Excedrin

Purpose of Excedrin

Excedrin (generic: acetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine) is an over-the-counter medication used to temporarily treat minor aches and pains due to:

  • headache/migraine
  • cold and flu symptoms
  • arthritis
  • muscle aches
  • sinusitis
  • toothache
  • premenstrual and menstrual cramps
    • water-weight gain
    • bloating
    • swelling
    • full feeling
    • fatigue

Active Ingredients

Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets, Excedrin Extra Strength Geltabs, Excedrin Menstrual Complete, Excedrin Migraine, Excedrin Migraine Geltabs acetaminophen 250 mg, aspirin 250 mg, and caffeine 65 mg

Inactive Ingredients

Excedrin Extra Strength:

Benzoic acid, carnauba wax, FD&C blue #1, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, light mineral oil, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 20, povidone, propylene glycol, simethicone emulsion, sorbitan monolaurate, stearic acid, titanium dioxide

Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets:

Carnauba wax, crospovidone, FD&C blue #1 aluminum lake, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, saccharin sodium, stearic acid, titanium dioxide

Excedrin Extra Strength Geltabs:

Benzoic acid, D&C yellow #10 lake, disodium EDTA, FD&C blue #1 lake, FD&C red #40 lake, ferric oxide, gelatin, glycerin, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, light mineral oil, maltitol solution, microcrystalline cellulose, pepsin, polysorbate 20, povidone, propylene glycol, propyl gallate, simethicone emulsion, sorbitan monolaurate, stearic acid, titanium dioxide

Excedrin Menstrual Complete:

Benzoic acid, D&C red # 28, D&C yellow #10, FD&C green #3, gelatin, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, light mineral oil, microcrystalline cellulose, pepsin, polysorbate 20, povidone, propylene glycol, simethicone emulsion, sorbitan monolaurate, stearic acid, titanium dioxide

Excedrin Migraine:

Benzoic acid, carnauba wax, FD&C blue #1, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, light mineral oil, microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 20, povidone, propylene glycol, simethicone emulsion, sorbitan monolaurate, stearic acid, titanium dioxide

Excedrin Migraine Geltabs:

Benzoic acid, D&C yellow #10 lake, disodium EDTA, FD&C blue #1 lake, FD&C red #40 lake, ferric oxide, gelatin, glycerin hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, light mineral oil, maltitol solution, microcrystalline cellulose, pepsin, polysorbate 20, povidone, propylene glycol, propyl gallate, simethicone emulsion, sorbitan monolaurate, stearic acid, titanium dioxide

 

Excedrin FDA Warning

Reye’s syndrome: Children and teenagers shouldn't take Excedrin if they are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms.  When using this product, if changes in behavior occur along with nausea or vomiting, consult a physician.  These symptoms could be an early sign of a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.

Allergy alert: Aspirin may cause a severe allergic reaction which may include:
  • hives
  • facial swelling
  • asthma (wheezing)
  • shock
 
Liver warning: This product contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if you take:
  • the maximum daily amount of Excedrin
  • with other drugs containing acetaminophen
  • 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product
 
Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which may cause stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you:
  • are older than 60 years of age
  • have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
  • take a blood thinner(anticoagulant) or steroid medication
  • take other NSAID medications
  • drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks a day
  • fail to take the medication as directed
 
Caffeine warning: The recommended dose of this product contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Limit the use of caffeine-containing medications, foods, or beverages while taking this product because too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and, occasionally, rapid heart beat.

Serious skin reaction

  • Symptoms may include skin reddening, rash, blisters, and the upper surface of the skin may become separated from the lower layers.
  • This can occur even if you have taken acetaminophen (Tylenol) in the past without any problems.
  • If you develop any skin rash or reaction while using a medicine containing acetaminophen (Tylenol), stop the medicine and seek medical attention immediately. A health care professional will evaluate you to determine if you are experiencing a serious skin reaction. 
  • If you have had a serious skin reaction with acetaminophen, do not take it or any products containing acetaminophen (Tylenol) again. Doing so could cause you to have another serious skin reaction.
  • Talk to your health care professional if you have any questions or concerns about acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other pain relievers/fever reducers.
 
