What are the key ingredients in Excedrin products. How do these components work together to alleviate pain. What dosage guidelines should be followed for different Excedrin formulations. Which Excedrin product is best suited for specific types of headaches.

Excedrin’s Active Ingredients: A Powerful Combination for Pain Relief

Excedrin products are known for their effective pain-fighting formulations, particularly in combating headaches and migraines. The primary active ingredients found in most Excedrin products include:

• Aspirin
• Acetaminophen
• Caffeine

Each of these components plays a crucial role in the overall efficacy of Excedrin’s pain relief formulas.

Aspirin: The Time-Tested Pain Reliever

Aspirin has been a trusted pain reliever for decades. It belongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, chemicals responsible for pain signaling in the body.

Acetaminophen: Powerful Pain Relief

While the exact mechanism of acetaminophen is not fully understood, it is believed to elevate the pain threshold, allowing individuals to tolerate more pain and thus providing relief. It’s important to note that acetaminophen should not be taken with other medicines containing this ingredient, as excessive intake can lead to liver damage.

Caffeine: The Pain Relief Amplifier

Caffeine serves as an analgesic adjuvant in Excedrin formulations. It enhances the pain-relieving effects of aspirin and acetaminophen, increasing their potency by up to 40%. This means that less of these active ingredients is needed to achieve the desired pain relief when combined with caffeine.

Dosage Guidelines for Excedrin Products

Proper dosage is crucial for the safe and effective use of Excedrin products. Here are the general guidelines for some popular Excedrin formulations:

Excedrin Extra Strength

• Age: 12 years and older
• Dosage: 2 tablets every 6 hours
• Maximum: 8 tablets in 24 hours

Excedrin Migraine

• Age: 18 years and older
• Dosage: 2 tablets every 6 hours
• Maximum: 8 tablets in 24 hours

Excedrin Tension Headache

• Age: 12 years and older
• Dosage: 2 tablets every 6 hours
• Maximum: 8 tablets in 24 hours

Excedrin PM Headache

• Age: 12 years and older
• Dosage: 2 tablets at bedtime
• Maximum: 2 tablets in 24 hours

It’s essential to always follow the label directions and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions.

The Synergistic Effect of Excedrin’s Ingredients

The combination of aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine in Excedrin products creates a synergistic effect, targeting pain through multiple pathways. This multi-pronged approach offers several advantages in treating headaches and migraines:

1. Aspirin reduces inflammation and blocks pain signals
2. Acetaminophen elevates the pain threshold
3. Caffeine enhances the effectiveness of both pain relievers

This comprehensive attack on pain can provide more effective relief than single-ingredient pain relievers for many individuals suffering from headaches or migraines.

Head Care Proactive Health: A Complementary Approach

In addition to its pain relief products, Excedrin offers a Head Care Proactive Health supplement. This formulation contains ingredients that support overall head health:

• Magnesium: Supports proper blood flow to the brain
• Riboflavin: Also known as Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B6
• Folic Acid
• Vitamin B12

These nutrients work together to support head comfort and may help in managing headache frequency for some individuals. However, it’s important to note that this supplement is not intended to treat or cure headaches or migraines.

Understanding Caffeine’s Role in Headache Management

The inclusion of caffeine in Excedrin products might seem counterintuitive to some, given that caffeine can be a headache trigger for certain individuals. However, its role in these formulations is carefully considered and backed by scientific evidence.

Caffeine acts as an analgesic adjuvant, meaning it enhances the pain-relieving properties of other medications. In Excedrin products, caffeine boosts the efficacy of aspirin and acetaminophen by up to 40%. This allows for lower doses of these pain relievers while still achieving significant pain relief.

It’s worth noting that caffeine’s effect on headaches can be complex. While it can trigger headaches in some situations (such as caffeine withdrawal), it can also alleviate headaches when used appropriately in pain relief formulations.

