Ibuprofen And Pseudoephedrine

content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.

What is the most important information I should know about ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine?

Do not use ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Ibuprofen can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use ibuprofen. Do not use this medicine just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

Ibuprofen can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking ibuprofen. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of ibuprofen can cause damage to your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of ibuprofen for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Use only the smallest amount of ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine needed to get relief from your pain, fever, or cold symptoms.

Take this medicine with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.

Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine are contained in many medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of either medication. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains ibuprofen or pseudoephedrine.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking ibuprofen and pseudoephedrine. If you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day, ibuprofen may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). This medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Call your doctor if you have a fever lasting longer than 3 days, if you have new symptoms, or if your condition does not improve after taking this medication for 7 days.

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Last updated:	August 8, 2006