Login or Register

Acetaminophen, Aspirin and Caffeine

Apr 17, 2011 | By Allison Adams

Taking a drug that combines acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine provides help in the temporary relief of tension headaches, mild migraine headaches, toothaches, nasal congestion, muscle aches and menstrual cramps. Although this drug combination does have aspirin as one of its main ingredients, the combination is not considered a true nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. Many over-the-counter medications use this combination of drugs. However, it is important not to surpass the daily recommended does of any of the individual ingredients.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer that has both analgesic and antipyretic properties. The drug works by changing the way your body senses pain while cooling your body. Commonly known as Tylenol, acetaminophen is the generic name for the drug. Acetaminophen can damage your liver if you take more than the recommended dose. The maximum recommended dose for adults is 4 g or 4000 mg per day. Additionally, if you have any existing liver damage or consume excessive quantities of alcohol, you should speak with a medical professional before taking this drug.

Aspirin

Aspirin is a drug that reduces pain, inflammation and fever. Aspirin is included in a family of drugs called salicylates. Salicylic acid is the main ingredient in aspirin. The drug is now used as daily therapy for the prevention of heart attacks. Aspirin can reduce the coagulation of your blood, making it potentially dangerous if you have certain blood conditions or disorders. If you have any blood conditions, you should speak with a medical professional before taking aspirin.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a drug that increases blood flow in your body by relaxing muscle contraction in your blood vessels. Caffeine also stimulates the central nervous system. As such, many medications use caffeine as a cardiac stimulant. As a stimulant, caffeine has addictive properties. Your body will gradually build a tolerance to this drug and require higher does to achieve the same stimulant effect.

Approval and Side Effects

The Food And Drug Administration approved Excedrin as an over-the-counter medication for the treatment of migraines. The primary active ingredients in Excedrin are acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine. Several generic forms of Excedrin with the same active ingredients are also available on the market. Before taking Excedrin or a generic form of Excedrin, you should understand the side effects of this drug. In addition to the individual side effects of the active ingredients, when combined, the new drug has some additional side effects. These additional side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, stomach irritation and liver damage. If you consume any alcohol, you should stop taking this medication. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of any other NSAIDs you currently take to avoid adverse interactions with this drug.

References

Article reviewed by Danielle Last updated on: Apr 17, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments