What is this medication for?
This product is a combination of two medications: ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that relieves the symptoms of nasal and sinus congestion by draining the nasal passages and sinuses. Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, flu, or sinus infection including nasal congestion, fever, headache, body aches, and pain.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Advil Cold and Sinus® is available as:
- tablets, caplets and Liqui-Gels®
- 200 mg ibuprofen and 30 mg pseudoephedrine
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Adults and children over 12 years of age: The usual recommended dose is 1 to 2 tablets (or caplets or Liqui-Gels) taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 6 tablets (or caplets or Liqui-Gels) in any 24-hour period unless directed by your doctor.
Children from 6 to 11 years of age: Give 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) every 6 hours as needed. Do not give more than 8 teaspoonfuls in any 24-hour period unless directed by your doctor.
Children from 2 to 5 years of age: Give 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) every 6 hours as needed. Do not give more than 4 teaspoonfuls in any 24-hour period unless directed by your doctor.
Children under 2 years of age: Do not give this medication to your child unless directed by your doctor.
This medication can be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
Shake the oral suspension well before giving it to your child. Always use a medicine cup or spoon with marked lines to ensure that the right dose is given.
This medication should be used at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest possible period of time needed to relieve symptoms. If symptoms do not improve within 7 days, stop this medication and contact your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
This medication should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine, or any other ingredient of this medication
- has asthma, hives, or allergic reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, rofecoxib, meloxicam)
- is currently taking or has just stopped taking a medication that is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
