Advil PM Review: Side Effects & Ingredients Guide 2025

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In the bustling world of over-the-counter medications, finding the perfect nighttime pain reliever can feel like a daunting task. Yet, among the myriad options, Advil PM stands out as a beacon for those seeking relief from both pain and sleeplessness. This comprehensive review dives deep into the dual-action formula of Advil PM, aiming to provide readers with an insightful analysis of its effectiveness, ingredients, potential side effects, and overall value. As millions around the globe struggle to find solace in their sleep due to various aches and discomforts, Advil PM promises a solution that not only alleviates pain but also facilitates a peaceful night’s sleep. Whether you’re dealing with minor aches, pains, or simply seeking a serene gateway to dreamland, join us as we explore the ins and outs of Advil PM, assessing its place in the nighttime ritual of those in pursuit of restful slumber and pain relief.

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Ingredients of Advil PM

Here’s a list of Advil PM ingredients and information about each:

Ibuprofen (200 mg): A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used as a pain reliever and to reduce fever. It works by blocking the body’s production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation.
Diphenhydramine Citrate (38 mg): A gentle sleep aid that belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a natural substance your body makes during an allergic reaction, and it can also be used to help you relax and fall asleep.

Inactive Ingredients:

Calcium Stearate: Acts as a lubricant in the manufacturing of tablets.
Carnauba Wax: Used for its coating properties to make tablets easier to swallow.
Colloidal Silicon Dioxide: A glidant to improve the flow of powder in the tablet formulation.
Corn Starch: Used as a disintegrant to help the tablet break down in the body.
Croscarmellose Sodium: Another disintegrant to facilitate the tablet’s breakdown after ingestion.
FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake: A dye used for coloring tablets.
Glyceryl Dibehenate: Used as a binder and lubricant in tablet formulations.
Hypromellose: A polymer used as a film-former for tablet coating.
Lactose Monohydrate: Used as a filler or binder in tablets.
Microcrystalline Cellulose: A filler that helps give tablets their shape and consistency.
Pharmaceutical Ink: Used for printing on tablets.
Polydextrose: A synthetic polymer used as a soluble fiber.
Polyethylene Glycol: Used as a plasticizer in tablet coatings.
Pregelatinized Starch: A disintegrant and binder.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Used as a surfactant to help dissolve ingredients.
Sodium Starch Glycolate: A super disintegrant which enhances the dissolution of tablets.
Stearic Acid: A lubricant to help tablet manufacturing.
Titanium Dioxide: Used as a pigment in tablet coatings.

Advil PM is used to relieve occasional sleeplessness associated with minor aches and pains. It helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. Adults and children 12 years and over can take 2 caplets at bedtime, not exceeding 2 caplets in 24 hours.

Potential Side Effects of Advil PM

Here’s a list of potential side effects associated with Advil PM and some information about each:

Allergic Reactions: Signs include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the face or throat. Severe skin reactions can also occur, featuring fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling.
Heart Attack or Stroke: Symptoms may include chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, and leg swelling.
Stomach Bleeding: Indicators include bloody or tarry stools, and coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Kidney Problems: Symptoms can include little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, and feeling tired or short of breath.
Liver Problems: This may manifest as nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice.
Common Side Effects: These can include drowsiness, daytime drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, nose, or throat, blurred vision, mild itching or rash, and ringing in your ears.

It’s important to use Advil PM as directed and consult with a healthcare provider if you experience any severe or persistent side effects. The risk of serious side effects like heart attack, stroke, and gastrointestinal bleeding is increased with the use of ibuprofen, especially in older adults or those with existing health conditions.

What people are saying about Advil PM

Advil PM has garnered a variety of opinions from users, highlighting both its benefits and drawbacks. A comprehensive review on Everyday Health rates Advil PM with an overall score of 4 out of 5, indicating a positive reception among users. The review praises its effectiveness in treating occasional insomnia associated with minor aches and pains, specifically for adults and children over 12 years old. However, it also cautions about potential serious side effects, such as the risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, stomach or intestinal bleeding, and allergic reactions. These risks are particularly noted in older adults and those with existing health conditions.

