acetaminophen/caffeine (Excedrin Tension Headache, Excedrin Aspirin Free, APAP-Plus)
Classes: Analgesics, Other Combos
Dosing and uses of Excedrin Tension Headache, Excedrin Aspirin Free (acetaminophen/caffeine)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
acetaminophen/caffeine
gel taB
- 500mg/65mg
tablet
- 500mg/65mg
caplet
- 500mg/65mg
Analgesia
1 capsule/tablet/geltab PO q4-6hr PRn
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
Safety & efficacy not established
Excedrin Tension Headache, Excedrin Aspirin Free (acetaminophen/caffeine) adverse (side) effects
Acetaminophen
Pruritic maculopapular rash
Urticaria
Laryngeal edema
Angioedema
Anaphylactoid reaction
Thrombocytopenia
Leukopenia
Pancytopenia
Neutropenia
Thrombocytopenic purpura
Agranulocytosis
Hepatotoxicity
May increase uric acid, chloride, glucose
May decrease sodium, calcium, bicarbonate
Caffeine
Insomnia
Restlessness
Nervousness
Tremor
Tinnitus
Irritability
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Tachycardia
Diuresis
Palpitations (dose dependent)
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Hepatitis or severe hepatic/renal impairment
Cautions
Hepatic impairment or consumption of 3 or more alcoholic beverages/day may increase risk for liver damage (associated with acetaminophen)
Do not take with other products that contain acetaminophen due to risk of additive toxicity/overdose
Caution in G6PD deficiency
Acetaminophen: Risk for rare, but serious skin reactions that can be fatal; these reactions include Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP); symptoms may include skin redness, blisters and rash
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excreted in breast milk
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 Excedrin Tension Headache, Excedrin Aspirin Free (acetaminophen/caffeine)
Mechanism of action
Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen: Inhibitis prostaglandin sythesis in CNS and may block peripheral pain impulse generation; acts on hypothalamus to antipyresis
Caffeine: Vasoconstrictive properties may be helpful when treating vascular headaches
