Excedrin is an over-the-counter drug that acts to temporarily treat pain due to various causes. Manufactured by Novartis Consumer Health, Excedrin contains a combination of medications, and is available in several different strengths and products to target specific pain. Some serious side effects may occur while using the medication. Checking with a physician before taking Excedrin is important, especially for individuals with chronic health conditions, according to Drugs.com.
Types
Excedrin provides temporary pain relief from conditions such as muscle aches, migraines and arthritis. The medication may also help treat the pain associated with toothaches, nasal congestion and tension headaches. In addition to the regular Excedrin and Excedrin Extra Strength, Novartis also manufactures Excedrin Migraine, Excedrin Tension Headache, Excedrin Migraine, Excedrin Menstrual Complete, Excedrin Sinus Headache and Excedrin PM.
Ingredients
The ingredients in Excedrin products combine to block pain and reduce fever. The active ingredients include acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine. The amounts vary from product to product. Acetaminophen a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps block pain and reduce fever. Aspirin deceases inflammation, pain and fever. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and relaxes peripheral blood vessels in the body to help improve blood flow through the veins, according to Drugs.com. In contrast, caffeine can help constrict the blood vessels in the brain that dilate and cause pain during a migraine attack. Excedrin Sinus contains acetaminophen and the decongestant phenylephrine. Excedrin PM contains the active ingredients acetaminophen and diphenhydramine citrate to help aid in sleep.
Administration
Excedrin dosages vary depending on the specific product used. Following the dosage information on the packaging helps determine to proper amounts and intervals. Most Excedrin products allow two tablets every six hours without exceeding eight tablets in 24 hours, according to the drug packaging. The maximum amount of acetaminophen safe for individuals to take each day is 4,000mg, according to Drugs.com. Drinking a glass of milk or taking the medicine with a snack helps reduce possible stomach irritation.
Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with Excedrin include stomach distress, including pain, nausea and heartburn. These side effects may affect up to 83 percent of individuals taking Excedrin, according to Drugs.com. Excedrin may cause serious side effects such bleeding in the stomach or intestinal tract, nausea and vomiting, jaundice and ringing in the ears. These symptoms are more common in individuals with chronic health conditions. All serious or bothersome side effects need further medical evaluation by a physician.
Warning
Children under the age of 18 can develop a condition called Reye's syndrome after taking products containing aspirin to treat a fever or symptoms associated with the chicken pox or the flu. Reye's syndrome causes severe damage to the brain and liver. This condition can be fatal. Individuals with a bleeding ulcer in the gastrointestinal tract or liver disease need to consult a physician before using Excedrin. Aspirin can harm a fetus, so pregnant women should not take Excedrin products.
Considerations
Individuals who drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day may incur damage when processing Excedrin through the liver. People with asthma, allergies and heartburn need to use Excedrin only under a physician's supervision. Avoiding other medications and products containing the same active ingredients while taking Excedrin products helps decrease possible complications associated with an overdose.