Choosing the Right Excedrin Product for Your Needs

Excedrin offers a range of products tailored to different types of headaches and individual needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

Excedrin Extra Strength

Suitable for various types of headaches and general pain relief.

Excedrin Migraine

Specifically formulated for migraine relief in adults 18 and older.

Excedrin Tension Headache

Designed to target tension headaches, contains no aspirin.

Excedrin PM Headache

Includes a sleep aid (diphenhydramine) for nighttime headache relief.

Excedrin Head Care

A supplement to support overall head health, not a pain reliever.

When choosing an Excedrin product, consider the type of headache you’re experiencing, any sensitivities to specific ingredients, and the time of day you need relief. If you’re unsure, consult with a healthcare professional or use Excedrin’s interactive product selector tool.

Safety Considerations and Precautions

While Excedrin products are generally safe when used as directed, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind:

• Do not exceed the recommended dosage, as this can lead to serious health problems, including liver damage.
• If you have liver or kidney disease, consult your doctor before taking products containing acetaminophen.
• Be aware of other medications you’re taking that might contain acetaminophen to avoid accidental overdose.
• If you’re sensitive to caffeine or have been advised to limit caffeine intake, consider Excedrin Tension Headache, which is caffeine-free.
• If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any chronic health conditions, consult your healthcare provider before using Excedrin products.
• Discontinue use and seek medical attention if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Always read the product label carefully and follow the instructions for use. If you have any doubts or questions, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.

The History and Evolution of Excedrin

Excedrin has been a trusted name in pain relief for over 50 years. The brand’s journey began in the 1960s when Bristol-Myers introduced Excedrin as an extra-strength pain reliever. Over the decades, Excedrin has evolved to meet the changing needs of consumers, expanding its product line to address various types of headaches and pain.

Key milestones in Excedrin’s history include:

• 1960s: Introduction of the original Excedrin formula
• 1990s: Launch of Excedrin Migraine, the first over-the-counter medication approved by the FDA for migraine relief
• 2000s: Expansion of the product line to include specialized formulations like Excedrin Tension Headache and Excedrin PM
• 2010s: Introduction of Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets for faster dissolution
• 2020s: Launch of Excedrin Head Care supplement for proactive head health support

Throughout its history, Excedrin has maintained its commitment to providing effective pain relief solutions backed by scientific research and consumer trust.

Understanding Different Types of Headaches

To choose the most appropriate Excedrin product, it’s helpful to understand the different types of headaches you might experience:

Tension Headaches

Characterized by a dull, aching sensation all over the head, often described as a tight band around the head. Excedrin Tension Headache is specifically formulated for this type of pain.

Migraines

Intense, throbbing pain often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual disturbances. Excedrin Migraine is FDA-approved for migraine relief.

Cluster Headaches

Severe pain that occurs in cycles, typically around one eye or on one side of the head. While not specifically formulated for cluster headaches, some individuals may find relief with Excedrin Extra Strength.

Sinus Headaches

Pain in the face, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead, often associated with sinus congestion. Excedrin Extra Strength may help alleviate the pain associated with sinus headaches.

By identifying the type of headache you’re experiencing, you can select the Excedrin product most likely to provide effective relief.

The Science Behind Combination Pain Relievers

Excedrin’s success in pain relief is largely due to its use of combination analgesics. This approach, which involves combining different pain-relieving ingredients, has several advantages:

1. Targeting multiple pain pathways: Different ingredients work through various mechanisms, addressing pain from multiple angles.
2. Synergistic effects: The combination of ingredients can produce a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects.
3. Potentially lower doses: By combining ingredients, effective pain relief can often be achieved with lower doses of each component, potentially reducing the risk of side effects.
4. Broader spectrum of pain relief: Combination products may be effective against a wider range of pain types and intensities.

Scientific studies have supported the efficacy of combination analgesics like Excedrin in treating headaches and migraines. For example, research has shown that the combination of aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine can provide more effective relief for tension-type headaches and migraines compared to single-ingredient pain relievers or placebo.

