Advil Cold and Flu: Doctor-Reviewed Guide to Safe Use, Dosing, and FAQs
By Dr. Maya Chen, MD — Cold & Flu Specialist
Evidence-based guidance to help you get real relief from cold and flu symptoms.
What Is Advil Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu?
Advil Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu (often searched as “advil multi symptom cold and flu”) is an over-the-counter combination medicine formulated to bring
powerful relief for tough cold and flu symptoms like headache, fever, body aches, sinus pressure, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and swollen nasal passages—
so you can keep going when sickness strikes. As the brand says, “Cancel your cold. Not your plans.”
It uniquely combines ibuprofen (pain/fever), phenylephrine (decongestant), and chlorpheniramine (antihistamine) in a single tablet.
Active Ingredients & What They Do
| Ingredient (per tablet) | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen | 200 mg | Pain reliever / fever reducer (NSAID) — eases headache, body aches, and fever |
| Phenylephrine HCl | 10 mg | Nasal decongestant — relieves nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and swelling |
| Chlorpheniramine maleate | 4 mg | Antihistamine — calms runny nose and sneezing (may cause drowsiness) |
Coloring includes red iron oxide.
Symptoms Advil Cold and Flu Helps Relieve
- Headache and fever
- Minor body aches and pains
- Sinus pressure & nasal congestion
- Runny nose & sneezing
- Swelling of nasal passages (restores freer breathing)
How Often Can You Take Advil Cold and Flu?
For adults and children 12+: take 1 tablet every 4 hours while symptoms persist. Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Under 12 years: do not use this product.
You don’t have to take it with food, but if it upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Stop use if stomach upset continues.
Safe Use, Side Effects & Who Should Avoid It
Common side effects: drowsiness (from chlorpheniramine), dry mouth, dizziness, upset stomach.
Does Advil Multi Symptom Cold and Flu make you sleepy? It can. The antihistamine chlorpheniramine may cause drowsiness—avoid driving or alcohol and be cautious with other sedatives.
Important cautions
- Diabetes: Products with phenylephrine may raise blood sugar. Consult your physician before use.
- Other medications: Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before use if you take other medicines (to avoid duplicating decongestants, antihistamines, or NSAIDs).
- NSAID warnings: If you have stomach ulcers/bleeding, kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, or are in the last trimester of pregnancy, consult your doctor or avoid use.
- Alcohol & driving: May increase drowsiness—use caution.
How to Store Advil Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu
Keep out of reach of children. Store at controlled room temperature 20–25°C (68–77°F). Avoid heat and humidity.
FAQs About Advil Cold and Flu
Does Advil Multi Symptom Cold and Flu make you sleepy?
It may. The chlorpheniramine antihistamine can cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol, driving, and other sedating medicines when taking it.
Can I take Advil with Alka Seltzer Cold and Flu?
Generally, don’t combine two multi-symptom cold/flu products. Advil Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu and Alka-Seltzer/Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu formulations may both include
phenylephrine (a decongestant) and other actives, increasing side-effect risk. Ask your pharmacist or doctor before combining.
Can you take Advil with Tylenol Cold and Flu?
Avoid taking Advil Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu together with Tylenol Cold & Flu products: many Tylenol C&F formulas also contain
phenylephrine and/or antihistamines, leading to duplication. If your clinician advises alternating or combining plain acetaminophen (Tylenol) with ibuprofen, follow their exact dosing and never exceed labeled limits.
How often can you take Advil Cold and Flu?
For adults and children 12+: 1 tablet every 4 hours while symptoms persist; max 6 tablets in 24 hours, unless your doctor directs otherwise. Not for children under 12.
Can Advil Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu be taken with food?
Yes, it’s optional. If you notice stomach upset, take it with food or milk and discontinue if upset continues.
Who should talk to a doctor before using it?
Anyone with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart/kidney disease, ulcers), those on other medications, pregnant/breastfeeding individuals, and anyone unsure about ingredient duplication.
Doctor’s Note
As a cold & flu specialist, my top advice is to read every label and avoid mixing multi-symptom products. If you need additional relief (e.g., cough suppressant),
ask a pharmacist how to pair a single-ingredient product safely without duplicating decongestants, antihistamines, or NSAIDs.