Ibuprofen and phenylephrine

Ibuprofen is a type of medicine called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Phenylephrine is a medicine that helps relieve stuffiness.

Ibuprofen and phenylephrine is a combination medicine that treats a stuffy nose, sinus congestion, headache, fever, and minor aches and pains caused by the common cold or flu.

Ibuprofen and phenylephrine may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest dose that works for your condition.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Take with food or milk if this medicine makes your stomach upset.

If you need to have any type of surgery, inform the surgeon beforehand if you have taken this medicine in the last few days.

Call your doctor if you have a fever lasting longer than 3 days, or if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of taking this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

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.

Ibuprofen can raise your chances of having a fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you do not have any risk factors. Do not use ibuprofen and phenylephrine right before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Ibuprofen may also lead to stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These issues can happen without warning while you are taking ibuprofen, especially in older adults.

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

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

• heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes;
• a heart attack or stroke;
• a stomach ulcer or bleeding;
• asthma;
• a thyroid disorder;
• enlarged prostate, urination problems;
• liver or kidney disease; or
• if you drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day.

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

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

Ibuprofen and phenylephrine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes 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 phenylephrine may cause serious side effects. Stop using ibuprofen and phenylephrine and call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe dizziness or nervousness, trouble sleeping;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• shortness of breath;
• new or worsening stomach pain; or
• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Common side effects of ibuprofen and phenylephrine may include:

• heartburn, stomach pain;
• dizziness;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• feeling nervous or excited.

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.

Since cold medicine is used as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it's almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

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

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

• Avoid taking aspirin unless your doctor tells you to.

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

Ask your doctor before using ibuprofen and phenylephrine 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 phenylephrine with any other medications, especially:

• 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 phenylephrine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.