Lifestyle Factors and Headache Management

While Excedrin products can provide effective relief for headaches and migraines, it’s important to consider lifestyle factors that may contribute to or exacerbate head pain. Here are some tips for comprehensive headache management:

• Identify and avoid triggers: Common triggers include certain foods, stress, lack of sleep, and changes in weather.
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can trigger headaches, so ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.
• Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
• Regular exercise: Moderate, regular exercise can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
• Limit caffeine intake: While caffeine can help relieve headaches, excessive or irregular consumption can also trigger them.
• Maintain a balanced diet: Eat regular, nutritious meals and avoid skipping meals.
• Consider keeping a headache diary: This can help you identify patterns and triggers specific to your headaches.

By combining these lifestyle strategies with appropriate use of Excedrin products, many individuals can achieve more effective headache management and improved quality of life.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Headaches

While Excedrin products can effectively manage many types of headaches, there are situations where it’s important to seek medical attention. Be aware of the following warning signs:

• Sudden, severe headache often described as “the worst headache of your life”
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or vision changes
• Headache following a head injury
• Chronic headaches that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments
• Headaches that worsen or change in pattern
• New onset of headaches after age 50
• Headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms like weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties

If you experience any of these symptoms, or if your headaches are significantly impacting your quality of life, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may include prescription medications, lifestyle changes, or other interventions in addition to or instead of over-the-counter remedies like Excedrin.

The Future of Headache Treatment and Excedrin’s Role

As our understanding of headaches and pain mechanisms continues to evolve, so too does the landscape of headache treatment. Excedrin, with its long history of innovation in pain relief, is likely to continue playing a significant role in this evolving field. Here are some potential areas of development:

Personalized Pain Relief

Advances in genetics and personalized medicine may lead to more tailored pain relief solutions. Excedrin could potentially develop formulations that target specific genetic or physiological factors associated with different types of headaches.

New Delivery Methods

While Excedrin currently offers tablets and caplets, future developments might include novel delivery methods such as fast-dissolving films, nasal sprays, or transdermal patches for quicker or more targeted relief.

Integration with Digital Health

As digital health technologies advance, we might see Excedrin products integrated with smartphone apps or wearable devices to help users track their headache patterns, identify triggers, and optimize their pain management strategies.

Natural and Alternative Ingredients

With growing consumer interest in natural and alternative remedies, Excedrin might explore incorporating scientifically-validated natural ingredients into new formulations.

Preventive Formulations

Building on the concept of the Head Care Proactive Health supplement, Excedrin might develop more products aimed at preventing headaches rather than just treating them.

As these developments unfold, Excedrin is likely to maintain its commitment to evidence-based solutions, ensuring that any new products or formulations are backed by rigorous scientific research and clinical trials.

For consumers, staying informed about these advancements and discussing them with healthcare providers can help ensure they’re accessing the most appropriate and effective headache relief solutions for their individual needs.

Excedrin Ingredients and Dosage Information

Learn more about the pain-fighting ingredients in Excedrin® pain relief products, as well as Head Care* ingredients and suggested use.

INGREDIENTS & DOSAGE GUIDELINES

Select one to see the ingredients and dosage guidelines. All Excedrin products should be taken with a full glass of water.

• Excedrin Headache & Migraine Relief: Ingredients & Dosage Guidelines

  Aspirin

  Acetaminophen

  Caffeine

  Has been a go-to for all types of pain for decades, including headache and migraines.

  Is a powerful ingredient for pain relief, and is tough when fighting headaches.

  Enhances pain-relieving function of aspirin and acetaminophen.

  Use only as directed. Read all warnings and product information prior to use. Always follow label directions

• Head Care Proactive Health Ingredients & Supplement Facts*

  Magnesium

  Riboflavin

  Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12

  Essential nutrient that helps support blood flow in the brain for head comfort.

  Read all warnings and product information prior to use. Always follow label directions.