Travelers have shared their experiences using Advil PM as a sleep aid during flights, with mixed outcomes. Some found it effective for ensuring sleep on long-haul flights, helping to hit the ground running upon arrival by combating jet lag and sleeplessness caused by uncomfortable seating or the general stress of travel. The importance of hydration and eating before taking sleep aids like Advil PM is emphasized to enhance their effectiveness and mitigate any potential side effects. Despite these positive accounts, it’s noted that individual reactions to Advil PM can vary significantly. Some people may experience next to no side effects, while others might find themselves dealing with grogginess or other undesired effects. Thus, experimenting with Advil PM or any sleep aid before travel is advised to gauge personal reactions.

The conversation around Advil PM underscores the importance of using it judiciously, with a clear understanding of one’s health profile and the potential risks associated with its ingredients. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider before adding any new medication to your routine is wise, especially for managing sleep and pain during travel or in your daily life.

About the company behind Advil PM

The company behind Advil PM, a popular over-the-counter pain reliever and sleep aid, is GSK Consumer Healthcare. GSK Consumer Healthcare was formed as a result of a joint venture between GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Pfizer’s consumer products divisions, bringing together a wide range of household healthcare brands including Advil, Excedrin, Robitussin, and Tums. Haleon, a company mentioned in the context of social media intelligence for over-the-counter products like Advil, appears to be closely related to GSK’s consumer healthcare efforts, focusing on leveraging social media data to understand consumer preferences and improve marketing strategies.

GSK Consumer Healthcare has made significant strides in sustainability, particularly with its Advil products. The company announced a commitment to reduce the plastic in over 80 million Advil bottles by 20%, aiming to eliminate nearly 500,000 pounds of plastic from the environment. This initiative is part of a broader sustainability goal to make all consumer product packaging recyclable or reusable, aligning with GSK’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Additionally, GSK has been at the forefront of developing innovative pain relief options. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Advil Dual Action with Acetaminophen, marking the first OTC combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen in the United States, available for consumers in 2020. This product represents GSK’s ongoing commitment to providing effective, safe, and convenient pain relief options.

A look at Advil PM’s BBB profile

The company behind Advil PM, a popular over-the-counter pain reliever and sleep aid, is GSK Consumer Healthcare. GSK Consumer Health Care’s profile on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) indicates a rating of A-, with the business not being BBB accredited. The profile lists a total of 4 customer complaints closed in the last 3 years, with 1 complaint closed in the last 12 months. Customer reviews give the company a 1/5 stars rating. The company’s business details include its establishment in 1994 and incorporation on the same year, operating as a corporation with various manufacturing services related to pharmaceuticals.

Where to buy and price of Advil PM

Advil PM is available for purchase at several major retailers, including Target and CVS, with prices varying based on the product count and form. At Target, a bottle of 80 Advil PM Liqui-Gels is offered, focusing on providing pain relief and aiding nighttime sleep. The product emphasizes fast relief and the convenience of Liqui-Gel form for ease of use.

CVS lists a bottle of 20 Advil PM Pain Reliever/Nighttime Sleep-Aid Coated Caplets at a price of $6.79. This option combines ibuprofen and diphenhydramine citrate to help relieve pain and aid sleep, respectively. Walgreens also offers Advil PM products, with prices for the Liqui-Gels and caplets ranging from $11.99 for a 40-count of Liqui-Gels to $18.99 for a 120-count of caplets. Promotions such as coupons and “Buy 1, Get 1 50% off” deals are available for some of the products.

What is the refund policy of Advil PM

I couldn’t find any information

Advil PM contact information

You can contact Advil PM through Haleon Consumer Healthcare by sending an email to mystory.us@haleon.com or by calling 1-800-88-ADVIL from Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm EST (excluding holidays). For more details, visit their contact page at advil.com/contact-us.