Do not use:
  • if you are allergic to any ingredient in Excedrin
  • if you are taking any medication containing acetaminophen, if you are unsure ask your doctor or pharmacist
 
Ask your doctor before use if:
  • you have liver disease, kidney disease, history of stomach bleeding/ulcers, any stomach problem including heartburn, high blood pressure, heart disease or asthma
  • you are taking a diuretic
  • you are taking any other drug containing an NSAID (prescription or nonprescription)
  • you are taking a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
  • you are taking a prescription drug for diabetes, gout, or arthritis
  • you are taking any other drug, or are under a doctor’s care for any serious condition

For Excedrin Migraine, ask your doctor if:

  • you have never had migraines diagnosed by a health professional
  • you have a headache that is different from your usual migraines
  • you have the worst headache of your life
  • you have fever and stiff neck
  • you have headaches beginning after or caused by head injury, exertion, coughing or bending
  • you experienced your first headache after the age of 50
  • you have daily headaches
  • you have a migraine so severe as to require bed rest
  • you have liver disease
  • stomach bleeding warning applies to you
  • you have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn
  • you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease
  • you are taking a diuretic
  • you have asthma
  • you have problems or serious side effects from taking pain relievers or fever reducers
  • you have vomiting with your migraine headache
 
Stop use and ask doctor if:
  • an allergic reaction occurs. Seek medical help right away.
  • you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding
    • feel faint
    • vomit blood
    • have bloody or black stools
    • have stomach pain that does not get better
  • ringing in the ears or loss of hearing occurs
  • painful area is red or swollen
  • your pain lasts for more than 10 days
  • you have a fever for more than 3 days
  • any new symptoms appear
 
If pregnant or breastfeeding ask a healthcare professional before using Excedrin.
 
Keep out of reach of children.
In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222). Quick medical attention is critical for adults as well as for children even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.

Directions

Excedrin Extra Strength:

  • Do not use more than directed.
  • Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
  • For adults and children 12 years and over, take 2 tablets every 6 hours and not more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets:

  • Do not use more than directed.
  • Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
  • For adults and children 12 years and over, take 2 caplets every 6 hours and not more than 8 caplets in 24 hours.

Excedrin Extra Strength Geltabs:

  • Do not use more than directed.
  • Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
  • For adults and children 12 years and over, take 2 geltabs every 6 hours and not more than 8 geltabs in 24 hours.

Excedrin Menstrual Complete:

  • Do not use more than directed.
  • Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
  • For adults and children 12 years and over, take 2 gelcaps every 4-6 hours and not more than 8 gelcaps in 24 hours.

Excedrin Migraine:

  • Do not use more than directed.
  • For adults, and take 2 tablets with a glass of water.
  • If symptoms persist or worsen, ask your doctor.
  • Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor.
  • Under 18 years of age, ask a doctor.

Excedrin Migraine Geltabs:

  • Do not use more than directed.
  • For adults, take 2 geltabs with a glass of water.
  • If symptoms persist or worsen, ask your doctor.
  • Do not take more than 2 geltabs in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor.
  • Under 18 years of age, ask a doctor.

Pediatric Use

Excedrin Extra Strength:

  • Do not use more than directed.
  • Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
  • For children under 12 years, ask a doctor.

Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets:

  • Do not use more than directed.
  • Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
  • For children under 12 years, ask a doctor.

Excedrin Extra Strength Geltabs:

  • Do not use more than directed.
  • Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
  • For children under 12 years, ask a doctor.

Excedrin Menstrual Complete:

  • Do not use more than directed.
  • Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
  • For children under 12 years, ask a doctor.

Excedrin Migraine:

  • Do not use more than directed.
  • If symptoms persist or worsen, ask your doctor.
  • Under 18 years of age, ask a doctor.

Excedrin Migraine Geltabs:

  • Do not use more than directed.
  • If symptoms persist or worsen, ask your doctor.
  • Under 18 years of age, ask a doctor.

Other Information About Excedrin

  • Store at controlled room temperature between 20°-25°C (68°-77°F).
  • Read all product information before using, and keep the product package for important information.