acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine Health Article

How should I take acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine?

Take acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the instructions on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each tablet or capsule with a full glass of water to ensure adequate swallowing of the medication. Do not take more acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine than is directed. Too much acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine may be harmful.

If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, stop using acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine and contact your doctor.

Due to the caffeine in this product, taking acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine before bed may result in difficulty sleeping.

Store acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of an acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating, seizures, confusion, and an irregular heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine?

Avoid taking other over-the-counter or prescription medications that contain aspirin; salicylates (forms of aspirin) such as magnesium and/or choline salicylate (Magan, Doan's, Bayer Select Backache Pain Formula, Mobidin, Arthropan, Trilisate, Tricosal) and salsalate (Disalcid); and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, others), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), and others. Combined with aspirin, these medicines can be dangerous.

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

Read the labels on other prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are taking to determine the amount of acetaminophen, aspirin, or caffeine they contain. Do not take more than one product that contains acetaminophen or aspirin in the same day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

This product contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Limit the use of caffeine-containing beverages, foods, and medications while taking this product. Too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and a rapid heartbeat.

Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking aspirin, especially if you need to undergo a surgical procedure. Aspirin may prolong bleeding.

What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking acetaminophen, aspirin, 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).

• black, bloody, or tarry stools;

• nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain;

• uncontrolled fever;

• blood in the urine or vomit;

• decreased hearing or ringing in the ears;

• seizures; or

• dizziness, confusion, or hallucinations.

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

If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, notify your doctor:

• heartburn or indigestion; or

• nervousness, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping.

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.