HOW THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS IN EXCEDRIN HEADACHE & MIGRAINE RELIEF WORK TOGETHER TO STOP HEADACHES

Evidence suggests that the use of combination analgesics such as Excedrin offer advantages in the treatment of headaches by targeting pain in more than one way.^[3]

Excedrin’s specialized formula contains two pain relievers (acetaminophen and aspirin) plus an amplifier (caffeine) that work together to target head pain.   Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID.  Aspirin helps to block the production of pain signaling chemicals called prostaglandins.  The way in which acetaminophen works is still not well understood.  However, it is believed to elevate the pain threshold. This allows you to tolerate more pain, therefore providing pain relief. Finally, caffeine has been shown to increase the potency of aspirin and acetaminophen by up to 40 percent. This means less acetaminophen and aspirin is needed to relieve your migraine pain when combined with caffeine^.[3,4,5]

Acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine, when taken as directed, provide clinically proven headache relief. Excedrin is a combination of these ingredients: two pain relievers, plus an amplifier to enhance the analgesic effect.

Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, should not be taken with other medicines that also contain acetaminophen.  Acetaminophen is contained in many medicines to treat pain, fever, symptoms of cold and flu, and sleep medicines.  Do not take more than recommended dose, as this may be harmful, including serious harm to your liver.  If you have liver or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen.​

EXTRA STRENGTH

MIGRAINE

TENSION HEADACHE

PM HEADACHE

Contains Acetaminophen

(250 mg per tablet)

(250 mg per tablet)

(500 mg per tablet)

(250 mg per tablet)

Contains Aspirin

(250 mg per tablet)

(250 mg per tablet)

(250 mg per tablet)

Contains Caffeine

(65 mg per tablet)

(65 mg per tablet)

(65 mg per tablet)

Contains Diphenhydramine (Sleep Aid)

(38 mg per tablet)

12 Years & Older

18 Years & Older

12 Years & Older

12 Years & Older

2 Every 6 Hours

(Max.

Contains Electrolytes

Contains Caffeine

Contains Melatonin

18 Years or Older

18 Years or Older

18 Years or Older

Frequency

1 tablet per day

Limit 2 packets per day

Limit 1 packet per day

Available in Tablets

Available as a Powder

CAFFEINE: A KEY INGREDIENT TO THE EXCEDRIN LIST

You may have heard that caffeine can cause or exacerbate headaches, and if so, you’re probably wondering why there’s caffeine in most Excedrin pain relief products.

It’s true that caffeine can be a headache trigger in certain situations, but that’s far from the full story.

Caffeine is referred to as an ‘analgesic adjuvant’. This means that it helps to boost the effects of certain pain relievers. In the case of Excedrin pain relief products, caffeine boosts the pain-relieving effects of aspirin and acetaminophen – making these medicines up to 40% more effective.

That’s why you’ll find caffeine in almost all Excedrin pain relief products. As compared to falling asleep without melatonin. Melatonin helps you fall asleep and is for occasional sleepiness.* ^†Magnesium helps support proper blood flow to the brain.*

FIND THE EXCEDRIN PRODUCT THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

Excedrin has been a leader in headache relief for more than 50 years, and the range of Excedrin products contains something for every kind of headache, including tension headaches, nighttime headaches and migraines.

Discover the full Excedrin product range here, or, if you need more help finding the right product for you, try our interactive product selector.

Sources:

1. American Migraine Foundation. Understanding Caffeine Headaches. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-caffeine-headaches/. Accessed November 27, 2019. Referenced text is highlighted in source PDF.
2. Caffeine in the management of patients with headache. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5655397/. Accessed 10/12/19.WebMD. The Link Between Caffeine and Headac
3. Combined analgesics in (headache) pain therapy: shotgun approach or precise multi-target therapeutics?. Straube et al. BMC Neurologly. https://bmcneurol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2377-11-43. Accessed 20/03/20
4. How Do Pain Relievers Work? Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Health-Library/HealthDocNew/How-Do-Pain-Relievers-Work. Accessed 31/03/20.
5. Aspirin and Migraine. National Headache Foundation. https://headaches.org/2007/10/25/aspirin-and-migraine/. Accessed 31/03/20.

