Excedrin Migraine for Pain Relief: Know The Benefits

Excedrin Migraine is a non-prescription or (OTC) drug that is used for the treatment of headaches and pain caused by migraine. It is a combination of 3 types of drugs which include aspirin, caffeine, and acetaminophen. Excedrin migraine is available in the form of a caplet (an oval-shaped tablet). Excedrin migraine consists of quantities mainly of acetaminophen (250 mg), and caffeine (65mg). and aspirin (250 mg). Acetaminophen works as a pain reliever and fever reducer, Aspirin works as a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation and Caffeine works as a vasoconstrictor that narrows blood vessels to help relieve headaches.

Excedrin Migraine Ingredients

Let us understand in detail what excedrin migraine ingredients are and how they work in relieving headaches:

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen relieves pain and reduces fever. It shows its action on the (CNS) Central Nervous System of the body. Prostaglandins are substances that make you feel pain and release from parts of the brain. Acetaminophen blocks this release of prostaglandins and thus the pain felt is less.

Aspirin

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It helps in reducing the pain and swelling which can also irritate. Aspirin also reduces the release of prostaglandins the body produces by blocking COX enzymes in the body.

Caffeine

Caffeine is not a pain reliever but is a vasoconstrictor. That means it makes blood vessels narrower. Caffeine narrows the blood vessels present in the brain, which in return reduces the blood flow and amount of blood that goes through the blood vessels at one point in time. This action helps relieve headaches, which happen as a result of the widening of blood vessels.

What is Excedrin Migraine Dosage?

As discussed above excedrin migraine comes in the form of a caplet. The recommended dosage of Excedrin migraine can be calculated by the age of the patient and is also mentioned on the product. But, it is better to consult your doctor before taking it. Now, Let us discuss how the dose varies with the age of the patient.

18 years or older Adults: They can take 2 caplets within 24 hours.

Younger children and teens below 18 years: Ideally, it is not recommended to give your child Excedrin migraine medicine as it contains aspirin or caffeine which is reported to be associated with Reye’s syndrome in children and is a serious condition. So, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician before giving your child Excedrin migraine for headaches.

What is Excedrin Migraine Used For?

Various uses of Excedrin migraine can be as follows

• Migraine: Excedrin Migraine is specifically formulated to alleviate the symptoms of migraine headaches, including pain and sensitivity to light and sound.
• Minor pains: It can be used to relieve minor aches and pains, such as those from strains, sprains, or overexertion.
• Headache: Excedrin Migraine can effectively target and ease common headaches, providing fast relief.
• Arthritis: For individuals with arthritis, Excedrin Migraine may help reduce pain associated with joint inflammation and stiffness.
• Muscle pain: It can help alleviate muscle pain caused by tension, overuse, or injury, allowing for improved comfort and mobility.
• Toothaches: Excedrin Migraine can temporarily alleviate the pain associated with toothaches until proper dental care can be obtained.
• Menstrual cramps: It can provide relief from the discomfort and pain of menstrual cramps, offering women a way to manage symptoms during their menstrual cycle.

How Should I Take Excedrin Migraine?

The right ways of using and storing Excedrin migraine for getting its best use and effectiveness are:

• Use as mentioned on the label of the drug or as your doctor has prescribed.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose.
• Have it with food or milk.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Excedrin Migraine.
• Also, limit the use of caffeine.
• If you are using any other drugs or herbs, tell your doctor about that.
• In case of any doubt, cross-confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
• If Excedrin Migraine causes any unusual results with lab tests or symptoms within the body. Tell any doctor about that.
• store at room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F).
• Keep the cap closed tightly after use.
• read all product information before using.

What are the Side Effects of Excedrin Migraine?

The use of Excedrin for migraine can lead to some side effects which might automatically go over time. But you should consult your doctor if you see any of the symptoms below:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Sleeping difficulty
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Allergic reactions such as blisters or swelling of the tongue or lips
• Dark coloured stools
• Stomach pain
• Dry and Itchy skin
• Dry mouth
• Yellowing of skin or eye

• feeling irritable
• rapid heartbeat

Drug Interactions With Excedrin Migraine

If you are taking any other medication along with Excedrin migraine, this may lead to drug interactions. These drug interactions affect the action of the drug and might also increase the risk of side effects. Immediately consult and tell your doctor about other medications also before taking Excedrin Migraine. Drugs which might cause drug interaction with Excedrin Migraine are as follows:

• Anticoagulants
• Hypoglycemics (Antidiabetics)
• Methotrexate
• uricosurics

• Blood-thinning agents like rivaroxaban or warfarin
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as etoricoxib, celecoxib, ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin
• Anti-gout drugs like probenecid
• Antiepileptics such as phenytoin and valproic acid
• Anticoagulants as alteplase
• Drugs inhibiting enzyme ACE to lower Blood pressure like enalapril or lisinopril etc.
• Antacids (which neutralize acids in the stomach)
• Antipsychotic drugs like furazolidone, procarbazine, and selegiline
• Antidepressants as sertraline and venlafaxine etc
• Antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor
• Diuretics drugs as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide
• Antibiotic category of fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin,ofloxacin and levofloxacin
• Herbals as garlic, ginger, or gingko

Pros and Cons of Excedrin Migraine

Pros

• It is a powerful combination of 3 medications in one pill for convenience
• Effective to treat migraine pain
• Starts working within 15 minutes
• Available easily and over the counter
• Has wide Availability as generic medications

Cons

• You need to limit your caffeine intake while taking it
• Might increase the risk of liver damage when used with acetaminophen-containing drugs.
• Is not very suitable or recommended for children
• It might not be safe during pregnancy
• Not a good choice for people allergic to NSAIDs

Can You take Excedrin while pregnant?

If you’re pregnant then you must talk to your doctor about its safety in the trimester you are on, before taking Excedrin Migraine. Don’t use Excedrin Migraine in the last three months of pregnancy, this can cause problems for your pregnancy. As discussed above it contains aspirin and this aspirin can cause serious birth defects in the heart of the baby.

Can you take Excedrin while breastfeeding?

Consult with your doctor before using Excedrin migraine while breastfeeding. Aspirin being one of the key ingredients has the potential to cause side effects like rashes or birth defects in the baby. As aspirin passes through the breast milk thus can cause problems in the fetus.

How to Stay Safe While Using Excedrin Migraine?

A few things to be kept in mind before using Excedrin Migraine are listed as follows:

• You should Carefully read the labels before using Excedrin Migraine.
• Taking other drugs that have the same active ingredients as Excedrin Migraine can lead to overdosing on drugs and thus side effects.
• Restrict the use of caffeine or caffeinated drinks or foods.
• If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction to Excedrin Migraine, Consult with your doctor immediately.

Warnings For Excedrin Migraine

As discussed above excedrin migraine might cause some side effects and problems. So, you must be aware of the warnings of using it. Read below to know them:

Conclusion

Excedrin Migraine can be an effective triple combination medication for relieving migraine pain. Always talk with your doctor to determine if Excedrin Migraine is right for you. Special care must be taken by pregnant and breastfeeding females. Be aware of the warning and use it appropriately for its best effects.

Frequently Asked Questions