Over The Counter Advil Cold And Sinus

How Does Advil Cold & Sinus Work To Treat A Sinus Infection

Advil Cold & Sinus is one of the most popular over-the-counter treatments for colds and sinus infections. The active ingredients, chlorpheniramine, ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine are found not only in Advil Cold & Sinus but also in its generic counterparts.

Advil Cold & Sinus works to reduce the inflammation of the sinus passages and the build-up of excess mucus. The medication decreases sinus congestion and difficulty breathing by reducing swelling of the nasal tissues that restrict your airways. Advil also acts as a general pain reliever to ease the discomfort of sinus pressure. You can find Advil Cold & Sinus at your local pharmacy.

When suffering from the pain of a sinus infection we often jump at the quickest and easiest over-the-counter medication. Before reaching for the box of Advil at the drugstore at the onset of sinus congestion, take care to read the facts below concerning side effects. Even if you are not at risk for the serious side effects, it is important to remain aware of the milder, more common things you might experience before using this medication.

Advil Cold And Sinus Reviews:

This is the only medicine I use for a cold or sinus pressure.” Mike Brenton

Advil Cold and Sinus literally saves me from huge hospital bills every year. I always take this whenever I feel like I am going to have some inflammation in my sinus. Jake

“This is literally my miracle medicine. I choose the liquid gel capsules more often solely due to the fact the effects of it seem to take place quicker than the caplets, but really they’re both great! I get the worst sinus headaches that can last many days. Regular ibuprofen will not give me any relief what so ever. I was recommended Advil Cold and Sinus by a friend of mine who was a doctor. Just one pill of this takes all the pain away!!So worth it guys!!” Samantha

See what others are saying about Advil.

Advil Cold And Sinus Overview

Advil Cold and Sinus is an over the counter medication used to treat the symptoms of colds, sinus congestion, and the flu. It is a single product containing 2 medications: ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine. Advil Cold and Sinus belongs to a group of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and nasal decongestants. It works by providing pain/headache relief while reducing the congestion of the sinuses and nasal passages.

This medication comes in a caplet and capsule form and is taken every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 6 caplets/capsules per day. Advil Cold and Sinus may be taken with food or milk.

Common side effects of Advil Cold and Sinus include stomach upset, fast heart rate and shakiness.

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Why Did Some Cold Medications Move

The USA Patriot Act signed into law in 2006 typically conjures up images of post-9/11 policies intended to keep terrorism at bay. While thats partially true, it also contained a provision that required all cold and allergy medications containing the ingredients pseudoephedrine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine be moved to behind the counter. According to Dr. Edmond Sarraf, Genexa medical expert and attending physician at Cedar Sinai Medical Center, this was because of the influx of methamphetamine, aka crystal meth, production.

People were buying large quantities and breaking it down to be used in the production of illegal drugs, including speed/methamphetamines,Dr. Ehsan Ali, a concierge doctor practicing in Beverly Hills, tells SheKnows. Sudafed or any medicine that has pseudoephedrine in it, are some of the ones found behind the counter because theyre a decongestant that also acts as a stimulant meant to treat a runny nose and/or common cold.

Eventually, law enforcement officials became increasingly aware more children and young adults were buying these OTC meds in large quantities to make meth, which was heavily contributing to the opioid epidemic we are still combating today in the United States, Sarraf says.

More: What to Do If You Encounter an Opioid Overdose

Codeine is an opioid, and we have all heard about the current epidemic relating to that, Besser adds.

Heart Attack And Stroke

• Risk factors: History of heart problems | Taking high doses of ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine | Taking ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine for a long time | History of or planned heart surgery

Since ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine contains ibuprofen , 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/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.

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What Other Drugs Could Interact With This Medication

There may be an interaction between ibuprofen – pseudoephedrine and any of the following:

• acetazolamide
• alpha-blockers
• aminoglycoside antibiotics
• amphetamines
• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
• angiotensin receptor blockers
• anticoagulants
• antipsychotics
• atomoxetine
• “azole” antifungals
• beta-adrenergic blockers
• bimatoprost
• calcium channel blockers
• cannabis
• corticosteroids
• cyclosporine
• deferasirox
• diabetes medications
• digoxin
• diuretics
• dorzolamide
• ergot alkaloids
• fast-acting bronchodilators
• fentanyl
• glucosamine
• herbs that may increase the risk of bleeding
• imatinib
• long-acting bronchodilators
• lumacaftor and ivacaftor
• MAO inhibitors
• methotrexate
• other NSAIDs
• pemetrexed
• quinolone antibiotics
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
• sodium phosphates
• theophyllines
• thyroid replacements
• ticagrelor
• topiramate
• tricyclic antidepressants

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before Taking This Medicine

Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don’t have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery .

Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using Advil Cold & Sinus, especially in older adults.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to ibuprofen or pseudoephedrine, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Do not use Advil Cold & Sinus if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

Do not give ibuprofen to a child younger than 12 years old.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• enlarged prostate, urination problems.

If you are pregnant, you should not take Advil Cold & Sinus unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

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What Happens If I Miss A Dose

As ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine are used when they are needed, you may not be on a schedule of doses. If you are on a schedule of doses, use the doses that stopped using it as soon as you remember. Skip the dose that ceased to use if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not use more medicine to achieve the dose that stopped using.

Who Should Not Take This Medication

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic or sensitive to ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine, or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to other NSAIDs or ASA
• are about to have or have just had heart surgery
• are dehydrated due to vomiting, diarrhea, or not drinking enough fluids
• are taking another NSAID
• are pregnant or breast-feeding
• have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor within the last 14 days
• have thyroid disease

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Sarah Wants Effective Relief For Her Sore Throat And Other Common Cold Symptoms

Sarah* has two young children who require constant supervision. She has had a fever for a day and woke up this morning to symptoms of a sore throat, sinus pain and body ache. Since she works from a home office and is on virtual calls or on her phone frequently, she needs to be extra alert of balancing the needs of her family even though she is suffering from the symptoms of a cold or flu. Sarah is hoping for effective relief, especially from her sore throat, so she can stay on top of everything.

Her symptoms: Sore throat, sinus pain, body ache and fever.

Advil Cold, Sinus and Flu Extra Strength is indicated to treat pain and fever related to a cold and flu. Studies have demonstrated a proven effect of Advil on:1,2

• sore throat pain

What Are The Side Effects Of Ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine

With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.

Contact your doctor 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

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your doctor know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

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Hepatic And Renal Safety Profile

Clinical studies suggest that ibuprofen was associated with less acute liver injury compared to other NSAIDs:

Archives of Internal Medicine, 1994

• The lowest incidence of liver injury among 8 NSAIDs occurred in ibuprofen users and was 1.6/100000 . The other incidence in increasing order is as follows: oral diclofenac , naproxen , mefenamic acid , ketoprofen , piroxicam , fenbufen , sulindac 12

Postgraduate Medicine, 2018

• Compared to ibuprofen, risks of hepatoxicity are somewhat higher and better documented with acetaminophen, and reported to be higher amongst specific NSAIDs, such as oral diclofenac and sulindac13

Epidemiologic studies do not suggest that low dose ibuprofen is associated with an increased risk of renal adverse events

American Journal of Epidemiology, 2000

• Use of ibuprofen at 1200mg/day led to an odds ratio of 0.94 for renal AEs 9

Pharmacotherapy, 1999

• No major adverse events related to renal injury were identified during the study10

Pharmacotherapy, 1992

• After non-prescription doses of ibuprofen, renal injury were not amongst the reported adverse effects11

AE = adverse event CI = confidence interval GI = gastrointestinal NSAID = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug OTC = over the counter.

Can Advil Cold & Sinus Cause Any Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Studies show that gastrointestinal issues are reported by roughly 25% of patients. Typically, these side effects are generally mild. Most gastrointestinal side effects do not extend past slight nausea and abdominal pain. More serious, yet uncommon gastrointestinal symptoms occur in an even smaller percentage of users. They include ulcers, hemorrhages and inflammation of the pancreas and colon.

Evaluate your personal and family medical history to determine whether you are at risk for any gastrointestinal issues, particularly the more unusual and severe side effects. Review this history together with your doctor to find out whether it is safe for you to take Advil Cold & Sinus.

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Can Advil Cold & Sinus Cause Any Cardiovascular Side Effects

Cardiovascular side effects in Advil Sinus users are rare, occurring in roughly 1-3% of patients. Symptoms include swelling of fingers and toes, high blood pressure and peripheral edema. Research shows that a chief ingredient of Advil Cold & Sinus, pseudoephedrine, may increase the severity of previous hypertension issues. Pseduophedrine may also be responsible for additional cardiovascular side effects such as coronary artery spasm and chest pain.

