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Advil Cold, Flu or Sinus FAQs

Find answers to your frequently asked questions about Advil Cold, Flu or Sinus products. Find relief from your respiratory symptoms with Advil Respiratory products.

 

Health Conditions

  • What is the definition of a fever?

    A fever is defined as the body's response to a disease characterized by a rise in body temperature. A rectal temperature above 100.4°F or an oral temperature above 99.4°F is usually considered the threshold for a fever.

  • I have diabetes. Can I take Advil Cold & Sinus?

    Advil Cold & Sinus contains the decongestant pseudoephedrine. Phenylephrine, and similar drugs such as pseudoephedrine, should be used cautiously by people with diabetes because it may increase blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a serious illness, and no OTC medications should be taken without doctor consultation.

  • I have diabetes. Can I take Advil Allergy Sinus?

    Advil Allergy Sinus contains the decongestant pseudoephedrine. Phenylephrine, and similar drugs such as pseudoephedrine, should be used cautiously by people with diabetes because it may increase blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a serious illness, and no OTC medications should be taken without doctor consultation.

  • Can I take Advil Allergy Sinus if I have an ulcer condition?

    We do not recommend taking Advil Allergy Sinus if you have an ulcer because of the increased risk of severe stomach bleeding. Please consult your doctor for appropriate advice before taking if you have an ulcer.

  • Can I take Advil Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu if I have diabetes?

    Diabetes is a serious illness, and no OTC medications should be taken without doctor consultation. Always consult with your physician before taking an Advil cold, sinus or allergy product. Products that contain phenylephrine should be used cautiously by people with diabetes because it may increase blood sugar levels.

  • What is the significance of the label warning regarding MAOIs?

    Sympathomimetic decongestants such as phenylephrine, which are contained in the Advil cold, sinus and allergy products, are contraindicated in (should not be taken by) patients who are taking prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) and in those who have taken MAOIs within the past 2 weeks, as serious health problems can develop. MAOIs include certain drugs for depression, psychiatric, or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease. If you do not know or if you are unsure whether your prescription drug medicine contains an MAOI, ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

  • What causes fever?

    Fever is associated with a wide variety of causes. Fever is most often due to bacterial or viral infections such as the common cold, the flu, an ear infection, or sore throat. However, fever can also signal more seri ous infection or disease therefore it is important that if fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days that you consult your healthcare provider.

  • Do other symptoms accompany a fever?

    It is possible that other symptoms can accompany a fever. Fevers can be associated with a rapid heartbeat, increased breathing rate, as well as flushing, sweating, or warm skin. Lack of appetite and a tired feeling can also accompany a fever. An important thing to think about is dehydration, which can become serious if not carefully monitored. This is why it is important that if a fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days after starting Advil, that you consult your healthcare provider.

  • Has ibuprofen ever been associated with Reye’s?

    Medical literature does not show an association between ibuprofen-containing products and Reye's syndrome. Reye’s syndrome appears to be associated with aspirin and aspirin-containing products used in certain illnesses. Although ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin can all lower fever, ibuprofen and acetaminophen belong to different chemical classes than aspirin and are handled by the body differently.

  • Can I take this product if I am pregnant or nursing a baby?

    If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use ibuprofen at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

  • Can I take Advil products if I have an ulcer condition?

    We do not recommend taking Advil if you have an ulcer because of the increased risk of severe stomach bleeding. Please consult your doctor for appropriate advice before taking Advil if you have an ulcer.

  • I am allergic to gluten. Is it all right for me to take this product?

    Gluten is not added to Advil products during the manufacturing process. However, we cannot guarantee that minute amounts of gluten or gluten derivatives are not contained in raw materials obtained from various suppliers for our manufacturing process since the end product is not tested for gluten. You should check with your doctor if you have any concerns about taking this product.

  • I have diabetes. Can I take Advil Cold & Sinus or Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain?

    Advil Cold & Sinus contains the decongestant pseudoephedrine and Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain contains the decongestant phenylephrine. Phenylephrine, and similar drugs such as pseudoephedrine, should be used cautiously by people with diabetes because it may increase blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a serious illness, and no OTC medications should be taken without doctor consultation. Always consult with your physician before taking an Advil cold, sinus or allergy product.

