Pronunciation: a see tah MIH no fen and CAH feen
Generic: acetaminophen-caffeine
Brand: Excedrin Quick Tab Peppermint,
Excedrin Quick Tab Spearmint,
Excedrin Tension Headache.
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.
Together, acetaminophen and caffeine are used to treat pain from conditions such as headache,
muscle aches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds and fevers.
Acetaminophen and caffeine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
How should I take acetaminophen and caffeine?
Take acetaminophen 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 regular oral dose with a full glass of water.
The Excedrin QuickTabs can be swallowed with or without water. For best taste, the tablets
should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve fully, without chewing.
Do not take more acetaminophen and caffeine than is directed. Too much acetaminophen
may be harmful to the liver. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your
doctor before taking acetaminophen and caffeine, the recommended maximum doses may be lower.
Use acetaminophen and caffeine for up to 3 days for fever or up to 10 days for pain. If your
symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, stop using acetaminophen and caffeine and contact
your doctor.
Store acetaminophen and caffeine at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
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.
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 happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of an acetaminophen and caffeine overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
abdominal pain, sweating, seizures, confusion, and an irregular heartbeat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, take the next dose 4 to 6 hours later. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen
and caffeine?
Use acetaminophen and caffeine for up to 3 days for fever or up to 10 days for pain. If your
symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, stop using acetaminophen and caffeine and contact
your doctor.
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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
acetaminophen and caffeine?
Do not take acetaminophen 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 and caffeine or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring.
Before taking acetaminophen and caffeine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver
disease. You may not be able to take acetaminophen and caffeine, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of these conditions.
Acetaminophen and caffeine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not
expected to be harmful to unborn baby. Do not, however, take this medication without first talking to
your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
Acetaminophen and caffeine passes into breast milk. It appears to be safe for use during
breast-feeding, but should be avoided if possible. Talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen and
caffeine if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is
accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be
time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the
United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend
therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners
in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for,
the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or
appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare
administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover
all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have
questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
