Advil cold and sinus liquid gel has become a well known drug that people have come to trust for over 20 years. This drug is powerful and have non-drowsy effects while relieving one from tough cold and sinuses symptoms.
Increase in mucus production is not the factor or cause for blocked airways, swelling of the tissues in the nose also known as inflammation can lead to sinus congestion and pressure. Increase in mucus production is also a symptom of common cold. Advil cold and sinus liquid gel opens the airways and relieve pain caused by sinus pressure or congestion.
WHAT IS ADVIL COLD AND SINUS LIQUID GEL?
Advil cold and sinus liquid gel is an over-the-counter medicine that can relieve the symptoms of sinus and cold. It is a non-drowsy, liquid filled capsules formulated with active ingredients which are ibuprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), pain and fever reducer) and Phenylephrine HCI (a nasal decongestant).
These active ingredients relieve pain and fever which are associated with sinus pressure and cold while the nasal decongestant reduces swelling of the nasal tissues and open the airways. Just 1 liquid gel of this over-the-counter medicine will give you fast relief and address the symptoms.
INGREDIENTS FOR ADVIL COLD AND SINUS LIQUID GEL
The active ingredients in Advil cold and sinus liquid gel are:
1. Solubilized Ibuprofen Equal to 200mg
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with fever-reducing, pain killing and high dose of anti-inflammatory properties. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential medicines, ibuprofen is listed as one.
Ibuprofen works by blocking the production of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 thereby reducing fever, pain, swelling and inflammation (PubMed Central, 2010). Ibuprofen is used for treating fever, inflammation, headache, common cold, menstrual pain, back pain, tooth ache, arthritis, and sprains.
2. Pseudoephedrine HCl 30mg
Pseudoephedrine HCl is a decongestant that relieves stuffy nose. It is also a vasodilator, Pseudoephedrine HCl tightens blood vessels and reduces swelling. This drug can be used alone or in combination with other medicines. Pseudoephedrine HCl is used to relieve common cold, flu, allergies, hay fever, bronchitis and ear congestion caused by infection or inflammation.
Other inactive ingredients are:
- D&C Yellow No. 10
- FD&C Red No. 40
- Gelatin
- Medium-Chain Triglycerides
- Pharmaceutical Ink
- Polyethylene Glycol
- Potassium Hydroxide
- Purified Water
- Sorbitol Sorbitan Solution
USES OF ADVIL COLD AND SINUS LIQUID GEL
This drug is used to temporarily treat symptoms associated with cold and sinus like:
- Fever
- Headache
- Sinus pressure
- Nasal congestion or stuffy nose
- Minor body aches & pains
HOW DOES ADVIL COLD AND SINUS LIQUID GEL WORK?
Unlike the popular belief by people that increase in mucus leads to stuffy nose, this is not true. Too much mucus is a symptom of common cold but not the reason for the stuffy nose you have. The exact and true cause of stuffy nose and sinus congestion is inflammation of the nose and face. Your body causes the airway within the nose and sinuses to become inflamed and swollen if it identifies any virus, this is a defence mechanism.
The active ingredients in Advil cold and sinus liquid gel work together to relieve this congestion and pain caused by inflammation. Advil cold and sinus liquid gel works by treating the inflammation that causes the congestion. It does this because it is formulated with pseudoephedrine, a nasal decongestant. This decongestant releases a form of adrenaline called norepinephrine, this adrenaline works on the tiny muscles lining the walls of blood vessels and cause them to narrow.
The constricting of blood vessels reopen the airways while the patient breathes freely. The ibuprofen hinder the COX enzyme that is responsible for producing inflammatory mediators and hence interrupts the process that leads to inflammation and congestion. This process relieves pain, fever, headache and other minor body ache associated with common cold and sinus.
DOSAGE FOR ADVIL COLD AND SINUS LIQUID GEL
Advil cold and sinus liquid gel should not be used in children under the age of 12, only use if the patient is 12 and above.
The recommended dosage for this medicine is:
- 1 liquid gel should taken every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms persist. If symptoms do not respond to 1 liquid gel, 2 may be used.
- Do not use more than 6 liquid gels in 24 hours unless prescribed by your doctor. So not take this medicine for more than 3 days if you are treating fever and do not use more than 5 days if you are treating for cold symptoms.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ADVIL COLD AND SINUS LIQUID GEL
Advil cold and sinus liquid gel has side effects just like other medicines. These side effects can be mild or severe. These side effects can go away on their own or require medical attention.