Find out whether you are predisposed to heart arrhythmias, as Advil Cold & Sinus is known to increase the likelihood of future incidents of arrhythmia in a small percentage of patients.

Stop Use And Ask A Doctor If

• you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding:
• feel faint

• have bloody or black stools

• have stomach pain that does not get better

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Advil Cold & Sinus Caplets

For over 20 years, people have trusted Advil Cold & Sinus for powerful, non-drowsy relief of their tough cold and sinus symptoms.

Many people attribute sinus pressure to an increase in mucus which blocks their airways. While it is true that increased mucus is a symptom of the common cold, it is not always what makes you feel so stuffed up. Sinus congestion can also be associated with the swelling of the tissues in the nose known as inflammation. The result is a shrinking of your airways.

Advil Cold & Sinus combines the relief of a strong decongestant to open your airways with the power of Advil to relieve the pain commonly associated with sinus pressure.

Temporarily relieves these symptoms associated with the common cold or flu:

• headache
• minor body aches & pains

12 years of age and older:

• 1 caplet/liquid-gel every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist. If symptoms do not respond to 1 caplet/liquid-gel, 2 may be used.
• Do not use more than 6 caplets/liquid-gels in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor.

Under 12 years of age:

• Do not take

*Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Inactive Ingredients:

• acetylated monoglycerides, carnauba wax, colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, methylparaben, microcrystalline cellulose, pharmaceutical glaze, pharmaceutical ink, povidone, pregelatinized starch, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid, sucrose, synthetic iron oxides, titanium dioxide

Advil Cold & Sinus Interactions:

Hypertensive crisis with MAOIs. -blockers may increase the pressor effects of sympathomimetics. Caution with diuretics. Avoid aspirin, pseudoephedrine-containing products, other pain relievers or nasal decongestants. Increased risk of GI bleed with anticoagulants, corticosteroids, other OTC or Rx NSAIDs, 3 alcoholic drinks/day, or prolonged use.

Also Check: Advil Cold And Sinus Directions For Use

What Are The Dosages Of Ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine

Dosages of Ibuprofen/Pseudoephedrine:

Dosage Considerations Should be Given as Follows:

Cold Symptoms

• Adults and children over 12 years: 1 caplet/capsule orally every 4-6 hours as needed may increase to 2 caplets/capsules every 4-6 hours if necessary while symptoms persist
• Not to exceed 6 doses/24 hours
• Children under 12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Administration
• Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs

Ask A Healthcare Provider Before Use If

• You consume more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day. It may increase the risk of stomach bleeding
• You have heart disease
• You have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland
• You have had serious side effects from any pain reliever or fever reducer
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may cause problems in an unborn child if taken during the third trimester of pregnancy

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What Are Warnings And Precautions For Ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine

Warnings

• This medication contains ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine. Do not take Advil Cold and Sinus if you are allergic to ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• History of inducing asthma or urticaria with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or for 2 weeks after discontinuing MAO inhibitors because of risk for hypertensive crisis

Effects of Drug Abuse

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Ibuprofen/Pseudoephedrine?

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Ibuprofen/Pseudoephedrine?

Cautions

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine with caution during pregnancy in the first 2 trimesters if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies are not available or neither animal nor human studies were done. Use ibuprofen/pseudoephedrine during the last 3 months of pregnancy in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug is available. There is positive evidence of human fetal risk. Do not take NSAIDs within 3 months before delivery because of the risk for premature closure of the ductus arteriosus.

Is The Move Working

This is a tricky one. While the opioid epidemic isnt exactly getting better, Ali says moving some cold medications behind the counter is working because now its considerably harder to buy drugs with these potentially dangerous ingredients not to mention that each customer is only allotted a limited quantity.

If nothing else, this move has made consumers more aware of the ingredients in their medications and reinforced the notion that its important to look at drug labels, Sarraf says. Given the opioid crisis is at an all-time high, he notes the FDA is becoming more cooperative with ingredient transparency which he thinks is a step in the right direction.

Not only should these medications stay behind the counter, the ingredients used to make them should be used to a minimum, which has already happened in most European countries, Sarraf says. Just like there is a movement for organic fruits and vegetables, there should be a movement for organic ingredients to make healthier medicines.

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