Arinac Forte — Uses, Dosage and Price in Pakistan
- Arinac Forte = Ibuprofen 400 mg + Pseudoephedrine 60 mg
- Used for cold and flu symptoms with nasal congestion
- Avoid in hypertension and heart disease (due to pseudoephedrine)
- Take after food for stomach safety
- Do not use for more than 5 days without doctor advice
What is Arinac Forte?
Arinac Forte is an Abbott Pakistan combination medicine containing two active ingredients:
- Ibuprofen 400 mg — painkiller + anti-inflammatory + fever reducer
- Pseudoephedrine 60 mg — nasal decongestant (opens up blocked nose)
| Composition | Ibuprofen 400 mg + Pseudoephedrine 60 mg |
| Manufacturer | Abbott Pakistan |
| Class | NSAID + decongestant combination |
| OTC | Pharmacist controlled |
| Pakistan price | ~80–120 PKR per strip of 10 |
What is Arinac Forte Used For?
1. Common Cold and Flu
When cold comes with headache, body aches, and blocked nose — one tablet handles everything at once.
2. Sinusitis
Very effective for the pain, pressure, and congestion caused by sinus infection.
3. Allergic Rhinitis
Seasonal allergy with nasal congestion and headache.
4. Upper Respiratory Infections
During the early phase of bronchitis.
5. Ear Pressure / Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
When ears feel blocked during air travel.
Dosage
| Adults and 12+ years | 1 tablet 3 times daily |
| Maximum per 24 hours | 4 tablets |
| Empty stomach OK? | Better after food |
| Course duration | Maximum 5 days without doctor |
| Onset | 30–60 minutes |
Not recommended for children under 12 years.
Side Effects
From Ibuprofen:
- Upset stomach, acidity
- Stomach ulcer (with long-term use)
- Kidney issues
From Pseudoephedrine:
- Anxiety, restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Rapid heartbeat
- Elevated blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
When to Avoid Arinac Forte?
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) — pseudoephedrine raises BP
- Heart disease — angina, arrhythmia
- Diabetes — uncontrolled
- Hyperthyroid
- Glaucoma
- Prostate enlargement (urinary difficulty)
- Pregnancy — avoid
- Breastfeeding — reduces milk supply
- Children under 12 years
- History of stomach ulcer
- Severe kidney disease
Cold or flu not improving after 5 days? Consult a doctor on Ilaaj AI — check for bacterial infection and get the right treatment.
Chat with AI Doctor NowDrug Interactions
- Blood pressure medicines: Reduced effectiveness (especially beta blockers, ACE inhibitors)
- MAO inhibitors: BP spike, hypertensive crisis
- Caffeine: Doubled stimulant effect
- Other NSAIDs: Increased bleeding risk
- Aspirin: Avoid combination
Tips for Safe Use
- Take after food
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid at night (pseudoephedrine disrupts sleep)
- Do not take for more than 5 days without a doctor
- If nasal congestion persists beyond 7–10 days of cold — consider bacterial infection
Brands and Alternatives Available in Pakistan
- Arinac Forte (Abbott) — original
- Coldrex
- Solpadeine Plus
- Generic ibuprofen + pseudoephedrine combinations
Conclusion
Arinac Forte is a convenient combination for cold, flu, and sinusitis that targets both pain and congestion simultaneously. However, avoid it in hypertension, heart problems, and pregnancy due to the pseudoephedrine component. Do not use for more than 5 days without consulting a doctor. Use Ilaaj AI for AI symptom checking and doctor verification from the comfort of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arinac Forte used for?
Arinac Forte contains ibuprofen 400 mg + pseudoephedrine 60 mg — it is used for common cold, flu, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and upper respiratory infections. It treats pain (headache, body aches), fever, and nasal congestion simultaneously. For adults and those 12 years and above; patients with hypertension and heart disease should avoid it.
How many Arinac Forte tablets per day?
For adults and those 12 years and above: 1 tablet 3 times daily, maximum 4 tablets per 24 hours. Take after food for stomach safety. Do not use for more than 5 days without doctor advice. Not recommended for children under 12. Take the last dose at least 4–6 hours before sleep — pseudoephedrine can disturb sleep.
Is Arinac Forte safe for people with hypertension?
No. Pseudoephedrine can significantly raise blood pressure and increase heart rate. It should be completely avoided in hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, hyperthyroid, glaucoma, and prostate enlargement. It also reduces the effectiveness of blood pressure medications. Plain Brufen + saline nasal spray is a safer alternative for these patients.
What are the side effects of Arinac Forte?
From ibuprofen: upset stomach, acidity, stomach ulcer (long-term). From pseudoephedrine: anxiety, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, rapid heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, dry mouth, dizziness. To reduce risks: take after food, drink plenty of water, avoid at night, and finish use within 5 days.
Is Arinac Forte safe during pregnancy?
Absolutely not. Ibuprofen causes fetal heart and kidney issues in the 3rd trimester; pseudoephedrine reduces placental blood flow and carries a risk of birth defects. Also avoid during breastfeeding — it reduces milk supply and can cause restlessness in the baby. Plain paracetamol (Panadol) + saline nasal spray are the safe options during pregnancy.
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