Aspirin Free Excedrin®

Generic Drug
Acetaminophen, Caffeine

Dosage Forms (Bristol-Myers Squibb)

Caplet, Geltab: acetaminophen 500mg, caffeine 65mg

Adult Dosing Guidelines

  • 2 caplets every 6 hours while symptoms persist, not to exceed 8 caplets in 24 hours, or as directed by a doctor.

Pediatric Dosing Guidelines

  • Consult a doctor. (This product will provide more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen for children under 12 and could cause serious health problems.)

Triage Questions About Treatment or Related Issues

  • How long have you been ill? How high is your fever?
  • Have you ever had asthma or a breathing problem? Is any part of your body
    red or swollen?
  • What prescription and non-prescription drugs are you taking?
  • How much caffeine do you consume each day? (Note: Caffeine interacts with some medications such as fluoroquinolones. Discuss current medications with pharmacist.)
  • Are you pregnant?

General Information

MOA: Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating your body's overall pain threshold. It lowers your fever by helping your body eliminate excess heat. Caffeine may have direct actions on the extracranial vasculature in the treatment of migraines. It also appears to produce an analgesic effect in headaches of nonvascular origin. [Note: Caffeine synergizes aspirin or aspirin-APAP combinations but does not do so with APAP alone.] Do not use for fever for more than 3 days unless directed by a doctor. As with any drug, if you are pregnant or nursing a baby, seek the advise of a health care professional before using this product. [Note: Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength contain APAP, caffeine, and
aspirin.]

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
Caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and occasionally, rapid heart beat. There are few side effects overall when taken as directed for short periods (days to weeks). Overdoses can be toxic to the liver.

Natural Products or Nutritional Interactions

The recommended dose of this product contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Limit the use of caffeine-containing medications, foods, and beverages while taking this product. Caffeine consumed with a meal or within 1 hour after a meal significantly inhibits
the absorption of dietary fiber.