Advil Allergy and Congestion
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.
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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief, Advil Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antihistamine / NSAID / Decongestant |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
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
Less Common Side Effects
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in legs
- Skin rash
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sweating
- Changes in blood pressure
Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief 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
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Pros and cons of Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief
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
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 for Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief
- 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 taking aspirin for your heart and your provider said it was safe to also take Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief, make sure to take Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief at least 8 hours before taking aspirin or 30 minutes after taking aspirin. Taking both medications at the same time will lower the amount of aspirin your body will absorb.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200mg/10mg/4mg | 10 tablets | $13.06 | $1.31 |
Typical dosage 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.
How much does Advil Allergy and Congestion Relief cost?
$13.06