Pros and cons of Advil PM

Advil PM, a combination medicine used to treat occasional insomnia associated with minor aches and pains, has both advantages and disadvantages that are important to consider before use.

Pros:

Pain Relief and Sleep Aid: Advil PM combines ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), with diphenhydramine, a gentle, non-habit forming sleep aid. This dual-action formula is designed to relieve pain and help you achieve a full night’s sleep, making it beneficial for those experiencing pain that disrupts their sleep.
Non-habit Forming: The diphenhydramine in Advil PM is considered a gentle, non-habit forming sleep aid, which may make it a preferable option for those concerned about developing a dependency.

Cons:

Risk of Serious Side Effects: Advil PM can cause serious side effects such as allergic reactions, heart attack, stroke, stomach bleeding, kidney problems, liver problems, and more. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach, dry mouth, blurred vision, mild itching or rash, and ringing in the ears.
Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke: Ibuprofen, one of the active ingredients in Advil PM, can increase the risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, particularly if used just before or after heart surgery, or in individuals with existing heart disease or high blood pressure.
Not for Chronic Sleeplessness: It is not intended for treating sleeplessness without pain, or for sleep problems that occur often. Its use is limited to adults and children at least 12 years old.
Risk of Dependency: While not considered addictive in the traditional sense, there is a risk of becoming dependent on the drug for sleep, particularly due to the psychological associations people can form with its effects.
Interactions with Other Medications: Advil PM can interact with other medications, including antidepressants, blood thinners, diuretics, and other drugs that may contain diphenhydramine or ibuprofen, potentially leading to increased bruising or bleeding.

It is crucial to use Advil PM as directed and consult a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications. This ensures that Advil PM is a safe and effective option for your specific situation.

Is Advil PM worth a try?

Advil PM has received mixed reviews from users for treating insomnia, with an overall rating of 6.8 out of 10 on Drugs.com. Many users have found it effective for getting a full night’s sleep, especially when dealing with sleep disturbances due to pain or an overactive mind. Some users recommend starting with a lower dose than the recommended two tablets to avoid potential side effects like grogginess or dry mouth the next day. However, there are reports of negative experiences, including next-day drowsiness, digestive issues, and lack of effectiveness for some. It’s important to consider personal health conditions and possibly consult a healthcare provider before trying Advil PM, especially for long-term use.

Advil PM FAQ

What are the active ingredients in Advil PM products?
Advil PM products combine ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), with diphenhydramine, a sleep aid. Specifically, Advil PM caplets contain 200 mg of ibuprofen and 38 mg of diphenhydramine citrate, while Advil PM Liqui-Gels contain 200 mg of ibuprofen and 25 mg of diphenhydramine hydrochloride.
Is Advil PM addictive?
While Advil PM is not considered to be “addictive,” dependency can form due to associations people may develop with the drug’s effects.
Can I take Advil PM with alcohol?
It’s advised to avoid alcohol when taking Advil PM due to potential intensification of drowsiness.
Where can I buy Advil PM?
Advil PM is available at most retail grocery, pharmacy, and convenience stores. There’s also an option to find stores near you through the “Buy Now” page on Advil’s website or to purchase from online retailers.
What’s the difference between Tylenol PM and Advil PM?
The main difference is in the pain reliever component: Advil PM contains ibuprofen, while Tylenol PM contains acetaminophen. Advil PM is suggested to offer a better night’s sleep by reducing time spent awake due to aches and pains.
Can I take Advil during the day and Advil PM at night?
Yes, it’s possible to take Advil during the day and Advil PM at night. However, the combined 24-hour dose of ibuprofen should not exceed 1200 mg, and the diphenhydramine dose should not exceed 50 mg.
What is the recommended dosage for Advil PM?
For both the Liqui-Gels and caplets, the recommended dose is two capsules or caplets at bedtime for adults and children 12 years and older, with no more than 2 capsules or caplets in 24 hours.

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