Arinac Forte Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan (2026)
Arinac Forte (Ibuprofen 400 mg + Pseudoephedrine 60 mg) is Pakistan's most-asked cold-and-flu combo. This guide covers uses, adult dose, side effects, who must avoid it, and the 2026 DRAP price, backed by DRAP, BNF and FDA references.
Table of Contents
- What is Arinac Forte? Ibuprofen + Pseudoephedrine Explained
- Arinac Forte Dosage for Adults
- Side Effects of Arinac Forte
- Arinac Forte vs Panadol CF vs Brufen: Which Should You Pick?
- Arinac Forte Price in Pakistan (2026) and Alternatives
- Related medicines & tools
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I take Arinac Forte for a headache only?
- Is Arinac Forte safe in pregnancy?
- Can Arinac Forte raise blood pressure?
- How many Arinac Forte tablets in a day are safe?
- Does Arinac Forte make you drowsy?
- Can I drink tea or coffee with Arinac Forte?
- How long should I take Arinac Forte?
- Can I take Arinac Forte with antibiotics?
- Is Arinac Forte the same as Arinac Plus?
Quick Answer
Arinac Forte is a Pakistani combination tablet containing Ibuprofen 400 mg (a pain-relieving anti-inflammatory) and Pseudoephedrine 60 mg (a nasal decongestant). It treats cold, flu, sinus congestion, body aches and mild fever in adults. Standard dose is 1 tablet every 8 hours after food, maximum 3 tablets in 24 hours, for up to 5 days. It is not safe in uncontrolled hypertension, heart disease, severe asthma, pregnancy, or for children under 12.
Arinac Forte is one of the most-prescribed combination tablets in Pakistani pharmacies because winter colds and the smog season leave most adults dealing with a blocked nose plus a throbbing forehead at the same time. The single tablet attacks both problems, but the same combination is responsible for raised blood pressure, palpitations, and stomach upset when people self-medicate without reading the label.
When Arinac Forte Actually Helps
Reach for it only when two or more of these symptoms hit together
What is Arinac Forte? Ibuprofen + Pseudoephedrine Explained
Arinac Forte is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories Pakistan and is registered with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). Each film-coated tablet contains two active ingredients working together. Ibuprofen 400 mg is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that blocks COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing the prostaglandins responsible for pain, fever, and inflammation. Pseudoephedrine HCl 60 mg is a sympathomimetic decongestant that tightens the swollen blood vessels inside your nasal lining so you can breathe through your nose again.
The plain version (Arinac) contains half the dose, Ibuprofen 200 mg + Pseudoephedrine 30 mg, and is meant for milder symptoms. The Forte strength acts faster and lasts longer, but carries a proportionally higher risk of side effects, particularly BP rise and stomach upset.
Arinac Forte Dosage for Adults
Stick to these limits to avoid side effects without sacrificing relief:
- Adults and adolescents (12 years and above): 1 tablet every 8 hours after food.
- Maximum: 3 tablets in any 24-hour period.
- Duration: 3 to 5 days. Do not extend beyond 7 days without medical advice.
- Children under 12: not recommended, use a paediatric paracetamol or ibuprofen syrup dosed by weight.
- Elderly (over 65): start with 1 tablet every 12 hours; pseudoephedrine raises BP more in this group.
Take with food, never empty stomach
Ibuprofen on an empty stomach is the single most common cause of gastritis and ulcers in Pakistani users. Always swallow Arinac Forte with a full glass of water after a meal or at least a substantial snack, chapati, biscuit, banana, or a few dates work fine.
Side Effects of Arinac Forte
Most adults tolerate a 3-day course well, but the combination carries the risks of both ingredients. Common, usually mild side effects include stomach upset and mild heartburn (from ibuprofen), dry mouth, difficulty falling asleep, neend nahi aati, if a dose is taken after 6 pm, mild jitteriness or fast heart-rate sensation, and a rebound headache around day 4–5 of continuous use.
Serious side effects require stopping the tablet and contacting a doctor: sharp upper abdominal pain, black tarry stools, or coffee-ground vomit (GI bleeding from ibuprofen); a sudden BP spike, chest tightness, or palpitations (pseudoephedrine effect, especially dangerous with heart disease); reduced urine output or swollen ankles after 3+ days (kidney stress from the NSAID); rash, swollen lips or breathing difficulty (allergic reaction, an emergency); and worsening asthma or wheeze.