Some of the common and mild side effects of Advil cold and sinus liquid gel are:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Difficulty in sleeping (it has non-drowsy effects)
- Heartburn
- Nervousness
- Vomiting
You should see a doctor if you experience or notice any of these severe side effects.
These severe side effects are:
- Dizziness
- Ringing sound in the ear
- Fast and pounding of the heart
- Skin rash
- Blurred vision
- Eye problems
- Fluid retention (accumulation of fluid in body tissues)
- Bruising
- Unusual bleeding from the nose
- Spotting of urine in the urine
- Coughing blood
- Bleeding gums
- Clotting problems
Stop taking Advil cold and sinus liquid gel if you notice signs of allergic reactions or bleeding in the stomach like:
- Hives
- Swelling of the mouth or throat
- Difficulty in breathing
- Bloody or dark stool
- Spitting of blood
- Vomiting blood or dark substances
WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE ADVIL COLD AND SINUS LIQUID GEL?
According to MedBroadcast, there are people that cannot take this medication.
They include those who are:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- About or have had heart surgery
- Allergic to any of the active ingredients
- Sensitive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Constantly dehydrated due to diarrhea, vomiting or not taking enough fluids
- Taking other NSAID like diclofenac or naproxen
- Have any ulcer especially stomach ulcer, intestinal ulcer and ulcerative colitis
- Have Crohn’s disease
- Have angioedema syndrome
- Have thyroid disease
- Have high blood pressure
- Have heart disease
- Have nasal polyps
- Have reduced kidney function or any kidney disease
- Have Raynaud’s Syndrome
- Have reduced liver function or any liver disease
- Have taken or is using monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
- Have systemic lupus erythematosus
- Have high amounts of potassium in the blood
- Have experienced breathing difficulties after taking ASA or other NSAIDs.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER PRECAUTIONS OR WARNINGS FOR ADVIL COLD AND SINUS LIQUID GEL?
Before you start to use this medication, you should see your doctor especially you have any medical condition, pregnant or breastfeeding and medication you are taking.
- These factors can be:
- Bleeding Problems: If you are having bleeding problems or taking medications that prevents blood from clotting or thickening (blood thinners or anticoagulants), you should not take Advil cold and sinus liquid gel unless prescribed by your doctor.
- Allergy: Some people can be allergic to ibuprofen. You should tell your doctor if you have ever experienced allergic reactions after taking any medication especially anti-inflammatory drugs. Also, stop using the drug if you notice any allergic reactions while using the medication.
- Dependence and Withdrawal: Long use of pseudoephedrine or taking more than the required dose than recommended can lead to physical dependence. If Advil is stopped suddenly after long use or high dose than recommended, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Some withdrawal symptoms can be anxiety, hallucinations and agitation. You should stop using the medicine gradually as directed by your doctor.
- Dizziness: One of the side effects of this medicine is dizziness and this affect your ability to use machines or drive safely. If you notice dizziness, you should not operate machinery or drive any vehicle.
- Diabetes: Ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine can cause loss of blood sugar or glucose control. This makes it necessary for people with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose from time to time while using this medication.
- Fluid Retention: Advil cold and sinus liquid gel can cause retention of water in body tissues and cavities. If you have high blood pressure, fluid retention can worsen the symptoms and condition.
- Kidney Problems: If you have kidney problems like reduced kidney function, heart failure or are taking hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide or other diuretics, then this medication will affect your medical condition. You should see a doctor first before using.
- Heart Problems: The use of this medication can affect your heart and blood vessels if you already have heart problems. There can be increase in blood pressure and heart failure can become worse. Pseudoephedrine on the other hand, narrows the blood vessels. This can worsen heart attack, and even cause stroke.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take Advil cold and sinus liquid gel. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, stop using and consult your doctor.
- Children and Seniors: Children under the age of 12 should not be given this medication. Older people may experience severe side effects, so you should see your doctor before using.
- Stomach Ulcers and Bleeding: Ibuprofen can cause bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines. If you have any stomach or intestinal problems, you should see your doctor before you use.
CONCLUSION
Advil cold and sinus liquid gel is a common over-the-counter medicine that can relieve the symptoms of common cold and sinus. It is effective and powerful, this made it a popular and household name for treating cold and sinus congestion. However, you should stick to the dose and take note of the precautions and warnings.