Acetaminophen and caffeine

Generic name: acetaminophen and caffeine [ a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen-and-KAF-een ]
Brand names: Excedrin Mild Headache, Excedrin Quick Tab Peppermint, Excedrin Quick Tab Spearmint, Excedrin Tension Headache, Excedrin Tension Headache Caplet, ... show all 9 brands Excedrin Tension Headache Express Gels, Excedrin Tension Headache Geltab, Valorin Extra, Excedrin Tension Headache Express
Dosage forms: oral tablet (325 mg-65 mg; 500 mg-65 mg), oral tablet, disintegrating (500 mg-65 mg)
Drug class: Analgesic combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 27, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is acetaminophen and caffeine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.

Caffeine is used in this product to increase the pain relieving effects of acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen and caffeine is a combination medicine used to treat many conditions such as headache or muscle pain.

Acetaminophen and caffeine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Acetaminophen and caffeine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal. This could occur even if you have taken acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking acetaminophen and caffeine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. If you have this type of reaction, you should never again take any medicine that contains acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen and caffeine may cause serious side effects. Stop using acetaminophen and caffeine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• low fever with nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite;

• dark urine, clay-colored stools; or

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of acetaminophen and caffeine may include:

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• feeling nervous, irritable, or jittery.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death. Call your doctor at once if you have nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP) is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen which can lead to a fatal overdose. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen or APAP.

In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take acetaminophen and caffeine if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take acetaminophen and caffeine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• liver disease or cirrhosis;

• stomach ulcer;

• a history of alcoholism; or

• if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take acetaminophen and caffeine without medical advice if you are pregnant.

Acetaminophen and caffeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take acetaminophen and caffeine?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death.

The orally disintegrating tablet (Excedrin QuickTabs) should be placed directly on the tongue. Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever lasting longer than 3 days, or any swelling or pain lasting longer than 10 days.

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.

Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

Related/similar drugs

acetaminophen, aspirin, prednisone, ibuprofen, tramadol, amoxicillin, duloxetine, cyclobenzaprine, amitriptyline, diclofenac

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since acetaminophen and caffeine is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death.

The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen and caffeine?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP) is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen which can lead to a fatal overdose. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen or APAP.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.

Avoid coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks or other sources of caffeine while taking this medication. They can add to the side effects of the caffeine in the medication.

What other drugs will affect acetaminophen and caffeine?

Other drugs may interact with acetaminophen and caffeine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

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.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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