acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene Health Article

Generic name(s):

acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene

Brand name(s):

APAP/caffeine/isometheptene mucate, MigraTen

What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene?

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol taken during therapy with acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene can be very damaging to your liver. Never take more acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene than is prescribed for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

Avoid other over-the-counter and prescription products that contain acetaminophen. Too much acetaminophen could be dangerous. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter preparations.

What is acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.

Isometheptene and caffeine cause constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (arteries and veins). This is important in the treatment of headaches.

The combination, acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene, is used to treat tension (or muscle contraction) and vascular (migraine) headaches.

Acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene?

Do not take acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease. You may not be able to take acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene, or you may require a lower dose. Do not take acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• kidney or liver disease;

• glaucoma;

• high blood pressure or heart disease; or

• poor circulation.

You may not be able to take acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene will harm a breast-feeding baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene?

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

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Never take more acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene than is prescribed for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

Do not share this medication with anyone else.

Store this medication at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and the reach of children.

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. Wait the prescribed amount of time before taking your next dose.

If you are taking acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene on an as-needed basis, missing a dose is not usually a problem. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember and do not take another dose for the amount of time prescribed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

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

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol taken during therapy with acetaminophen, caffeine, and isometheptene can be very damaging to your liver.

Avoid other over-the-counter and prescription products that contain acetaminophen. Too much acetaminophen could be dangerous. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter preparations.