Advil Congestion
Ibuprofen/phenylephrine is a combination of two medications used to treat pain and congestion, which are symptoms of the common cold or flu. It's available over the counter (OTC) and as a lower-cost generic medication. Using it longer than recommended can put you at risk for side effects such as stomach bleeds.
What is Ibuprofen/phenylephrine?
What is Ibuprofen/phenylephrine used for?
- Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold or flu: headache, fever, sinus pressure, nasal congestion, minor body aches and pains
- Lowers swelling in nasal passages
- Improves freer breathing through the nose
How Ibuprofen/phenylephrine works
Ibuprofen/phenylephrine is a combination of two medications that work together to relieve symptoms caused by the flu and common cold. Ibuprofen (an NSAID) blocks proteins in your body to help treat pain, swelling, and fever. Phenylephrine (a decongestant) clears your sinuses to relieve sinus pressure.
Drug facts
Side effects of Ibuprofen/phenylephrine
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
- Difficulty sleeping
- Restlessness
- Stomach upset
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Skin rashes
Less Common Side Effects
- Kidney problems
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Irregular heartbeat
Ibuprofen/phenylephrine 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
Pros and cons of Ibuprofen/phenylephrine
Pros
- Can treat a wide variety of common cold or flu symptoms
- More convenient to take two medications in one pill
- Available over the counter
- Available as lower-cost generics
Cons
- Needs to be taken every 4 hours
- More difficult to customize the dose since ibuprofen/phenylephrine is a combination of two 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 Ibuprofen/phenylephrine
- You can take ibuprofen/phenylephrine with or without food. However, it's best to take with food or milk to prevent getting an upset stomach.
- Stop using ibuprofen/phenylephrine and contact your provider if you have pain that gets worse or lasts more than 7 days, 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.
- If you get nervous, dizzy, or can't sleep, or if any new symptoms appear or your symptoms get worse, stop taking ibuprofen/phenylephrine. Contact your provider right away because these might be signs of a more serious medical condition.
- Don't take ibuprofen/phenylephrine with other NSAIDs, such as naproxen (Aleve). Doing so puts you at higher risk for stomach bleeds, stroke, and heart attack. NSAIDs are commonly found in over-the-counter pain and cold medications. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you're not sure whether you're already taking an NSAID.
- Tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications you're taking to make sure ibuprofen/phenylephrine is safe for you. Don't take ibuprofen/phenylephrine 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 ibuprofen/phenylephrine, make sure to take ibuprofen/phenylephrine 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 ibuprofen/phenylephrine because you might be allergic to this medication as well.
Common questions about Ibuprofen/phenylephrine
Ibuprofen/phenylephrine is generally safe to take, but it's not the best choice for everyone. If you're 60 years of age or older, have a history of serious side effects from other allergy or common cold medication, heartburn or other stomach problems, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure, asthma, thyroid disease, diabetes, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, or are taking other medications, including a water pill (diuretic), ask your provider if ibuprofen/phenylephrine is safe for you to use.
Yes, you can use ibuprofen/phenylephrine as needed. But it's recommended you take the medication every 4 hours while you're having symptoms. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time possible.
If you're pregnant, talk to your provider first before using ibuprofen/phenylephrine to see if it's safe for you. Ibuprofen/phenylephrine 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.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking ibuprofen/phenylephrine because this raises your risk of side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and bleeding in your stomach.
Children less than 12 years old can't use ibuprofen/phenylephrine because the dosage is too high for them, which raises the risk for overdose and side effects. If your child has common cold or flu symptoms, ask your child's provider or pharmacist for other options.
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Risks and warnings for Ibuprofen/phenylephrine
Ibuprofen/phenylephrine 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 ibuprofen/phenylephrine for a long time
Since ibuprofen/phenylephrine 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 ibuprofen/phenylephrine 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 ibuprofen/phenylephrine, seek medical attention right away.
Heart attack and stroke
- Risk factors: History of heart problems | Taking high doses of ibuprofen/phenylephrine | Taking ibuprofen/phenylephrine for a long time | History of or planned heart surgery
Since ibuprofen/phenylephrine 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 ibuprofen/phenylephrine 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 disease | Kidney disease | Heart disease or high blood pressure | Breathing problems | Thyroid disease | Diabetes | Glaucoma | Urinary conditions
Don't take ibuprofen/phenylephrine if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider said it is safe to do so. Taking ibuprofen/phenylephrine 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 ibuprofen/phenylephrine.
Severe allergic reactions
- Risk factors: Aspirin allergy | NSAID allergy
Severe allergic reactions to ibuprofen/phenylephrine 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 ibuprofen/phenylephrine. If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using ibuprofen/phenylephrine, 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 ibuprofen/phenylephrine 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.
Ibuprofen/phenylephrine dosage
Typical dosage for Ibuprofen/phenylephrine
- Adults and children age 12 years and up: The typical dose is 1 tablet of 200 mg/10 mg (ibuprofen/phenylephrine) by mouth every 4 hours while you're having symptoms. Don't use more than 6 tablets in a 24-hour period unless your provider specifically told you to do so.
- Children age less than 12 years: Ask your child's provider.
What are alternatives to Ibuprofen/phenylephrine?
