ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine
Advil Cold and Sinus contains ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and pseudoephedrine, a decongestant. It's for adults and children ages 12 years and older to treat common cold or flu symptoms, like headaches, body aches, and nasal congestion. Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) is taken by mouth every 4-6 hours. This medication is available without a prescription in most states, but you'll have to purchase it from behind the pharmacy counter because it contains pseudoephedrine. It's non-drowsy, but can cause side effects like difficulty sleeping and nausea.
What is Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)?
What is Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) used for?
Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold or flu:
Headache
Fever
Sinus pressure
Stuffy nose
Minor body aches and pains
How Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) works
Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) is a combination of two medications that work together to relieve symptoms caused by the common cold or flu.
Ibuprofen (an NSAID) blocks proteins in your body to help treat pain, swelling, and fever.
Pseudoephedrine (a decongestant) relieves sinus pressure by tightening the blood vessels around the nose.
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What are the side effects of Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)?
Common Side Effects
- Nervousness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Stomach upset
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Skin rashes
Other Side Effects
- Weakness
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects
- Heart attack: chest pain or tightness, pain that radiates up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
- Stroke: weakness in one part of your body or face, slurred speech, sudden headache, confusion
- 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
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
- Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Increase in blood pressure
- Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Anxiety, nervousness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Upset stomach
Pros and cons of Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)
Pros
Treats pain and congestion with one pill
No prescription needed (in most states)
Available as lower-cost generics
Cons
Needs to be taken every 4 to 6 hours
Raises risk of stomach ulcers
Not for children younger than 12 years old
Pharmacist tips for Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)
You can take Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) with or without food. However, it's best to take it with food or milk to prevent getting an upset stomach.
Some people have a hard time sleeping after taking Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) because pseudoephedrine can cause insomnia. If you have a hard time falling asleep after taking this medication, take it earlier in the day and not too close to bedtime.
Stop using Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) 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's redness or swelling in a painful area. These might be signs of a serious condition that needs more medical attention.
Don't start any new medications while taking Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine), especially other NSAIDs or decongestants, without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of severe side effects, including stomach bleeding, heart attack, stroke, or even death.
Don't take Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) if you're taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitors (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've taken an MAOI in the past 2 weeks, ask your provider about 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 Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine), take Advil Cold and Sinus at least 8 hours before, 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 Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) because you might be allergic to this medication as well.
Frequently asked questions about Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)
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What are the risks and warnings for Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)?
Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) 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: Older adult | 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 Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) for a long time
Since Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) 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 Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) so they can see what your risk for stomach bleeding is. If you're feeling faint, have bloody or dark stools, or have severe stomach pain or discomfort that doesn't go away while taking Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine), get medical help right away.
Heart attack and stroke
Risk factors: History of heart problems | Taking high doses of Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) | Taking Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) for a long time | History of or planned heart surgery
Since Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) 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 Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) 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.
Worsening of medical conditions
Risk factors: History of serious side effects from other pain relievers | Stomach problems | Liver problems | Kidney problems | Heart problems or high blood pressure | Breathing problems | Thyroid disease | Diabetes | Glaucoma | Urinary conditions
Don't take Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider said it is safe to do so. Taking Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) 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 Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine).
Severe allergic reactions
Risk factors: Aspirin allergy | NSAID allergy
Severe allergic reactions to Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) 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 Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine). If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine), seek medical attention right away.
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 Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) before using this medication. Pseudoephedrine 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 Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)
Each caplet contains 200 mg of ibuprofen and 30 mg pseudoephedrine.
Adults and children age 12 years and older: The typical dose is 1 caplet by mouth every 4 to 6 hours while you're having symptoms. If your symptoms don't get better with 1 caplet, you can take 2 caplets. Don't use more than 6 caplets in 24 hours unless your provider specifically told you to do so.
Children younger than 12 years old: Don't use.
More on Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) dosage forms
How much does Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) cost?
Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) contraindications
Allergic to NSAIDS
Taking right before or after heart surgery
Taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within 2 weeks of Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)
What are alternatives to Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)?
Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold or flu:
Headache
Fever
Sinus pressure
Stuffy nose
Minor body aches and pains
Sinus congestion and pressure
Headache
Body aches and pains
Fever
Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Itchy nose or throat
Sneezing
Itchy or watery eyes
Sinus pressure
Headache
Minor aches and pains
Fever
What is the latest news about Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)?
Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine) images
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References
Best studies we foundCardinal Health. (2023). Ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine HCL capsule, liquid filled [package insert]. DailyMed.
Procter & Gamble. (n.d.). All products.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Information about taking ibuprofen and aspirin together.
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