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 other purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen and caffeine?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or caffeine.
Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three
alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able
to use acetaminophen.
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 need a dose adjustment
or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However,
do not take this medication without your doctor's advice if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant during treatment.
Acetaminophen and caffeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do
not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take acetaminophen and caffeine?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not use more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen
can cause serious harm. The maximum amount for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams
(4000 mg) per day. Using more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. If you drink more
than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen and never use
more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
The orally disintegrating tablet (
Excedrin QuickTabs
) should be placed
directly on the tongue. Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without
chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help
swallow the dissolved tablet.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, especially if you still have a fever after 3
days of using this medication, or pain after 10 days of use. Stop taking acetaminophen and caffeine and
call your doctor at any time if your symptoms get worse.
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.
Store acetaminophen and caffeine at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose of acetaminophen and caffeine?
Since acetaminophen and caffeine is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If
you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost
time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about acetaminophen and caffeine?
Your pharmacist has information about acetaminophen and caffeine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen and caffeine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using acetaminophen and caffeine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious
side effect such as:
-
low fever with nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite;
-
dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
-
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may include:
-
sleep problems (insomnia); or
-
feeling nervous, irritable, or jittery.
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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen and caffeine?
Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three
alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able
to use acetaminophen.
Do not use more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen
can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per
dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver.
If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking
acetaminophen and never use more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.
Do not use diet pills, stimulants, or any other cold, allergy, pain, migraine, or sleep
medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as
"APAP") and caffeine are contained in many combination medicines. If you use certain products
together you may accidentally use too much acetaminophen or caffeine. Read the label of any other
medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen, APAP, or caffeine.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking
acetaminophen.
What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen and caffeine?
Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking
acetaminophen.
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.
Do not use diet pills, stimulants, or any other cold, allergy, pain, migraine, or sleep
medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as
"APAP") and caffeine are contained in many combination medicines. If you use certain products
together you may accidentally use too much acetaminophen or caffeine. Read the label of any other
medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen, APAP, or caffeine.
What other drugs will affect acetaminophen and caffeine?
There may be other drugs that can interact with acetaminophen and caffeine. Tell your doctor
about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and
drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of acetaminophen and caffeine?