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Sudafed vs. Advil Cold and Sinus

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

Key takeaways

Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and Advil Cold and Sinus (ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine) are both used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion, but they have some key differences. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a decongestant that works by tightening blood vessels in your nose and sinuses, and it comes in various forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets. It is available over-the-counter but must be purchased at the pharmacy counter due to restrictions. Advil Cold and Sinus combines ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), with pseudoephedrine. This combination not only relieves congestion but also helps with pain, fever, and body aches. It also must be purchased at the pharmacy counter because of the pseudoephedrine component. However, Advil Cold and Sinus also carries a higher risk of side effects like stomach ulcers and heart problems due to the ibuprofen component. Both medications can cause difficulty sleeping and are not recommended during pregnancy. They are also both available as lower-cost generic medications.

Sudafed

(pseudoephedrine)

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Advil Cold and Sinus

(ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine)

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Summary for Sudafed

Over-the-counter

Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is a non-drowsy decongestant taken by mouth to treat nasal and sinus congestion from allergies and the common cold. It's available in a short-acting version that's taken once every 4 to 6 hours. It also comes in longer-acting versions that are taken every 12 or 24 hours, depending on the dose. Side effects of Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) include anxiety and headache. This medication might also keep you awake at night if you take it too close to bedtime. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) is an OTC medication, but it's restricted, so you can only purchase it at the pharmacy counter.

Indications for Sudafed

  • Short-term relief of nasal and sinus congestion and pressure

Pros and Cons for Sudafed

Pros

  • Works well to treat congestion
  • Available in longer-acting versions that last 12 hours or 24 hours
  • Children's oral liquids can be taken by kids as young as 4 years old
  • Available as lower-cost generics

Cons

  • Several products have different age cut-offs for use in children, so can be confusing
  • Might make it hard for some people to sleep
  • Can raise blood pressure and heart rate
  • Not recommended during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Sudafed

  • Sweating
  • Nervousness
  • Excitability
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Low appetite
  • Difficulty urinating

Warnings for Sudafed

  • Fast heart rate and high blood pressure
  • Worsening of medical conditions
  • Accidental overdose

Summary for Advil Cold and Sinus

Over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Advil Cold and Sinus

Short-term relief of symptoms from the common cold or flu:

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Sinus pressure
  • Stuffy nose
  • Minor body aches and pains

Pros and Cons for Advil Cold and Sinus

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

Common Side Effects for Advil Cold and Sinus

  • Nervousness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Stomach upset
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Skin rashes

Warnings for Advil Cold and Sinus

  • Stomach bleeding
  • Heart attack and stroke
  • Worsening of medical conditions
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Potential harm to unborn baby

Prices with our coupons for Sudafed vs. Advil Cold and Sinus

Price Card Drug Icon
Pseudoephedrine24 tablets / 30mg
$10.68-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Ibuprofen/Pseudoephedrine30 tablets / 200mg/30mg
$5.84$5.84
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