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Excedrin Side Effects and Product Information

When you have headache pain, there’s a good chance you want relief from the pain—fast. Over-the-counter medications like Excedrin^® can help ease your distress. While deciding which Excedrin^® treatment is right for you, it’s useful to understand the uses, warnings, and side effects of each medication as well as how to handle them should they occur.

EXCEDRIN^® EXTRA STRENGTH

Excedrin^® Extra Strength can help you temporarily relieve minor aches and pains due to headache, a cold, arthritis, muscular aches, toothache, premenstrual and menstrual cramps.

The warnings and side effects of Excedrin^® Extra Strength are:

Reye’s syndrome: Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product. When using this product, if changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Allergy alert: Acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions. Symptoms may include:

• skin reddening
• blisters
• rash

If a skin reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.

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

• more than 8 caplets in 24 hours, which is the maximum daily amount
• with other drugs containing acetaminophen
• 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product

Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you

• are age 60 or older
• have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
• take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
• take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others)
• have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product
• take more or for a longer time than 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.

Do not use:

• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen, aspirin or any other pain reliever/fever reducer
• with any other drug containing acetaminophen (prescription or nonprescription). If you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask a doctor or pharmacist.

Ask a doctor before use if:

• 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

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking:

• a prescription drug for diabetes, gout, or arthritis
• any other drug, or are under a doctor’s care for any serious condition

Stop use and ask a 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
• pain gets worse or lasts for more than 10 days
• fever gets worse or lasts for more than 3 days
• any new symptoms occur

These could be signs of a serious condition.

EXCEDRIN® MIGRAINE

Excedrin^® Migraine treats migraines and is intended for those who have been diagnosed by a doctor. If your migraine is not relieved or worsens after first dose, talk to your doctor.

The warnings and side effects of Excedrin® Migraine are:

Reye’s syndrome: Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product. When using this product, if changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Allergy alert: Acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions. Symptoms may include:

•skin reddening
•blisters
•rash

If a skin reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.

Allergy alert: Aspirin may cause a severe allergic reaction which may include:

• hives
• facial swelling
• asthma (wheezing)
• shock

Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you

• are age 60 or older
• have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
• take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
• take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others)
• have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product
• take more or for a longer time than directed

Medication overuse headache warning: Headaches may worsen if this product is used for 10 or more days per month.

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.

Do not use

• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen, aspirin or any other pain reliever/fever reducer
• with any other drug containing acetaminophen (prescription or nonprescription). If you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask a doctor or pharmacist.

Ask a doctor before use 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 

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are

• taking a prescription drug for:
• diabete
• gout
• arthritis
• under a doctor’s care for any serious condition
• taking any other drug
• taking any other product that contains aspirin, acetaminophen, or any other pain reliever/fever reducer

Stop use and ask a 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

• your migraine is not relieved or worsens after first dose
• new or unexpected symptoms occur
• ringing in the ears or loss of hearing occurs

EXCEDRIN® TENSION HEADACHE

Excedrin^® Tension Headache temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to headache and muscle aches.

The warnings and side effects of Excedrin^® Tension Headache are:

Allergy alert: Acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions. Symptoms may include:

• skin reddening
• blisters
• rash

If a skin reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.

Liver warning: This product contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if you take

• more than 6 caplets in 24 hours, which is the maximum daily amount
• with other drugs containing acetaminophen
• 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product

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.

Do not use

• if you are allergic to acetaminophen
• with any other drug containing acetaminophen (prescription or nonprescription). If you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask a doctor or pharmacist.

