aspirin/caffeine (Anacin Maximum Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Back and Body Pain, Bayer AM, Bayer Headache Relief, BC Powder, BC Powder Arthritis Strength, Blowfish, Alka-Seltzer Wake-Up Call Effervescent, Anacin, P-A-C, Painaid ESF Extra-Strength Formula Tablets, Summit Extra Strength Caplets)

Dosing and uses of Anacin Maximum Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Back and Body Pain (aspirin/caffeine)

• Adult
• Pediatric

 

Adult dosage forms and strengths

asprin/caffeine

tablet

• 250mg/65mg
• 400mg/32mg
• 500mg/32mg
• 500mg/32.5mg

caplet

• 250mg/65mg

tablet, effervescent

• 500mg/65mg

powder

• 845mg/65mg
• 1000mg/65mg

quick release crystals

• 850mg/65mg

 

Analgesia

1-2 tablets/caplet/powders PO q4-6hr PRn

Products vary, check specific labeling for each

 

Hangover

The brand Blowfish is indicated for temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with a hangover, helps restore mental alertness or wakefulness when fatigue or drowsiness is associated with a hangover (also indicated for headaches and other mild analgesic needs)

Blowfish: Dissolve 1,000 mg/120 mg (2 effervescent tabs) in 16 oz of water and drink q6hr prn; not to exceed 8 tablets/24 hr

Each effervescent tablet of Blowfish contains 500 mg of aspirin and 60 mg of caffeine

≥60 years: Dissolve 2 effervescent tabs in 16 oz of water and drink contents, may repeat dose after 6 hr; not to exceed 4 tabs/24 hr

 

Pediatric dosage forms and strengths

Safety and efficacy not established

 

Anacin Maximum Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Back and Body Pain (aspirin/caffeine) adverse (side) effects

Frequency not defined

Aspirin

• Dyspepsia
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Tinnitus (high or chronic dose)
• Rash

Caffeine

• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Angina
• Chest pain
• Sinus tachycardia
• Vasodilation
• Urticaria
• Psychosis
• Decreased tone of esophageal sphincter
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Tremor
• Tinnitus
• Nausea
• Vomiting

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Asthma, rhinitis, nasal polyps, viral infections in children <16 years

 

Cautions

Gastrointestinal bleeding; particular caution in patients with history of GI bleed, alcoholism, or bleeding disorders

Avoid with active peptic ulcer disease

Avoid in severe renal impairment (ie, CrCl <10 mL/min)

Avoid in severe hepatic impairment

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: D; avoid during pregnancy, particularly in third trimester because of risk for premature closure of the ductus arteriosus

Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; do not breast feed

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of Anacin Maximum Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Back and Body Pain (aspirin/caffeine)

Mechanism of action

Aspirin: Acts on hypothalamus to produce antipyresis; anti-inflammatory properties attributed to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition resulting in decreased formation of thromboxane A2

Caffeine: Vasoconstrictive properties may be helpful when treating vascular headaches