Updated July 10, 2015.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Aleve Cold and Sinus is now called Aleve-D Sinus and Cold. It is one treatment option when you want a long lasting medication that will help relieve pain and congestion. It combines a fever reducer/pain reliever with a decongestant to help with these symptoms. It is available behind the pharmacy counter, without a prescription, because it contains pseudoephedrine.
Active Ingredients in Aleve Cold and Sinus
In each caplet:
Naproxen sodium 220mg (pain reliever/fever reducer)
Pseudoephedrine HCl 120mg, extended release (nasal decongestant)
Dosage and Directions
Adults and children over 12 years old:
- 1 caplet every 12 hours, not to exceed 2 caplets in 24 hours
Children under 12 years should not take this product unless directed to do so by a doctor
Directions:
Swallow whole, do not crush or chew.
Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
Aleve-D Sinus and Cold Uses
Helps relieve cold and flu symptoms including sinus pressure and pain, minor body aches and pains, headaches, nasal and sinus congestion and fever.
Side Effects
Naproxen sodium may cause severe allergic reactions which may include:
- Hives
- Facial swelling
- Asthma or wheezing
- Shock
Other adverse effects caused by naproxen can include abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, GI bleeding, perforation, ulcers, headache or dizziness.
Pseudoephedrine can cause:
- Confusion or nervous feeling
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Atrial fibrillation or premature ventricular beats (abnormal heart rhythms)
- High blood pressure
- Shaking
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
Warnings
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other pain reliever/fever reducer.
Do not use if you are now taking a medication known as an MAOI or for two weeks after stopping an MAOI. If you are not sure, contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication.
May cause stomach bleeding.
Keep out of reach of children.
In case of overdose, contact Poison Control or go to an Emergency Room immediately.
Ask a Doctor Before Use If:
- You consume more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day - may increase risk of stomach bleeding
- You have Heart Disease
- You have High Blood Pressure
- You have Thyroid Disease
- You have Diabetes
- You have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostrate gland
- You have had serious side effects from any pain reliever or fever reducer
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding - may cause problems in unborn child if taken during the third trimester of pregnancy
Stop Use and Ask a Doctor If:
- An allergic reaction occurs, seek medical attention immediately
- You get nervous, dizzy or sleepless
- You have nasal congestion that lasts more than 7 days
- Your symptoms continue or get worse
- You have trouble swallowing or you feel like the caplet is stuck in your throat
- New or unexpected symptoms occur
- You have stomach pain that begins while taking this product or mild stomach problems that do not go away
- You have fever that lasts longer than 3 days
Sources:
"Aleve D" Products. Aleve 2014. Bayer Healthcare LLC. 4 Jun 15.
"Aleve D Sinus & Cold". MedScape. 26 Jun 15.
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