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Compare Phenylephrine vs. Advil Congestion

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Phenylephrine eye drops and Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain (ibuprofen/phenylephrine) are used for different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Phenylephrine eye drops, available only by prescription, are used to dilate pupils for eye exams or procedures. They can cause side effects like temporary burning, blurry vision, and increased sensitivity to light. In contrast, Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain, available over-the-counter, combines ibuprofen and phenylephrine to relieve symptoms of the common cold or flu, such as headache, fever, and nasal congestion. This combination medication can cause side effects like dizziness, stomach upset, and difficulty sleeping. Phenylephrine eye drops can affect blood pressure, especially in higher doses, whereas Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain carries risks of stomach bleeding and heart issues.

  • Phenylephrine eye drops
    Ibuprofen/phenylephrine
  • Phenylephrine eye drops
    Ibuprofen/phenylephrine

  • Summary of Phenylephrine vs. Advil Congestion

    Summary for Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Phenylephrine eye drops are used to dilate (widen) pupils for eye exams or certain eye procedures. Side effects include temporary burning or stinging in the eye, blurry vision, and possibly raise your blood pressure. Let your provider know if your pregnant or breastfeeding because you might need to use a different medication.

    Summary for NSAID / Decongestant

    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.

  • Indications of Phenylephrine vs. Advil Congestion

    Indications for
    •Dilate (widen) pupils
    Indications 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

  • Pros and Cons of Phenylephrine vs. Advil Congestion

    Pros and Const for Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Can be used in adults and children
    •Starts working quickly (within 15 minutes)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Can cause eye pain and stinging
    •Dilating effects can last for up to 7 hours (or longer)
    •The 10% strength can raise blood pressure in people with certain heart or thyroid problems
    Pros and Const for NSAID / Decongestant
    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)

  • Common Side Effects of Phenylephrine vs. Advil Congestion

    Common Side Effects for
    •Temporary stinging or burning in your eye
    •Temporary blurry vision
    •Sensitivity to light
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Difficulty sleeping
    •Restlessness
    •Stomach upset
    •Heartburn
    •Nausea
    •Skin rashes

  • Warnings of Phenylephrine vs. Advil Congestion

    Common Side Effects for
    •For use in the eyes only
    •Heart problems
    •High blood pressure
    •Rebound pupil constriction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Potential harm to unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Phenylephrine vs. Advil Congestion

    Learn more about Phenylephrine eye drops
    Learn more about Ibuprofen/phenylephrine

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