Ask a doctor before use if

• you have liver disease

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are

• taking the blood thinning drug warfarin

Stop use and ask a doctor if

•any new symptoms occur
•painful area is red or swollen
•pain gets worse or lasts for more than 10 days
•fever gets worse or lasts for more than 3 days
These could be signs of a serious condition.

EXCEDRIN^® PM HEADACHE

Excedrin^® PM Headache is intended for temporary relief of occasional headaches and minor aches and pains with accompanying sleeplessness.

The warnings and side effects of Excedrin^® PM Headache are:

Reye’s syndrome: Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product. When using this product, if changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Allergy alert: Acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions. Symptoms may include:

• skin reddening
• blisters
• rash
If a skin reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.

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

• more than 2 caplets in 24 hours, which is the maximum daily amount
• with other drugs containing acetaminophen
• 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product

Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you

• are age 60 or older
• have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
• take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
• take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others)
• have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product
• take more or for a longer time than directed

Do not use

• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen, aspirin or any other pain reliever/fever reducer
• with any other drug containing acetaminophen (prescription or nonprescription). If you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask a doctor or pharmacist.
• with any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on skin
• in children under 12 years of age

Ask a doctor before use if

• 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 glaucoma
• you have a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis
• you have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking

• a prescription drug for:
• diabetes
• gout
• arthritis
• any other drug, or are under a doctor’s care for any serious condition
• any product that contains aspirin, acetaminophen, or any other pain reliever/fever reducer
• sedatives or tranquilizers

When using this product

• drowsiness will occur
• avoid alcoholic drinks
• do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery

Stop use and ask a 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

• sleeplessness persists continuously for more than 2 weeks. Insomnia may be a symptom of a serious underlying medical illness
• pain gets worse or lasts for more than 10 days
• painful area is red or swollen
• ringing in the ears or a loss of hearing occurs
• any new symptoms occur

These could be signs of a serious condition.

instructions for use and treatment

• GolovnieBoli.ru
• Preparations
• Preparation “Excedrin” against migraine

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In this article you will learn about such a preparation “Excedrin”. It helps with migraines and also with toothache. We will tell you about it in detail, about side effects, about overdose, how to take it correctly and some tips.

The concept of migraine is quite common and widely known. Migraine headaches are very common. More than a quarter of the world’s population suffer from such diseases constantly. Many face this, with a certain frequency.

General provisions

If an attack caught you unexpectedly and the pain is severe, you need to remove the pain effect. Doctors believe that most often such attacks occur due to vasospasm. Such spasms can dramatically lower or increase blood pressure.

Medicine has established that migraine cannot be cured. You can prevent or relieve pain during an attack. There are many drugs and folk remedies for this.

A migraine attack itself is a feeling of headache. But it can indicate serious diseases of the brain, central nervous system, and head vessels. Therefore, migraine attacks should be given special attention.

For preventive measures, it is necessary to remove the headache immediately, and not endure it. Excedrin can help you with this. Relieve the pain and take the first steps towards solving a more important problem. Eliminate the causes of migraine attacks.

There are several types of migraine. There are many ways to prevent migraine attacks. But there are cases in which drugs are simply needed. There are a lot of them in modern pharmacology.

Having studied this direction of pharmaceuticals, and observing the responses of patients, we will tell you about one of these drugs.

Headache medicines

In modern medicine, Excedrin has been developed and widely used to relieve a migraine attack. “Excedrin” for migraine is very effective, because its action is aimed at eliminating the very cause of a migraine attack.

At the same time, it relieves pain, improves blood circulation and helps prevent blood clots.

Migraine remedy “Excedrin” has a positive effect on the functioning of the body as a whole. After taking it, vital activity increases, there is no drowsiness. It has many positive effects.

The attack passes rather quickly without causing discomfort. The shelf life of this drug reaches sixty months is five years. “Excedrin” can be included in the category of affordable drugs – in relation to its price. If you have a chronic disease when visiting a doctor, be sure to tell about it.

Like any medical drug, it has analogues. Analogues are drugs that are similar in composition and use. If you took “Excedrin” and observed a positive trend, and then switched to an analogue. The result may not be the same.

