How much aspirin is in excedrin extra strength

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

If pregnant or breast-feeding,

ask a health care professional before use. It is especially important not to use aspirin during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

Keep out of reach of children.

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Quick medical attention is critical for adults as well as for children even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.

Excedrin Migraine is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) medication for treating occasional migraine headaches.

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Migraine headache is one of the most common neurological conditions, affecting at least 12% of the population. Most migraine sufferers are never diagnosed or seek treatment. Studies show that a majority (63.7%) use over-the-counter (OTC) medications for relief. Here, we’ll review one of the most popular OTC medications for acute migraine relief, Excedrin Migraine.

What is Excedrin Migraine?

Excedrin Migraine is an OTC medication used to treat mild to moderate migraine headaches. It’s a combination of three different medications that have been shown to be more effective for headaches when used together. 

Excedrin migraine contains three active ingredients:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): a pain reliever that works in the central nervous system. 

• Aspirin: a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication. It works by blocking chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.  

• Caffeine: a natural stimulant. Caffeine amplifies the pain-relieving effects of acetaminophen and aspirin. This helps you find pain relief with lower doses. It also helps narrow the blood vessels that become enlarged during a migraine. This restricts blood flow and helps with pain relief.

Why was it discontinued in 2020?

In 2020, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the manufacturer of Excedrin, temporarily paused production of Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength. They did so as a precaution to resolve an inconsistency in how the ingredients were weighed. As of July 2020, GSK resumed production and products have been back on the shelves since then with no further issues.

What’s the difference between Excedrin Extra Strength and Excedrin Migraine?

Excedrin Extra Strength and Excedrin Migraine contain the same amounts of the same ingredients. However, their labeling is different. Excedrin Extra Strength is used to help relieve minor aches and pains. This includes things like pain associated with arthritis, muscle aches, or premenstrual/menstrual cramps. Adults and children over 12 years old are able to take 2 tablets every 6 hours, with a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours.  

Excedrin Migraine, on the other hand, is FDA approved for migraine relief, and adults 18 years and older are able to take a maximum of 2 tablets in 24 hours. 

If they’re the same medication, why is the dosing different?

It may seem odd that you can only take 2 Excedrin Migraine tablets in a day, but up to 8 tablets of Excedrin Extra Strength — after all, they have the same ingredients.

The dosage limit on Excedrin Migraine is to help prevent rebound headaches. These can  happen if you take pain relievers too often or take more than recommended. Often, rebound headaches can create a vicious cycle. These headaches appear when the medicine wears off — which then prompts you to take more medicine. Over time, this can lead to shorter periods of pain relief and recurrent chronic headaches. 

How should I take Excedrin Migraine?

Excedrin Migraine is typically taken right when symptoms first begin. Adults can take 2 caplets or gel tabs with a glass of water in any 24-hour period, unless directed by a healthcare provider. For some people, Excedrin Migraine can start relieving migraine pain in as little as 15 minutes.

Excedrin Migraine shouldn’t be used in children under the age of 18. Since Excedrin Migraine contains aspirin, there is a risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness. It can occur if children or teenagers who have had a recent viral infection, like chickenpox or the flu, take aspirin.

How long does Excedrin Migraine last, and how often can I take it?

Migraine attacks can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours, with symptoms and duration varying from person to person. In three studies, the combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine significantly reduced migraine pain compared to placebo (a pill with no medication in it). After 2 hours, the combination medication reduced pain in almost 60% of people taking it. After 6 hours, almost 80% of people had less pain, and 50% were pain free. 

As far as frequency, you should not take more than 2 caplets or gel tabs within a 24-hour period. Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms persist or worsen.  

What are the side effects of Excedrin Migraine?

Some common side effects of Excedrin Migraine include:

• Diarrhea

• Headache

• Nausea, vomiting

• Passing urine more often

• Trouble sleeping

These side effects are not usually serious, and typically go away once you stop taking the medication.

Taking Excedrin Migraine with food may help reduce nausea. You may also want to avoid taking it too close to bedtime, since caffeine is a stimulant that may keep you awake.

The amount of caffeine in Excedrin Migraine is similar to that of a cup of coffee. Too much caffeine can cause nervousness, irritability, and trouble sleeping. So you’ll want to moderate your caffeine intake while taking this medication.

Are there any serious side effects?

More serious side effects of Excedrin Migraine include:

• Severe skin and/or allergic reactions. Acetaminophen and aspirin can sometimes cause severe skin and/or allergic reactions. Avoid taking this medication if you are allergic to either ingredient. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop hives, facial swelling, or have trouble breathing.

• Increased risk of bleeding. Aspirin, like other NSAIDs, can increase the risk of bleeding. Stop the medication and seek emergency care if you notice bloody or black stools, severe stomach pain, or if you’re vomiting blood. 

• Liver damage. Acetaminophen can be harmful to your liver. It is best not to exceed the maximum daily dosage, take additional acetaminophen products, or consume 3 or more alcoholic beverages a day while taking this medication. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice dark colored urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or unexplained stomach pain.

• Ringing in the ears or hearing loss. Aspirin (and other NSAIDs) may cause this side effect — especially if you take too much. It usually goes away when you stop taking the medication.

Are generic versions of Excedrin Migraine available?

Excedrin Migraine is an OTC medication. You’ll be able to find generic and store-brand versions that contain the same ingredients at a lower cost.

What are some alternatives to Excedrin Migraine?

There are several other OTC options available for treating migraines, including:

• Other NSAIDs, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), are possible choices.

• Advil Migraine (liquid-filled ibuprofen capsules) is also FDA approved for migraines. It’s formulated for faster onset of relief. A comparison of Excedrin Migraine and Advil Migraine is available here.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be an option if you’re unable to take NSAIDs.

If you’re using OTC medication more than once or twice a week, talk to your healthcare provider. You may need a prescription medication for your migraines. If you don’t have a regular healthcare provider, GoodRx has you covered. You can reach one of our providers online here.

How to save on Excedrin Migraine

There are ways to save on Excedrin Migraine, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. The generic version is less than $2 at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx discount. 

The bottom line

The occasional use of Excedrin Migraine can be helpful in treating migraines. It’s a popular OTC pain reliever containing acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. But make sure you follow the dosage instructions on the packaging or as directed by your provider. This will help you avoid medication overuse headaches. If you’re reaching for an OTC medication to treat your migraine more than twice a week, you should talk to your healthcare provider.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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