ibuprofen and phenylephrine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

ibuprofen/phenylephrine is a combination medication used to treat symptoms associated with the common cold, flu, or allergies. 

ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that works by reducing the production of certain chemicals in the body that causes pain, fever, and inflammation. It is also effective in reducing swelling. 

phenylephrine is a decongestant that acts by constricts the blood vessels, which helps to relieve congestion and improve breathing. 

Together, ibuprofen and phenylephrine provide relief from nasal congestion, fever, headache, and minor aches and pains associated with the common cold, flu, or allergies. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Insomnia 

Aplastic anemia 

Bronchospasm 

Exfoliative dermatitis 

Hypertension 

Thromboembolism 

Anxiety 

Hepatotoxicity 

GI upset 

Hemolytic anemia 

Arrhythmia 

CHF 

Constipation 

Neutropenia 

Abdominal pain 

CNS stimulation 

Dizziness 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the components of the product. 
• Use of MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping MAOI therapy. 
• Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. 
• Peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding. 
• Cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and congestive heart failure. 
• Renal or hepatic impairment. 
• Asthma or other allergic disorders.

Caution: 

• Cardiovascular disease: ibuprofen can increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke, especially in patients with heart disease or stroke. phenylephrine can increase blood pressure, which may worsen the condition of patients with heart disease or hypertension. 
• Gastrointestinal disorders: ibuprofen can cause irritation or ulceration of the stomach and intestines, which may be exacerbated in patients with a history of ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems. 
• Liver or kidney disease: The combination may be associated with an increased risk of kidney or liver damage, especially in patients with pre-existing liver or kidney disease. 
• Asthma: ibuprofen can trigger asthma symptoms or exacerbate existing asthma, especially in patients with a history of asthma or allergic rhinitis. 
• Diabetes: phenylephrine can increase blood sugar levels, which may be a concern for patients with diabetes. 
• Hyperthyroidism: phenylephrine can exacerbate symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as elevated heart rate and blood pressure. 
• Pregnancy and lactation: The safety of ibuprofen/phenylephrine use during pregnancy or lactation has not been established, and therefore caution is advised. 

Comorbidities: 

• Cardiovascular disease: ibuprofen can increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes, especially in people who have a history of cardiovascular disease. phenylephrine can also raise blood pressure, which may further increase the risk of heart disease in susceptible individuals. 
• Renal disease: ibuprofen is metabolized in the kidneys, and its use can cause kidney damage, especially in people who have pre-existing kidney problems. 
• Liver disease: The use of ibuprofen can cause liver damage, especially in people who have pre-existing liver disease. 
• Asthma: phenylephrine can cause bronchoconstriction, which can be dangerous for people who have asthma or other respiratory conditions. 
• Thyroid disease: phenylephrine can interfere with thyroid function tests and should be used with caution in people who have thyroid disease. 
• Diabetes: phenylephrine can raise blood sugar levels and should be used under caution in people who have diabetes. 
• Glaucoma: phenylephrine can increase intraocular pressure and should be used under caution in people who have glaucoma. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: pregnancy category: not assigned 

Lactation: The safety of ibuprofen/phenylephrine during lactation is not established.  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: There is no evidence of risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies and there are not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for an effect in humans, care must be taken for potential risks in pregnant women. 
• Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite potential risks may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh risks over benefits These category drugs should be prohibited for pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

ibuprofen/phenylephrine is a combination medication that contains ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and phenylephrine, a nasal decongestant. 

ibuprofen acts by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are responsible for the inflammatory response in the body. This leads to decreased pain, fever, and inflammation. phenylephrine works by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing congestion, and improving breathing. 

When used together, ibuprofen/phenylephrine can help relieve pain and congestion associated with conditions such as sinusitis, colds, and allergies.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that acts by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, that are involved in the inflammatory response. This leads to a reduction in pain, fever, and inflammation. phenylephrine is a decongestant that works by constricting blood vessels, which decreases swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, and an improvement in breathing. 

Together, the combination of ibuprofen and phenylephrine provides relief from symptoms such as pain, fever, and congestion associated with conditions like the common cold, flu, sinusitis, and allergies.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

After oral administration, ibuprofen/phenylephrine is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. 

Distribution 

ibuprofen is highly bound to plasma proteins (99%), while phenylephrine is less than 10% bound to plasma proteins. ibuprofen and phenylephrine are widely distributed throughout the body. 

Metabolism 

ibuprofen is primarily metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes, while phenylephrine is metabolized by both the liver and kidneys. Both drugs undergo extensive metabolism before excretion. 

Elimination and excretion 

ibuprofen and its metabolites are excreted primarily in the urine, while phenylephrine and its metabolites are excreted in the urine and feces. The elimination half-life of ibuprofen is 2-4 hours, while that of phenylephrine is about 2-3 hours. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

ibuprofen/phenylephrine is available in various forms, such as tablets and capsules. It is usually taken orally with a full glass of water. The frequency and dosage of administration depend on the condition being treated and the patient’s age, weight, and response to the medication. Overdosing or taking the medication for longer than recommended can increase the risk of side effects. It is also important to avoid alcohol consumption while taking ibuprofen/phenylephrine. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: ibuprofen and phenylephrine 

Pronounced: [ EYE-buye-pro-fen-and-FEN-il-EFF-rin ]  

Why do we use ibuprofen and phenylephrine? 

ibuprofen/phenylephrine is a combination medication that is used to relieve symptoms associated with the common cold, flu, allergies, sinusitis, and other respiratory illnesses. It works by reducing inflammation, fever, and pain. phenylephrine, a decongestant, helps to relieve nasal congestion by constricting the blood vessels, making it easier to breathe.