Advil is the brand name of a line of over-the-counter medications. Specific medications sold under the Advil label include Advil PM, Advil Liqui-Gels, Advil Cold and Sinus, and Advil Allergy. Although the ingredients in Advil products are generally safe when taken as directed, individuals with questions or concerns about Advil products should talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is an active ingredient in all Advil products, according to the official website for Advil. Ibuprofen is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. Ibuprofen can relieve the aches and pains associated with conditions such as menstrual cramps, backaches, headaches, toothaches, muscular aches and arthritis pain. It also can temporarily reduce fever. Most Advil adult products contain 200 mg of ibuprofen, while Advil products for children generally contain 100 mg. Advil infant medication contains 50 mg of ibuprofen. Some products, such as Advil Migraine and Advil Cold and Sinus, contain solubilized ibuprofen equal to 200 mg.
Active Ingredients
In addition to ibuprofen, some Advil products contain other active ingredients. Advil PM caplets contain 38 mg of diphenhydramine citrate, while Advil PM Liqui-Gels contain 25 mg of this ingredient. Diphenhydramine citrate acts as a nighttime sleep aid and helps people fall asleep and stay asleep longer. Advil Cold and Sinus caplets contain 30 mg of pseudoephedrine HCI, while Advil Children's Cold Suspension contains 15 mg of pseudoephedrine HCI. Pseudoephedrine HCI is a nasal decongestant. Advil Allergy Sinus also contains 30 mg of pseudoephedrine HCI, but also contains 2 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate. Chlorpheniramine maleate is an antihistamine that works to relieve runny nose, watery or itchy eyes and sneezing.
Inactive Ingredients
The inactive ingredients of Advil also vary depending on the product. Many of these inactive ingredients are excipients, which are inert substances that give the medication its form and consistency. Sucrose, microcrystalline cellulose and pregelatized starch are used in several Advil products, for example, to bind the ingredients. Sucrose is also used as a filler substance, which increases the size of a capsule to make it easier to produce and easier for the patient to take. The Food and Drug Administration required Advil to provide data to demonstrate that these ingredients are safe in the amount they are to be used and do not adversely affect the performance of the active ingredients, according to the International Pharmaceutical Excipients Council of the Americas. However, people with allergies or a sensitivity to food or chemicals should check with a doctor or pharmacist if they have specific questions or concerns about an inactive ingredient in an Advil product.
Considerations
Advil products also typically contain dyes to color the product. These dyes might include FD&C blue No. 2 aluminum lake or D&C yellow No. 10 or others, depending upon the specific product. These dyes are included for identification and marketing purposes only. Pharmaceutical printing ink may also be used to label the medication.
Warning
Ibuprofen can cause a severe allergic reaction, particularly in people allergic to aspirin. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to ibuprofen include skin-reddening, rash, wheezing, facial swelling, hives, blisters or shock. People who believe they are experiencing an allergic reaction to ibuprofen should call a doctor. The ibuprofen in Advil products might also cause severe stomach bleeding in some individuals. The Advil website states that people who are heavy drinkers, use other prescription or nonprescription NSAID medications, take a blood thinning or steroid drug, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, are 60 years of age or older or those who use the medication more than directed are at an increased risk of stomach bleeding when using Advil.
