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)
Classes: Analgesics, Other Combos
- Dosing and uses of Anacin Maximum Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Back & Body Pain (aspirin/caffeine)
- Anacin Maximum Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Back & Body Pain (aspirin/caffeine) adverse (side) effects
- Warnings
- Pregnancy
- Pharmacology of Anacin Maximum Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Back & Body Pain (aspirin/caffeine)
Dosing and uses of Anacin Maximum Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Back and Body Pain (aspirin/caffeine)
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