Drug Class: NSAID + Sympathomimetic Decongestant Combination | Form: Oral Suspension 120ml | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Arinac Syrup? Arinac Syrup by Abbott Laboratories contains Ibuprofen 100mg and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride 15mg per 5ml — a dual-action cold and flu suspension combining a powerful anti-inflammatory analgesic with a nasal decongestant in a single convenient liquid formulation. Ibuprofen addresses the systemic symptoms of cold and flu — fever, headache, body aches, and sore throat — through COX enzyme inhibition while Pseudoephedrine simultaneously shrinks swollen nasal blood vessels to relieve blocked nose and sinus congestion. This combination provides more comprehensive cold and flu symptom relief than either Ibuprofen or decongestant alone — addressing both the inflammatory and congestive components of upper respiratory viral infections. The liquid formulation with measured dosing makes it suitable for patients who prefer or require oral suspension rather than solid dosage forms. Always take with food and use for the shortest time necessary.
What is Arinac Syrup Used For?
- Fever associated with cold and flu — elevated temperature from viral upper respiratory infections (بخار — نزلہ زکام اور فلو میں)
- Headache and body aches from cold and flu (سر درد اور بدن درد)
- Blocked and congested nose — nasal stuffiness from mucosal swelling (بند ناک)
- Sinus pressure and facial discomfort from congestion (سائنس کا درد اور بھاری پن)
- Sore throat pain associated with cold and flu (گلے کا درد)
- Post-nasal drip — excess mucus drainage causing throat discomfort
- Allergic rhinitis with pain and fever — nasal congestion with inflammatory component
How Does it Work? Ibuprofen 100mg per 5ml inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes — blocking prostaglandin synthesis responsible for fever, pain sensitisation, and inflammation throughout the body. This reduces fever by acting on the hypothalamic temperature set-point, relieves headache and body aches by reducing peripheral pain sensitisation, and eases sore throat by reducing local prostaglandin-mediated inflammation. Pseudoephedrine 15mg per 5ml is a sympathomimetic amine that stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in nasal mucosal blood vessels — causing vasoconstriction that reduces blood vessel engorgement, shrinks swollen nasal mucosa, and opens the nasal and sinus passages for clearer breathing. Together these complementary mechanisms address both the systemic inflammatory symptoms and the localised nasal congestion of cold and flu simultaneously.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Always shake well before every dose. Always take with food — Ibuprofen causes significant stomach irritation on empty stomach. Never exceed recommended dose. Pseudoephedrine causes insomnia — avoid evening doses where possible. Not for prolonged use beyond 5 days without medical review. Measure accurately with provided measuring device — never household spoon.
| Patient | Usual Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults and children over 12 years | 10ml | Three times daily | With food — maximum 5 days |
| Children 6 to 12 years | 5ml | Three times daily | With food — under medical supervision |
| Children under 6 years | Not recommended | — | Consult paediatrician |
| Elderly patients | 5ml | Three times daily | Lower dose — increased NSAID risk |
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength per 5ml | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen | 100mg | NSAID — reduces fever, pain, and inflammation |
| Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride | 15mg | Decongestant — relieves nasal and sinus congestion |
Who Should NOT Take Arinac Syrup?
- Allergy to Ibuprofen, Pseudoephedrine, Aspirin, any NSAID, or any component of the syrup
- Active stomach ulcer or history of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Severe heart failure or established cardiovascular disease
- Severe hypertension or uncontrolled high blood pressure — Pseudoephedrine raises blood pressure significantly
- Severe kidney or liver impairment
- Currently taking or within 14 days of stopping MAO inhibitors — life-threatening hypertensive crisis from Pseudoephedrine
- Hyperthyroidism — Pseudoephedrine significantly worsens thyroid overactivity
- Severe coronary artery disease or serious cardiac arrhythmia
- Third trimester of pregnancy — Ibuprofen strictly contraindicated
- Aspirin-sensitive asthma or NSAID-induced bronchospasm
- Closed-angle glaucoma — Pseudoephedrine raises intraocular pressure
- Enlarged prostate causing urinary difficulty
- Children under 6 years without medical supervision
- Diabetes — Pseudoephedrine raises blood glucose
Side Effects
Common: Mild stomach discomfort and nausea from Ibuprofen — substantially reduced by taking with food (معدے کی تکلیف — کھانے کے ساتھ لینے سے کم ہوتی ہے), mild insomnia or restlessness from Pseudoephedrine component (نیند نہ آنا — خاص طور پر شام کو لینے پر), mild increased heart rate (دل کی دھڑکن تیز ہونا — عام طور پر ہلکا), mild headache, mild heartburn.
