Decongestant/Analgesic (Oral)

Decongestant/Analgesic (By Mouth)

Treats stuffy nose, fever, sinus headaches, and mild aches caused by hay fever, colds, or flu.

Brand Name(s):

Tylenol Sinus Maximum Strength, Advil Cold & Sinus, Sudafed Sinus, Aleve Cold & Sinus, Cepacol Sore Throat, Motrin Sinus Headache, Dristan Sinus, Proprinal Cold & Sinus, Ibuprofen Cold & Sinus, Ibu-profen Cold & Sinus, Coldonyl, Sinus Relief, Medi-Synal, Cetafen Cold, Coldrine
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to decongestants or pain killers. Some of these medicines may contain aspirin and should not be given to children under age 16. Aspirin can cause a serious disease called Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers who have chicken pox, flu, or similar infections. You should not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as Nardilreg;, Marplanreg;, Eldeprylreg;, or Parnatereg; within the past 14 days.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Fizzy Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Liquid, Powder

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  
• If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
  
• It is not safe to take more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
  
• You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
  
• If you use the tablet, capsule, extended-release tablet, or liquid-filled capsule, swallow the pill whole. Do not crush, break, or chew (unless the medicine label says "chewable").
  
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, medicine dropper, or medicine cup. You might need to shake the medicine just before you use it.
  
• If you use powder or effervescent tablet, stir the medicine into water and drink it right away. You must use at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water to dissolve the effervescent tablet. Do not keep any mixture to take later.
  

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.