood, bloody or dark stools, severe stomach pain or discomfort
  • Allergic reactions: hives, rash, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, skin reddening

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief

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Pros

Can treat a wide variety of allergy and common cold symptoms

More convenient to take three medications in one pill

Available over the counter

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Cons

Needs to be taken every 4 hours

More difficult to customize the dose since Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief is a combination of three medications

Can cause stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers

Can't be used in children younger than 12 years old, right before or after heart surgery, or with current or recent (within the last 14 days) use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief

pharmacist

  • You can take Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief with or without food. However, it's best to take with food or milk to prevent getting an upset stomach.

    • Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief can make you sleepy and dizzy. Don't drive until you realize the effects of the medication.

      • Stop using Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief and contact your provider if you have a fever that lasts more than 3 days, nasal congestion that lasts for more than 7 days, or if there is redness or swelling in a painful area. These might be signs of a serious infection or medical condition.

        • If you get nervous, dizzy, or can't sleep, or if any new symptoms appear or your symptoms get worse, stop taking Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief. Contact your provider right away because these might be signs of a more serious medical condition.

          • Don't start any new medications while taking Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief, especially other antihistamines, NSAIDs, or decongestants, without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of overdose and severe side effects, including kidney failure, seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), daytime sleepiness, dizziness, stomach bleed, heart attack, or stroke, or even death.

            • Tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications you're taking to make sure Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief is safe for you. Don't take Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief if you're taking or have taken an MAOI, such as selegiline (Eldepryl) or phenelzine (Nardil), within the past 2 weeks. This combination can cause dangerous changes to your blood pressure. If you have taken an MAOI in the past 2 weeks, contact your provider for other options to treat your symptoms.

              • If you're allergic to aspirin, talk to your provider or pharmacist before starting Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief because you might be allergic to this medication as well.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief

                How do I know if Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief is safe for me to take?
                Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief is generally safe to take, but it's not the best choice for everyone. This medication might not be appropriate for you if you have certain conditions, such as a history of serious side effects from other allergy or common cold medications, breathing problems, stomach or stomach bleed problems, kidney problems, heart problems, or a history of stroke. Ask your provider if Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief is safe for you.
                Can I use Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief only when I need it?
                Yes, you can use Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief as needed. However, it's recommended you take the medication on a scheduled basis while you're having symptoms. Use the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time. Don't use more than 6 tablets in a 24-hour period without talking to your provider first.
                Can I use Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief if I'm pregnant?
                If you're pregnant, talk to your provider first before using Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief to see if it's safe for you. This medication contains ibuprofen (Advil), which should be avoided during the second half of pregnancy because it might cause problems to your unborn baby or cause complications during delivery. This medication also contains phenylephrine, which might be linked to birth defects if taken during the first trimester of pregnancy.
                Can I drink alcohol while taking Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief?
                Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief because this raises your risk of side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and bleeding in your stomach.
                Why can't children under 12 years old use Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief?
                Children under 12 years old can't use Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief because the dosage of the 3 medications in each tablet is too high for them, which raises the risk for overdose and side effects. If your child is having allergy or common cold symptoms, ask your child's provider or pharmacist for other options.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief?

                Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Stomach bleeding

                • Risk factors: Age 60 years and up | History of stomach bleeding or bleeding problems | Taking aspirin, other oral NSAIDs, oral corticosteroids, or blood thinners (anticoagulants) | Having 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day | Taking Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief for a long time

                  Since Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief contains ibuprofen (Advil), it can put you at risk for stomach ulcers (sores) and bleeds. Stomach bleeding is a dangerous condition that requires treatment right away. Make sure to tell your provider or pharmacist about all of your conditions and medications before starting Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief so they can see what your risk for stomach bleeding is. If you're feeling faint, vomiting blood, have bloody or dark stools, or have severe stomach pain or discomfort that doesn't go away while taking Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief, seek medical attention right away.

                  risk-warning

                  Heart attack and stroke

                  • Risk factors: History of heart problems | Taking high doses of Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief | Taking Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief for a long time | History of or planned heart surgery

                    Since Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief contains ibuprofen (Advil), it can raise your risk of blood clots, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. Try to take the lowest dose for the shortest time. If you have heart problems, talk to your healthcare provider before starting this medication. Don't take Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief if you had, or will have, heart surgery. Call 911 or seek immediate help if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking.

                    risk-warning

                    Severe allergic reactions

                    • Risk factors: Aspirin allergy | NSAID allergy

                      Severe allergic reactions to Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Let your provider know if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs before starting Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief. If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief, seek medical attention right away.

                      risk-warning

                      Worsening of medical conditions

                      • Risk factors: History of serious side effects from other pain relievers | Stomach problems | Liver disease | Kidney disease | Heart disease or high blood pressure | Breathing problems | Thyroid disease | Diabetes | Glaucoma | Urinary conditions

                        Don't take Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider tells you it's safe to do so. Taking Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your provider knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief.

                        risk-warning

                        Accidental overdose

                        Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief contains an antihistamine (chlorpheniramine), a NSAID (ibuprofen), and a decongestant (phenylephrine), which are in many other over-the-counter products. Using more than one medication containing an antihistamine, NSAID, or decongestant, including products used on the skin, can lead to an accidental overdose and cause serious side effects, including kidney failure, seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), daytime sleepiness, stomach bleed, heart attack, or stroke, or even death. Tell your provider or pharmacist about the medications you take before starting Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief to make sure it's safe for you. To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. If you're not sure if a product has an antihistamine, NSAID, or decongestant, ask your pharmacist. If you or your loved one experiences an accidental overdose, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

                        risk-warning

                        Potential harm to unborn baby

                        • Risk factors: Currently pregnant

                          If you're pregnant, talk to your provider first about the risk and benefits of Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief before using this medication. Phenylephrine might be linked to birth defects if taken during the first trimester of pregnancy. Ibuprofen (Advil) can cause problems to your unborn baby or complications during delivery if taken during the second half of pregnancy.

                          dosage

                          Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief dosage forms

                          The average cost for 10 tablets of 200mg/10mg/4mg of Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief is $10.90 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 0.18% off the average retail price of $10.91.
                          tablet
                          Tablet
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          200mg/10mg/4mg10 tablets$10.90$1.09

                          Typical dosing for Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief

                          Each tablet contains 200 mg of ibuprofen, 10 mg of phenylephrine, and 4 mg of chlorpheniramine.

                          • Adults and children age 12 years and up: The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth every 4 hours while you're having symptoms. Don't use more than 6 tablets in 24 hours unless your provider specifically told you to do so.

                          • Children under 12 years of age: Ask your child's provider.

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                          How much does Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief cost?

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                          Advil Allergy and Congestion (brand)
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                          $10.90

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                          alternatives

                          What are alternatives to Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief?

                          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                          Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief
                          Used for:

                          • Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies and the common cold: runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, headache, minor aches and pains, fever

                          • Lowers swelling in the sinuses around the nose

                          • Restores breathing through the nose

                          $10.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Advil Allergy Sinus
                          Used for:

                          • Runny nose

                          • Stuffy nose

                          • Itchy nose or throat

                          • Sneezing

                          • Itchy or watery eyes

                          • Sinus pressure

                          • Headache

                          • Minor aches and pains

                          • Fever

                          $30.98 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                          Norel AD
                          Used for:

                          • Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

                          • Runny nose

                          • Sneezing

                          • Sore throat

                          • Itchy or watery eyes

                          • Itching of the nose or throat

                          • Sinus congestion and pressure

                          • Minor aches, pains, or headache

                          • Fever

                          $19.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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