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Acetaminophen/Caffeine Oral Tablet

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • fever
  • pain

Brand Name(s): Excedrin Mild Headache, Excedrin Tension Headache, Panadol Extra, Sed-Max, Sedalmex

Generic Name: Acetaminophen/Caffeine

Instructions

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

Try to avoid taking the medicine at bedtime.

Avoid taking this medicine within 4 hours of bedtime.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Talk to your doctor before taking other medicines, including aspirins and ibuprofen containing products. Speak to your doctor about which medicines are safe to use while you are on this medicine.

You may stop using this medicine if you no longer have symptoms.

If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than four times during 24 hours.

Cautions

This medicine can be habit-forming. If you use this medicine regularly for a long time, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop. Please use this medicine only as directed.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Do not drink beverages with alcohol while on this medicine.

If you drink more than a few alcoholic beverages each day, ask your doctor whether you should be on this medicine.

Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

This medicine contains acetaminophen. There are many medicines with acetaminophen. Taking these medicines together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen. This can cause serious liver problems. Look carefully on the package of all your medicines to see if acetaminophen is included. Ask your pharmacist which medicines you can take safely.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • constipation
  • nausea

If you have any of the following side effects, you may be getting too much medicine. Please contact your doctor to let them know about these side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • rapid heartbeat
  • irritability
  • nervousness
  • increased urinary frequency
  • vomiting

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • dizziness
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • seizures
  • shakiness
  • shortness of breath
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.