Serious — Stop and seek emergency help immediately: Gastrointestinal bleeding — dark tarry stools or vomiting blood (پیٹ سے خون — فوری مدد لیں), severe hypertensive crisis — sudden severe throbbing headache with visual disturbances from Pseudoephedrine (فوری ہسپتال جائیں), severe allergic reaction — sudden widespread rash, swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing (فوری مدد لیں), acute kidney injury — significantly reduced urination with ankle swelling (فوری ڈاکٹر کو بتائیں), severe cardiac arrhythmia — palpitations with chest pain (فوری مدد لیں), worsening of asthma — sudden severe bronchospasm in NSAID-sensitive patients (فوری مدد لیں), acute urinary retention — complete inability to urinate from Pseudoephedrine (فوری مدد لیں), severe liver toxicity — yellowing of skin or eyes (یرقان — فوری مدد لیں).
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| MAO inhibitors (Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine) | Life-threatening hypertensive crisis from Pseudoephedrine — never combine; minimum 14-day gap required |
| Other NSAIDs or Aspirin above 75mg | Greatly increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk from Ibuprofen — never combine |
| Antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers) | Ibuprofen reduces their effectiveness — Pseudoephedrine further raises blood pressure; combined effect significantly worsens hypertension |
| Warfarin / blood thinners | Ibuprofen increases bleeding risk — close INR monitoring essential |
| Digoxin | Pseudoephedrine increases cardiac arrhythmia risk — Ibuprofen may increase Digoxin levels; monitor closely |
| Tricyclic antidepressants (Amitriptyline) | Increased blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmia risk from Pseudoephedrine |
| Lithium | Ibuprofen increases Lithium blood levels — toxicity risk; monitor closely |
| Methotrexate | Ibuprofen increases Methotrexate toxicity — avoid combination |
| Antidiabetic medicines | Pseudoephedrine raises blood glucose — Ibuprofen may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood sugar closely |
| Corticosteroids (Prednisolone) | Increased gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding risk with Ibuprofen |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Increases Ibuprofen gastrointestinal bleeding risk — avoid during treatment |
Storage: Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep bottle tightly closed after every use. Shake well before every dose. Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں). Do not use after expiry date.
FAQs
Q: Is Arinac Syrup safe for patients with high blood pressure who have a cold? Patients with hypertension should consult their doctor before taking Arinac Syrup — the combination is particularly problematic for hypertensive patients as both components raise blood pressure through independent mechanisms. Ibuprofen reduces the effectiveness of antihypertensive medicines while Pseudoephedrine directly stimulates vasoconstriction raising blood pressure further. A Pseudoephedrine-free and Ibuprofen-free alternative is significantly safer for hypertensive patients requiring cold symptom relief.
Q: Can Arinac Syrup be given to children under 6 years for cold and fever? Arinac Syrup is not recommended for children under 6 years without specific medical supervision — the Pseudoephedrine component carries increased cardiovascular and CNS stimulation risks in very young children. For children under 6 with fever and cold symptoms, plain Paracetamol or Ibuprofen suspension without decongestant is the safer and more appropriate choice. Always consult your paediatrician for age-appropriate cold and fever management in young children.
Q: How is Arinac Syrup different from plain Ibuprofen suspension for cold treatment? Plain Ibuprofen suspension reduces fever, body aches, and headache but does nothing for the blocked nose and sinus congestion that make breathing uncomfortable during cold and flu. Arinac's additional Pseudoephedrine component specifically targets nasal mucosal swelling — providing clearer breathing and sinus pressure relief that Ibuprofen alone cannot achieve. This makes Arinac more appropriate when nasal congestion is a significant symptom alongside fever and pain.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any prescription medicine.