Ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine

Generic name: ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine [ EYE-bue-pro-fen-and-SOO-doe-ee-FED-rin ]
Brand names: Advil Cold & Sinus, Advil Cold and Sinus Liqui-Gel, Advil Cold and Sinus, Dimetapp Sinus, Dristan Sinus, ... show all 13 brands Motrin IB Sinus, Sine-Aid IB, Dayquil Pressure and Pain Caplet, Motrin Cold and Flu, Motrin Childrens Cold, Motrin Sinus Headache, Dimetapp Childrens Cold and Fever, Children's Ibuprofen Cold Relief
Dosage forms: oral capsule (200 mg-30 mg), oral tablet (200 mg-30 mg)
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 4, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine?

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant.

Ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine is a combination medicine used to treat stuffy nose, sinus congestion, cough, and pain or fever caused by the common cold or flu.

Ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, hives, wheezing or trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine may cause serious side effects. Stop using ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• confusion, severe drowsiness, ringing in your ears, severe dizziness, feeling like you might pass out;

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);

• a skin rash, no matter how mild;

• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or

• nerve problems--fever, headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, seizure (convulsions).

Common side effects of ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine may include:

• diarrhea, constipation;

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;

• upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

• feeling anxious or excited;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

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 ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine, 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 ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine 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:

• heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;

• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• asthma;

• liver or kidney disease;

• a thyroid disorder;

• diabetes; or

• enlarged prostate, urination problems.

If you are pregnant, you should not take ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine 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.

How should I take ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. An overdose of ibuprofen can damage your stomach or intestines.

Take this medicine with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

Call your doctor if you have a fever lasting longer than 3 days, if you have new symptoms, or if your condition does not improve after taking this medication for 7 days.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Sinus Symptoms:

200 mg ibuprofen / 30 mg pseudoephedrine caplets or liquid filled capsules: 1 cap orally every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist
-May use 2 caps if symptoms do not respond to 1 cap.
Maximum dose: 6 caps per 24-hour period

Comments:
-Do not take more than directed.
-Use the smallest effective dose.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Sinus Symptoms:

200 mg ibuprofen / 30 mg pseudoephedrine caplets or liquid filled capsules:
12 years and older: 1 cap orally every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist
-May use 2 caps if symptoms do not respond to 1 cap.
Maximum dose: 6 caps per 24-hour period

Comments:
-Do not take more than directed.
-Use the smallest effective dose.

Related/similar drugs

mometasone nasal, Nasonex 24HR Allergy, Advil Cold and Sinus, ibuprofen / pseudoephedrine, Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, ringing in your ears, severe drowsiness, agitation, sweating, coughing up blood, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

What other drugs will affect ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine?

Ask your doctor before using ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine with any other medications, especially:

• lithium;

• methotrexate;

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);

• heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill"; or

• steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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