Acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine

Generic name: acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine [ ah-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen, ASP-i-rin, and-KAF-een ]
Brand names: Anacin Advanced Headache Formula, Arthriten, Backaid IPF, Goodys Extra Strength, Goody's Headache Powders, ... show all 24 brands Pain Reliever Plus, Excedrin, Genace, Excedrin Geltab, Supac, Excedrin Migraine, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Extra Strength Geltab, Excedrin Migraine Geltab, Excedrin Express, Excedrin Menstrual Express, Pamprin Max, Bayer Migraine Formula, Uricalm Intensive, Vanquish Headache Relief, BC Max Strength Fast Pain Relief, Goody's Cool Orange, Goody's Mixed Fruit Blast, Excedrin Migraine Relief
Dosage form: oral tablet (194 mg-227 mg-33 mg; 250 mg-250 mg-65 mg)
Drug class: Analgesic combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 19, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. Aspirin is a salicylate (sa-LIS-il-ATE). Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant.

Acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine is a combination medicine used to treat pain caused by tension headaches, migraine headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, toothaches, the common cold, or nasal congestion.

Do not use aspirin for heart or blood vessel conditions unless your doctor tells you to.

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

acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have 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 this medicine 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.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe anxiety, agitation, confusion, panic;

• easy bruising or bleeding;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;

• symptoms of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• high potassium--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; or

• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine may include:

• upset stomach, heartburn;

• depressed mood, feeling anxious or restless; or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children.

Do not take more than the recommended dose. An acetaminophen overdose can damage your liver or cause death.

Call your doctor at once if you have: nausea, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, clay-colored stools, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

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

Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, caffeine, or any NSAIDs (diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, meloxicam, naproxen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and others).

Aspirin may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are taking this medicine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• liver disease, cirrhosis, a history of alcoholism, or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day;

• asthma or seasonal allergies;

• fever with a stiff neck;

• stomach ulcer, stomach or intestinal bleeding, ulcerative colitis;

• bleeding problems;

• kidney disease; or

• if you use medicine to treat glaucoma or prevent blood clots.

If you take acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine to treat headache pain, seek medical attention if you have:

• a headache so bad you have to lie down;

• a headache that causes vomiting;

• what feels like the worst headache you've ever had;

• a headache that seems different from your usual headaches;

• a headache every day;

• a headache after coughing, bending, exercising, or head injury;

• if you have never had migraines diagnosed by a doctor; or

• if you are having your first headache after age 50.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Taking aspirin during late pregnancy may cause bleeding in the mother or the baby during delivery. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years old without medical advice.

How should I take acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Never use more than the recommended dose. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death.

Take with food or milk if the medicine upsets your stomach.

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.

Overuse of migraine headache medicine (more than 10 days per month) can make headaches worse. Tell your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine.

If you need surgery, dental work, or a medical procedure, you may need to stop taking this medicine for a short time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Analgesic/Antipyretic:

2 tablets orally every 6 hours
Maximum dose: 8 tablets in 24 hours

Each tablet contains: acetaminophen 250 mg/aspirin 250 mg/caffeine 65 mg

Comments:
-This combination drug should not be taken with any other drug containing acetaminophen.
-Patients should limit their caffeine use while taking this drug.

Uses: For the temporary relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, cold, arthritis, muscular aches, toothache, or premenstrual or menstrual cramps.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Analgesic/Antipyretic:

12 years or older:

2 tablets orally every 6 hours
Maximum dose: 8 tablets in 24 hours

Each tablet contains: acetaminophen 250 mg/aspirin 250 mg/caffeine 65 mg

Comments:
-Pediatric patients recovering from the chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product.
-This combination drug should not be taken with any other drug containing acetaminophen.
-Patients should limit their caffeine use while taking this drug.

Uses: For the temporary relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, cold, arthritis, muscular aches, toothache, or premenstrual or menstrual cramps.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

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.

Early signs of acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, sweating, or weakness. Later symptoms may include upper stomach pain, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Overdose symptoms may also include ringing in your ears, headache, diarrhea, hallucinations, fast or slow heart rate, or seizure (convulsions).

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

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage or stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to acetaminophen or aspirin (such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

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, aspirin, and caffeine?

Other drugs may affect acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines 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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