Excedrin created the first analgesic specifically for headaches. Novartis Consumer Health notes that Excedrin manufactured the first pain reliever with a sleep medication in 1969. The Federal Drug Administration approved the first over-the-counter migraine medication in 1998 and the first non-prescription pain medication for tension headaches in 2003, both of which were developed by Excedrin.
Migraines
The Excedrin Migraine formula combines acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine for the treatment of vasoconstriction and dilation of blood vessels occurring in the brain. Migraines can develop from muscular dysfunction as well as hormonal, vascular or metabolic conditions. Some people experience visual disturbances known as auras, vertigo or dizziness, and others may have stomach pain instead of head pain. The Excedrin website claims that independent studies of 1,250 patients found that Excedrin Migraine relieved a variety of migraine symptoms. The caffeine component in this product is equivalent to one cup of coffee and is used as a stimulant to dilate the blood vessels affected in vascular migraines. Caffeine also assists the movement of the medication through the system.
Menstrual Symptoms
Excedrin is indicated for the treatment of menstrual symptoms including bloating, cramps, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue. The combination of aspirin--a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication--acetaminophen, which is commonly used for reducing fevers, and caffeine assist with symptom relief. Patients with menstrual pain may also experience water-weight gain and swelling symptoms addressed by Excedrin. The website Safe Medications, sponsored by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, notes that aspirin and acetaminophen are safe and commonly prescribed pain-relieving medications.
Sinus Congestion
The sinus cavity located behind the eyes, when inflamed or infected, can cause intense pain in the face, forehead and temples, as well as behind the eyes. A study in December 2006 issue of "The Laryngoscope" on the efficacy of pain-relief medications found that acetaminophen provided pain and symptom relief in patients who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery. Common sinus pain may result from allergy or infection, and the aspirin and acetaminophen combination in Excedrin is effective as a pain reliever and fever reducer.
Headache and Body Pain
Excedrin Tension Headache formula, known also as Excedrin Aspirin Free, combines acetaminophen and caffeine for muscle tension headaches that decrease blood flow to the brain. Headache pain is often on both sides of the head and can result from poor posture, stress and daily tension. Aspirin and acetaminophen have few of the side effects associated with prescribed pain medication. These Excedrin products are commonly used over-the-counter medications, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Extra-strength Excedrin includes additional amounts of aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine to relieve symptoms of back aches, muscle pain, muscle trauma, sprains and strains.