  • Can I take Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain or Advil Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu if I’m allergic to gluten?

    Gluten is not added to Advil products during the manufacturing process. However, we cannot guarantee that minute amounts of gluten or gluten derivatives are not contained in raw materials obtained from various suppliers for our manufacturing process since the end product is not tested for gluten.

Covid FAQs

  • Can Advil products be used to treat symptoms of COVID-19?

    • Currently there are no over the counter medicines specifically indicated or approved for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. Where appropriate, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do advise appropriate use of over-the-counter medicines to alleviate mild symptoms of COVID-19. These may include cough, fever, headache, runny nose, congestion and sore throat pain.

      While Advil products are indicated for relief of the aforementioned symptoms, Advil products are not specifically indicated for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. COVID-19 is caused by a specific coronavirus, belonging to a group of viruses which can also result in less serious cold and flu-like illnesses. Because of this, some of the milder symptoms may be common to both COVID-19 and cold or flu and may be similarly relieved by over-the-counter cold and flu remedies such as Advil.  The Advil family of products contain several active ingredients which are commonly used to treat symptoms of respiratory viral infections.

      Advil products should always be used only as directed. If you have questions or concerns about your symptoms or COVID-19, please discuss with your healthcare professional. You can also visit the CDC website for helpful information by visiting the link https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

  • What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

    People with COVID-19 report a wide range of symptoms, from mild symptoms to severe illness. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. These symptoms include, but are not limited to cough, fever, headache, runny nose, congestion and sore throat pain. Many of these symptoms may be reported by people with COVID-19. Not all people exposed to the virus will show or feel symptoms.

    The CDC advises self-care for COVID-19 sufferers with milder symptoms, this includes getting rest, staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to feel better. If you have further questions about your symptoms or COVID-19, please discuss with your healthcare professional. You can also visit the CDC website for more helpful information. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

  • How does COVID-19 and the Flu differ?

    • The flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by being infected with influenza viruses (A, B and C), while COVID-19 is caused by being infected with a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are very similar i.e. fever, fatigue, cough, body aches making it hard to tell the difference based on symptom presentation alone. Testing may be required to make a diagnosis.

      Although flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, they also have some key differences. More severe symptoms such as very high fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, vomiting and diarrhea are not classic symptoms of flu, but may be associated with COVID-19. COVID-19 can be particularly severe in people with pre-existing illness or risk factors. While more is learned every day, there is still a lot that is unknown about COVID-19 and the virus that causes it. The differences in symptoms listed above is not an exhaustive list of all possible symptoms that may occur. If you have further questions or concerns about your symptoms or COVID-19, please discuss with your healthcare professional. You can also visit the CDC website for more helpful information by clicking the link https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm#table

  • How can you protect yourself and others?

    • COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets, typically when an infected individual coughs, talks or sneezes. The best way to protect yourself and others is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Important to note that asymptomatic people can also spread the virus. The CDC recommends key precautions;

      • get the COVID-19 Vaccine and booster as applicable
      • frequent hand washing with soap and water
      • using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol when soap and water is not available
      • avoiding close contact with people who are sick
      • covering your mouth and nose with a mask around others if you think you’ve been exposed to COVID
      • covering coughs and sneezes
      • avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands

      The CDC also recommends getting a flu vaccine to reduce the risk of flu illness and subsequent complications. It can also help save healthcare resources for the care of COVID-19 patients.

      Closely monitoring your health. If you have further questions about how to prevent getting sick, please discuss with your healthcare professional. You can also visit the CDC website for more helpful information. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html#:~:text=-%20Some%20people%20without%20symptoms,)%20from%20other%20people.

  • How does COVID-19 and the common cold differ?