What is Excedrin?

“Excedrin” are tablets. They are taken after meals or in the process. It is usually taken three to four times a day. When you are suffering from headaches. It is not recommended to take more than six tablets per day. Noticeable relief occurs within half an hour.

In cases of migraine attacks, the maximum duration of taking Excedrin is five days. At the beginning of the course of treatment, be sure to consult your doctor.

“Excedrin” is available in tablet form. They are oblong in shape, in a white shell. One of the sides must be marked “E”. Sixteen tablets are sold in one package.

The composition includes – acetylsalicylic acid, caffeine, paracetamol. When using Excedrin, it is necessary to correctly calculate the dosage and in no case should it be used unnecessarily. The drug can be started from the age of twelve. At one time, you can take two tablets with a six-hour interval.

For migraine attacks, you can take Excedrin, two tablets, every day, after the age of eighteen. It is necessary to take the tablets with plenty of water, at least a glass. Such dosages of the drug can be considered average. In each case, the appointment must be made by a doctor.

How to use “Excedrin” for migraine?

It is very difficult to predict when and how much a migraine attack will bother you. Patients may notice a condition that precedes an attack, try to alleviate it. For some, this happens a couple of times a year, and someone suffers from it once a week. Science has established that women are more prone to migraine attacks than men.

Violation of blood circulation in the vessels of the brain can cause severe headaches. Such changes in the work of blood vessels can cause – alcohol, nicotine, overload, strong tension, stress. As a result, blood pressure can change dramatically and the vessels of the brain expand unevenly.

As a result of its intake and the action of the components in its composition, there is an effect on the cause of the attack. The attack is removed and the inflammatory process is localized. Improves blood circulation in the vessels. Caffeine in its composition helps to improve mood and increase efficiency.

With a severe migraine attack, a positive trend is observed after forty-five minutes. You can not abuse the number of tablets taken. With migraines, no more than two per day.

An overdose of any drug causes some harm to your body. Your body can accumulate harmful substances for a very long time, and then a relapse occurs.

Remember one rule: “When you treat one, do not harm the other.” Listen to your body, watch your feelings after taking any medication.

Side effects of overdose

Speaking directly about Excedrin, the following side effects may appear:

• nausea, vomiting;
• the skin on the body will become pale;
• the metabolic process is disturbed, directly the amount of glucose in the body;
• in the future, cardiac arrhythmia may begin;
• renal insufficiency;
• diseases associated with vision may appear;
• suffocation;
• agitation, inexplicable feeling of anxiety;
• increased blood pressure;
• malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract;
• platelets lose their properties;
• bleeding through the nose;
• acute liver failure in children.

All medicines containing acetylsalicylic acid are not recommended for children. In case of an overdose of Excedrin and the manifestation of such symptoms, urgent hospitalization is necessary. In case of poisoning with Excedrin, an epileptic seizure is possible.

At first glance it may seem that the list of side effects is quite large. Firstly, they all occur only with an overdose – taking Excedrin in large quantities.

To avoid such mistakes, be sure to consult your doctor, determine the dosage for you personally. Another prerequisite is the absence of an allergic reaction to any constituent component of the drug.

“Excedrine” may affect the level of blood clotting. When carrying out planned operations, its use is not recommended. Also, it is undesirable to use “Excedrin” in conjunction with other drugs. This fact can cause side effects.

In the process of overdose and excessive use of any drugs, intoxication can occur. Toxic substances accumulate in the body and directly in the liver, which can lead to serious complications.

Pregnant and lactating “Excedrin” is prohibited. In the process of bearing a child, all substances that can enter the mother’s body are automatically transferred to the child. His organs go through a stage of formation even before birth. After birth, when feeding, they also come to the baby through milk. The still fragile body of a newborn can suffer greatly from this.

