Pseudoephedrine and Ibuprofen



AdvilŽ Cold, Children's [OTC]; AdvilŽ Cold & Sinus [OTC]; DristanŽ Sinus [OTC]; MotrinŽ Cold and Sinus [OTC]; MotrinŽ Cold, Children's [OTC]







Pseudoephedrine and Ibuprofen

(soo doe e FED rin & eye byoo PROE fen)

U.S. Brand Names
AdvilŽ Cold, Children's [OTC]; AdvilŽ Cold & Sinus [OTC]; DristanŽ Sinus [OTC]; MotrinŽ Cold and Sinus [OTC]; MotrinŽ Cold, Children's [OTC]
Canadian Brand Names
AdvilŽ Cold & Sinus; Children's AdvilŽ Cold; SudafedŽ Sinus Advance
Pharmacologic Category
Decongestant/Analgesic
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to pseudoephedrine, ibuprofen, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.
  • If you are more than 24 weeks pregnant.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to relieve pain.
  • This medicine is used to treat nasal congestion.
How does it work?
  • Pseudoephedrine shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages.
  • Ibuprofen blocks production and release of chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.
How is it best taken?
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than every 4 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have an allergy to any type of nuts or seeds, talk with healthcare provider. Some products contain nuts.
  • If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
  • Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Nervous and excitable.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Inability to sleep.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Very nervous and excitable.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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