acetaminophen and caffeine Health Article

What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen and caffeine?

Do not drink alcohol during treatment with acetaminophen and caffeine. Together, alcohol and acetaminophen can be damaging to the liver. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen and caffeine.

Be aware of the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter and prescription products. Care should be taken to avoid taking more than the recommended amount of acetaminophen per dose or per day.

What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen and caffeine?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking acetaminophen and caffeine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or

• blood problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising).

These side effects are very rare and are not likely to occur with the proper use of acetaminophen and caffeine. If you experience any unusual side effects, stop taking this medicine and seek the advice of your doctor.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect acetaminophen and caffeine?

Be aware of the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter and prescription products. Care should be taken to avoid taking more than the recommended amount of acetaminophen per dose or per day.

Acetaminophen may cause false urine glucose test results. Talk to your doctor if you have diabetes and you notice changes in glucose test results while taking acetaminophen and caffeine.

Medicines other than those listed here may also interact with acetaminophen and caffeine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about acetaminophen and caffeine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Acetaminophen and caffeine is available over-the-counter under the brand name Excedrin. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.