Reviews about this drug quite a lot. Doctors and patients are satisfied with the results of the application. “Excedrin” is very effective in pain attacks. According to the instructions “Excedrin” can be used for migraine and toothache.

In order not to harm yourself during headache attacks, visit your doctor and discuss with him the possibility and necessity of taking Excedrin. Some patients take one tablet with food and, if necessary, a second after.

Summing up

Excedrin is an effective and recognized remedy for relieving migraine attacks. Its dosage is standard for everyone.

It is not recommended to give it to children due to the fact that the child’s body is in the formative stage. This also applies to other drugs.

Do not give medicine to children unless absolutely necessary. Try to get by with folk remedies. Apply phytotherapy. Adults often do not pay due attention to the drugs they take, but they can heed the advice of friends and acquaintances. You don’t need to do this! If you are aware of a medicinal product, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor before taking it.

All medicines have side effects. Therefore, they must be taken strictly according to the instructions and recommendations of the doctor. Any medicinal preparation is invented in order to help the sick to recover, to endure pain, to alleviate their suffering. But all of them require use as prescribed by a doctor and as needed.

“Excedrin” is a medical product that can be classified as a new generation of drugs. Its effectiveness has been proven by studies and positive results. It is used in almost all countries of the world. And before that, many pharmaceutical companies in the world are testing it.

Author of the article: Rossana Dzyuban

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causes, symptoms and treatment of headaches

Migraine with aura (also called classic migraine) is a recurring headache that occurs after or simultaneously with sensory disturbances called aura. These disturbances may include flashes of light, blind spots, and other changes in vision, or tingling in the hand or face.

Causes of migraine development

The exact mechanism of migraine occurrence is unknown. Attacks can be triggered by dietary, hormonal, emotional, physical, and environmental factors, including:

• Certain sensory stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, strong odors or perfumes, smoking, and exposure to second-hand smoke.
• Sudden intense exercise or other physical activity, including sexual activity.
• Stress and anxiety at work or at home.
• Changes in sleep patterns, such as too much or not getting enough sleep.
• Use of alcohol.
• Certain foods, including chocolate, aged cheeses, salty foods, fermented foods, and meats containing nitrates (eg, bacon, hot dogs, salami).
• Food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and artificial sweeteners.
• Lack of food intake or starvation.
• Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle or when using oral contraceptives and/or hormone replacement therapy.
• Changes in the environment, such as changes in the weather or atmospheric pressure.

Migraine symptoms

Migraine aura symptoms include temporary visual or other disturbances that usually occur before other migraine symptoms, such as severe headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. A migraine usually occurs within an hour before the onset of the headache and usually lasts less than 60 minutes. Sometimes a migraine aura occurs with little or no headache, especially in people aged 50 or older.

Most people with migraine with aura develop temporary visual signs and symptoms that tend to start in the center of the visual field and spread outward. These may include:

• Blind spots (scotomas), which are sometimes distinguished by simple geometric patterns.
• Zigzag lines that blend smoothly into your field of vision.
• Twinkling spots or stars.
• Vision changes or loss of vision.
• Flashes of light.
• Other violations.

Other temporary disturbances sometimes associated with migraine aura include:

• Numbness, usually felt as a tingling sensation in one arm or on one side of the face, which may slowly spread to the limb.
• Language difficulties.
• Muscle weakness.

Call your doctor right away if you have signs and symptoms of migraine with aura, such as temporary loss of vision, floating spots, or zigzag lines in your field of vision. Your doctor will need to rule out more serious conditions, such as a stroke or retinal tear.

Treatment considerations

Medications used to relieve migraine pain work best at the first sign of an impending migraine—as soon as migraine signs and symptoms appear. Depending on how severe your migraine pain is, the following types of medications can be used to treat it:

• Painkillers. These over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers include aspirin or ibuprofen. When taken long-term, they can cause headaches due to overuse of medications, and possibly ulcers and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Migraine medicines that combine caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen (excedrin migraine) may be helpful, but usually only for mild migraines.