ibuprofen + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
NSAID painkiller plus sympathomimetic decongestant
Best suited to
Congestion with pain or fever; consider a single ingredient if only one symptom predominates.
Administration
Swallow with water. Follow the exact product instructions.
What is ibuprofen + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride used for?
Selected products are licensed for symptomatic relief when congestion occurs with pain or fever.
Congested cold or influenza symptoms, including aches, headache, fever, sore throat and blocked nose or sinuses.
Nasal congestion associated with suspected viral acute rhinosinusitis, accompanied by headache and/or fever.
How does ibuprofen + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride work?
Ibuprofen reduces prostaglandin production, relieving pain, inflammation and fever. Pseudoephedrine narrows swollen blood vessels in the nasal lining, reducing congestion, but can also increase heart rate or blood pressure.
ibuprofen + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 200 mg + 30 mg
How to take ibuprofen + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride
Follow the exact product instructions because licences and age limits differ. Take by mouth with water and swallow tablets whole where directed. Taking it with or after food may reduce stomach upset.
Check cough, cold and pain remedies for duplicate ingredients.
Avoid heavy alcohol consumption because it may increase gastrointestinal or nervous-system adverse effects.
Seek advice if symptoms worsen or do not settle.
ibuprofen + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Stomach discomfort, indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headache, restlessness, nervousness or shaking
- Diarrhoea, constipation or wind
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden severe headache, confusion, seizure, vomiting or visual disturbance
- Persistent or recurrent palpitations, chest pain or marked blood-pressure symptoms
- Vomiting blood, black stools or severe abdominal pain
- Breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, or severe wheezing
- Sudden loss or reduction of vision
- Blistering, peeling or widespread pustular rash
- Reduced urine, blood in the urine or marked swelling
ibuprofen + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Not recommended for self-treatment during pregnancy. Pseudoephedrine may reduce placental blood flow. Ibuprofen should be avoided unless specifically advised, is contraindicated in the third trimester, and can affect fetal kidney function and amniotic fluid from week 20.
ibuprofen + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Avoid the combination unless specifically advised by a clinician. Ibuprofen alone is generally compatible with breastfeeding, but pseudoephedrine is not usually recommended and may reduce milk production. One selected product is contraindicated during breastfeeding.
ibuprofen + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride interactions
Check all prescribed, pharmacy and herbal products, especially combination cold remedies.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Concurrent or recent use is contraindicated because it can cause a dangerous hypertensive reaction.
Other NSAIDs, including naproxen, high-dose aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors
Increases gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and other adverse-effect risks.
Common questions about ibuprofen + pseudoephedrine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
When is this combination preferable to a single ingredient?
When both congestion and pain or fever need treatment. A single ingredient may be preferable if only one symptom predominates.
Can I use another decongestant with it?
Not unless directed by a clinician. Combining decongestants can increase blood pressure, vasoconstriction and heart-rate effects.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.