    • The common cold and COVID-19 are both respiratory viral infections. The common cold is the broad term used for a respiratory viral infection resulting in a self-limiting illness with generally mild symptoms. The predominant cause of the common cold is the rhinovirus, but some coronaviruses can also cause the common cold. COVID-19 is caused by being infected with a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Some symptoms occur in both the common cold and COVID-19 (such as cough, fever, runny nose or congestion), but there are key differences. More severe symptoms such as very high fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, vomiting and diarrhea are not classic symptoms of the common cold, but may be associated with COVID-19. COVID-19 can be particularly severe in people with pre-existing illness or risk factors. If you have further questions about your symptoms or COVID-19, please discuss with your healthcare professional. You can also visit the CDC website for more helpful information. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/rhinoviruses-common-cold.html

  • Are masks effective and should my child wear one?

    Children 2 years of age and older can wear a mask in public settings to prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people. The mask serves as a simple barrier to source control respiratory droplets when the person wearing it coughs, sneezes, talks or raises their voice. COVID-19 spreads mainly among people in close contact with one another so the use of masks is particularly important in settings where COVID 19 hospital admission levels are medium or high. The CDC recommends checking the COVID-19 hospital admission level where you live and choosing what prevention steps to take based on that data.

    For more information on mask effectiveness and who should wear one, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html.

  • How can I protect myself from COVID-19 while travelling?

    If you decide to travel, the CDC advises taking the appropriate steps to protect yourself and others:

    • Wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated areas
    • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
    • Avoid contact with anyone who is sick
    • Stay up to date on your vaccines
    • Don’t travel while sick
    • Take additional precautions if you were recently exposed to a person with COVID

    Check local public health websites for information on requirements before you travel. For more information on traveling, visit https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/covid19

  • How can I stay safe during gatherings?

    If you’re hosting or attending a gathering, take appropriate measures to best protect yourself and others:

    • Do not host or attend a social gathering if you are sick or have had close contact with someone who is sick.
    • Remind guests to stay home if they are sick.
    • Keep events outdoor when possible. If outdoors is not feasible, make sure the space is well ventilated.
    • Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
    • Limit the number of people cooking, serving food or in food preparation areas.
    • Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and any shared items between uses.
    • Take additional preventative actions if you live in an area with a medium or high COVID hospital admission level.

    States and localities have varying rules, regulations and laws regarding events and gatherings. Check local health sites for restrictions and guidance. For additional measures or information on social gatherings, or to check the hospital admission level in your area, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

  • How does the COVID-19 virus spread?

    The virus that causes COVID-19 is believed to spread mostly from respiratory droplets between people in close contact with one another (less than 6 feet). These droplets or small particles are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks or breathes.

    It is also possible that the droplets can land on surfaces, be touched by a person who then touches their own face. This is not thought to be the main way the virus transmits.

    For more information about the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html

Products

Ingredients

Interactions

Side Effects

  • What effect will Advil products have on the kidneys?

    When taken as directed on the label, adverse effects of Advil on the kidneys are uncommon, but higher doses may produce adverse effects to the kidneys. Consult your physician if you are taking a diuretic, have kidney disease or have any other concerns before taking Advil.

  • Will Advil Respiratory products cause indigestion or upset stomach?

    There is a possibility that these products may upset your stomach. If this occurs, consider taking medication with food or milk. Discontinue use if the stomach upset continues.

  • Does Ibuprofen cause ulcers?

    Ibuprofen may cause ulcers but usually at higher prescription doses or when administered for long periods of time. Studies have proven that Advil is safe and effective when taken as directed. If you have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn, ask your doctor before using Advil.

  • Can this product cause hypertension?

    This product may slightly increase blood pressure and heart rate. Talk to your doctors before taking this product if you are on antihypertensive (high blood pressure) medication.

  • Can this product cause liver damage?

    Liver damage from NSAIDs is rare, but this medication should not be used in persons with cirrhotic liver diseases because there is an increased risk for bleeding problems and renal failure.

  • Is ibuprofen addictive? Will it cause withdrawal?

    No. Ibuprofen is not habit forming, nor does it demonstrate addictive properties. Withdrawal symptoms have not been observed. Advil is non-narcotic. Studies indicate that ibuprofen affects the body (peripherally active), but not the brain (it’s not centrally active).

Dosing