Acetaminophen; Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine
Brand names: Ex-Pain®, Excedrin®, Excedrin® Extra Strength , Excedrin® Migraine, Genaced®, Goodys® Extra Strength, Goodys® Headache Powders, Headache Relief Extra Strength, Migraine Relief, Pain Off®, Supac®, Uni-Case®, Vanquish®
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Acetaminophen; Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine tablets, caplets, or geltabs (below)
- Acetaminophen; Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine powder
- Español:
- Tabletas, "caplets" (comprimidos de forma ovalada) o cápsulas de acetaminofeno; aspirina, AAS; cafeína
- Polvo de acetaminofeno; aspirina, AAS; cafeína
Acetaminophen; Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine tablets, caplets, or geltabs
What are acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine tablets, caplets, or geltabs?
ACETAMINOPHEN; ASPIRIN, ASA; CAFFEINE (Excedrin® Extra Strength, Excedrin® Migraine) is a combination product used to relieve mild to moderate pain caused by arthritis, colds, headache (including migraine), muscle aches, menstrual discomfort, sinusitis, and toothache. Generic acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine tablets, caplets, or geltabs are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• anemia
• anxiety
• asthma
• bleeding or clotting problems
• diabetes
• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• infection
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• nasal polyps
• panic disorder
• peptic ulcer disease
• skin problems
• sleeplessness
• stomach ulcers
• thyroid disease
• viral illness, such as the flu or chickenpox
• vitamin K deficiency
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine tablets, caplets, or geltabs by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water; take tablets or capsules in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets or capsules, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. If the medication upsets your stomach, you can take it with food or milk. Do not take more than 8 tablets, caplets, or geltabs a day. If taking for migraine headache, stop using if migraine headache worsens or continues for more than 48 hours.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine?
• alcohol
• antacids
• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen)
• blood thinners or other drugs which may affect bleeding
• cimetidine
• Ginkgo biloba
• grapefruit juice
• hormones such as prednisone or cortisone
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for diabetes that are taken by mouth
• medicines for seizures
• methotrexate
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines that stimulate or keep you awake
• probenecid
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine?
Check with your prescriber or health care professional if you are treating yourself for a pain that does not go away after 10 days; and for a fever that does not go away after 3 days or keeps coming back. Stop using if you experience new or unexpected symptoms, ringing in the ears, or loss of hearing.
Many non-prescription medicines contain acetaminophen and aspirin as an ingredient. To prevent accidental acetaminophen or aspirin overdose, read labels carefully and do not take more than one product that contains acetaminophen and/or aspirin. Report any possible overdose promptly to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible. The effects of excessive doses may not be obvious for several days.
If you have had surgery do not take acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine for 5 days, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to. The aspirin can interfere with your body's ability to stop bleeding.
If you are diabetic, acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine may alter your blood sugar levels. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
Acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine can irritate your stomach. Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes can make this irritation worse and may cause ulcers or bleeding problems. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for help to stop smoking or drinking. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine to prevent irritation to your throat. Alcohol can also increase possible damage to your liver.
If you are receiving cancer chemotherapy or other immunosuppression medicine, do not take acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine without checking with your prescriber or health care professional. Acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine may hide the signs of an infection such as fever or pain and increase your risk of bleeding.
Do not take acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.
When you are taking acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine, avoid food and drinks that contain additional caffeine.
Do not take acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine with other non-prescription medicines, especially cold and allergy medicines, without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Do not take acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine with grapefruit juice, this can increase the effects of caffeine.
What side effects may I notice from taking acetaminophen; aspirin, ASA; caffeine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• anxiety or panic reactions
• black, tarry stools
• confusion
• decrease in amount of urine passed
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• dizziness, drowsiness
• fast or irregular breathing or heartbeat (palpitations)
• fever or sore throat
• lightheadedness or fainting spells
• muscle twitching
• nausea, vomiting
• not willing to eat
• pain on swallowing
• ringing in the ears
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash or hives
• stomach cramps and pain
• trembling
• unusual bleeding or bruising, red or purple spots on the skin
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting up blood, or what looks like coffee grounds
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea
• frequent passing of urine
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• nervousness, restlessness
• stomach gas, heartburn, or mild upset stomach
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Do not share or give this medicine to anyone else.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
