acetaminophen and caffeine

What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen and caffeine?

Do not take this medication without your doctor's advice if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take acetaminophen.

Adults should not take more than 1 gram (1000 mg) of acetaminophen per dose or 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more can damage your liver. Ask a doctor before taking acetaminophen if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day, and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) of acetaminophen per day.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using diet pills, stimulants, or any cold, allergy, pain, migraine, or sleep medicine. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as "APAP") and caffeine are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen, APAP, or caffeine.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

What is acetaminophen and caffeine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.

Caffeine is used in this product to increase the pain relieving effects of acetaminophen.

The combination of acetaminophen and caffeine is used to treat pain from conditions such as headache, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds and fevers.

Acetaminophen and caffeine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen and caffeine?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or caffeine.

Do not take this medication without your doctor's advice if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take acetaminophen.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have kidney or liver disease.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take acetaminophen and caffeine without medical advice if you are pregnant.

Acetaminophen and caffeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take acetaminophen and caffeine?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver. Adults should not take more than 1 gram (1000 mg) of acetaminophen per dose or 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Ask a doctor before taking acetaminophen if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day, and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) of acetaminophen per day.

The orally disintegrating tablet (Excedrin QuickTabs) should be placed directly on the tongue. Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, especially if you still have a fever after 3 days of using this medication, or pain after 10 days of use. Stop taking acetaminophen and caffeine and call your doctor at any time if your symptoms get worse.

Acetaminophen may cause false urine glucose test results. Talk to your doctor if you have diabetes and you notice changes in glucose test results while taking acetaminophen and caffeine.

Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since acetaminophen and caffeine is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include loss of appetite, confusion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, fast or uneven heart rate, seizure (convulsions), pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen and caffeine?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

Avoid coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks or other sources of caffeine while taking this medication. They can add to the side effects of the caffeine in the medication.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using diet pills, stimulants, or any cold, allergy, pain, migraine, or sleep medicine. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as "APAP") and caffeine are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen, APAP, or caffeine.

What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen and caffeine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using acetaminophen and caffeine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• low fever with nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite;
• dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• feeling nervous, irritable, or jittery.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect acetaminophen and caffeine?

There may be other drugs that can interact with acetaminophen and caffeine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over the counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about acetaminophen and caffeine.

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