Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine Oral powder Health Article

Generic name(s):

Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine Oral powder

Brand name(s):

Acetaminophen/Aspirin/Caffeine, Anacin Advanced Headache Formula, Excedrin, Excedrin Express Gels, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Extra Strength Geltab, Excedrin Geltab, Excedrin Migraine, Excedrin Migraine Geltab, Genace, Goodys Extra Strength, Goodys Headache Powders, Migraine Formula, Pain Reliever Added Strength, Pain Reliever Plus, Supac

What is this medicine?

ACETAMINOPHEN; ASPIRIN; CAFFEINE (a set a MEE noe fen; AS pir in; KAF een) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat mild aches and pains. This medicine may help with arthritis, colds, headache (including migraine), muscle aches, menstrual cramps, sinusitis, and toothache.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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 or panic attacks
• asthma
• bleeding problems
• child with chickenpox, the flu, or other viral infection
• diabetes
• gout
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• low level of vitamin K
• lupus
• smoke tobacco
• stomach ulcers or other problems
• trouble sleeping
• 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 use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Place one packet of powder on tongue and follow with plenty of liquid, or stir powder into a glass of water or other liquid. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

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 may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• methotrexate
• other medicines with acetaminophen
• probenecid

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol
• alendronate
• bismuth subsalicylate
• clozapine
• flavocoxid
• grapefruit juice
• herbal supplements like feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, horse chestnut
• isoniazid
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes or glaucoma like acetazolamide, methazolamide
• medicines for gout
• medicines that stimulate or keep you awake
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like enoxaparin, heparin, ticlopidine, warfarin
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• other aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• some cough and cold medicines like pseudoephedrine
• varicella live vaccine