Arinac Forte vs Panadol CF vs Brufen: Which Should You Pick?
| Symptom profile | Recommended choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Headache only, no congestion | Paracetamol (Panadol) or plain Ibuprofen | Safer, no BP rise |
| Mild cold + body aches | Arinac (200/30 mg) | Lower decongestant load |
| Heavy cold + sinus + body aches | Arinac Forte (400/60 mg) | Strongest combo for adults |
| Cold + cough | Panadol CF + separate cough syrup | Arinac doesn't treat cough |
| Pregnancy (any trimester) | Avoid Arinac/Forte, use Panadol | NSAIDs and decongestants restricted |
| Hypertensive patient | Paracetamol + saline nasal spray | Pseudoephedrine raises BP |
Who must NOT take Arinac Forte
Avoid completely if: pregnant or breastfeeding; active stomach ulcer or history of GI bleeding; uncontrolled hypertension (above 140/90); coronary artery disease, recent heart attack or stroke; severe kidney or liver disease; severe asthma or aspirin-induced asthma; hyperthyroidism; currently taking MAO inhibitors (some antidepressants) or have taken one in the last 14 days; or under 12 years old.
Arinac Forte Price in Pakistan (2026) and Alternatives
As of 2026, Arinac Forte 400/60 mg retails at approximately Rs. 320–380 per strip of 10 tablets at major Pakistani pharmacies (Servaid, D-Watson, Tameer-e-Millat, Clinix). Prices vary by city and DRAP-approved markup. Online platforms like dawaai.pk and emeds.pk often offer a 5–10% discount. Brand alternatives with the same Ibuprofen + Pseudoephedrine combination include Brufen Cold, Profen Cold, and Decofen, all at similar or slightly lower prices. The MRP is set by DRAP under the Drug Pricing Policy 2018; any pharmacy charging more than 15% above MRP is over-billing.
Related medicines & tools
Medicine Reference
Brufen Tablet (Ibuprofen)
Single-ingredient ibuprofen, no decongestant, lower BP risk.
View encyclopedia entryMedicine Reference
Panadol CF
Paracetamol-based cold-and-flu combo, gentler alternative if you have hypertension.
View encyclopedia entryMedicine Reference
Disprin
Aspirin-based, avoid combining with Arinac due to GI bleeding risk.
View encyclopedia entryFor weight-based dosing of paediatric alternatives, see the Paediatric Dose Calculator. Compare painkillers in the Paracetamol vs Ibuprofen guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Arinac Forte for a headache only?
A plain headache without nasal congestion does not need the pseudoephedrine in Arinac Forte. Paracetamol 500 mg or plain Ibuprofen 400 mg is safer because it avoids the BP-raising decongestant. Use Arinac Forte only when headache and a blocked nose are present together.
Is Arinac Forte safe in pregnancy?
No. Both ingredients are restricted. Ibuprofen can cause foetal heart defects in the first trimester and premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the third. Pseudoephedrine has been linked to gastroschisis in some studies. Paracetamol is the only widely accepted choice for pregnant women in Pakistan.
Can Arinac Forte raise blood pressure?
Yes. Pseudoephedrine narrows blood vessels and can raise systolic BP by 5–15 mmHg in healthy adults, and much more in hypertensive patients. If you are hypertensive, choose paracetamol-based remedies and use a saline nasal spray instead.
How many Arinac Forte tablets in a day are safe?
The maximum is 3 tablets in 24 hours, taken 8 hours apart. Exceeding this dose increases the risk of GI bleeding, kidney injury, and dangerous BP spikes, without giving extra symptom relief.
Does Arinac Forte make you drowsy?
No, the opposite. Pseudoephedrine is a stimulant and often causes mild restlessness or trouble sleeping if a dose is taken in the evening. Take your last dose before 5 pm if possible.
Can I drink tea or coffee with Arinac Forte?
You can, but moderate it. Pseudoephedrine is itself mildly stimulating, and stacking adrak ki chai with multiple cups of coffee or strong green tea can worsen palpitations, anxiety, and insomnia. Avoid energy drinks entirely during the course.
How long should I take Arinac Forte?
3 to 5 days is the standard. If symptoms have not improved after 5 days or have worsened with high fever and yellow-green nasal discharge, see a doctor, you may have bacterial sinusitis needing antibiotics, not more Arinac.
Can I take Arinac Forte with antibiotics?
Yes, generally. Arinac Forte does not interact significantly with most antibiotics (amoxicillin, azithromycin, cefixime). However, do not combine it with another NSAID like Brufen, Disprin, or Ponstan, that triples the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
Is Arinac Forte the same as Arinac Plus?
No. Arinac is the 200/30 mg version, Arinac Forte is the 400/60 mg version, and Arinac Plus (where marketed) typically adds an antihistamine. Always check the box and active ingredients before swallowing.
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Medical disclaimer
Ye article sirf educational maqsad ke liye hai. Personal diagnosis, dosing, aur treatment decision ke liye doctor se mashwara karein.
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