Excedrin Migraine (Acetaminophen / Aspirin / Caffeine): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & More - GoodRx (2024)

What are the risks and warnings for Excedrin Migraine?

Taking too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause permanent and life-threatening liver damage. For adults, the maximum amount of acetaminophen is 3 or 4 grams in a 24-hour period, depending on your provider's instructions. For children, ask your child's provider.

Speak to your provider before using Excedrin Migraine if you have liver problems, since it can cause further damage to your liver. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

Signs of liver problems include dark urine, feeling tired, upset stomach or stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your provider right away.

Aspirin use in children is linked to a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome. It typically occurs when children who are recovering from flu-like symptoms or other viruses use aspirin. Early symptoms of Reye's syndrome include vomiting, headache, confusion, and distress, but it can lead to seizures and loss of consciousness. Don't give Excedrin Migraine to a child who has a fever due to the flu. Ask your child's provider for medication recommendations for children who are sick.

Severe allergic reactions to Excedrin Migraine are possible, including anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Call 911 if you experience hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your lips or tongue. Let your provider know if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs before you start taking Excedrin Migraine.

Acetaminophen can also cause severe skin reactions, like painful blisters all over your body, hives, or rash. If you experience any of these, call your healthcare provider right away.

Excedrin Migraine contains aspirin, which can irritate your stomach. This irritation can feel like stomach pain or heartburn. It can also lead to serious stomach problems, including bleeding and ulcers in this area. If you have stomach pain that doesn't get better; vomit or cough up blood or bits that look like coffee grounds; or have bloody or black, tarry stools; stop taking Excedrin Migraine and get medical attention right away. These can be signs of stomach bleeding or a stomach ulcer that your provider can help manage and treat.

Excedrin Migraine contains aspirin, which can cause kidney damage. This damage can happen at any time while you're taking the medication, especially if you have any of the risk factors listed above. Tell your provider if you're taking certain blood pressure medications that can damage your kidneys, such as ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril (Prinivil)) and ARBs (e.g., losartan (Cozaar)). Stop taking Excedrin Migraine, and let your provider know if you're not urinating as often as usual or have fever, muscle weakness, numbness in your arms or legs, or a fast heartbeat. These can be signs of kidney damage.

Excedrin Migraine contains caffeine, which can remove excess fluid in your body, esepcailly at doses of more than 400 mg of caffeine per day. This can lead to dehydration (low fluids in the body). Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, not urinating as much, lightheadedness, dizziness). Make sure to stay well-hydrated while taking this medication. Contact your provider if you feel dehydrated.

Don't take Excedrin Migraine if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider said it's safe to do so. Taking Excedrin Migraine can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your provider knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting Excedrin Migraine.

Taking too much acetaminophen or NSAIDs can lead to a dangerous overdose. Too much acetaminophen can lead to serious liver damage, and too much NSAIDs can raise your risk of life-threatening bleeding, kidney damage, and heart problems. There are many over-the-counter and prescription medications that contain acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol PM, Dayquil) or an NSAID (e.g., aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen in Advil products). Check if the medications you're currently taking contain any acetaminophen or NSAIDs, and ask your provider or pharmacist if you're not sure. If you need to take more than 1 product with these ingredients, you'll need to keep track of how much you're taking throughout the day to avoid overdosing. Early signs of acetaminophen overdose include vomiting, right-sided stomach pain, and severe dizziness. Early signs of taking too much NSAID include blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and stomach upset. If you suspect that you or someone you know have overdosed on Excedrin Migraine, get medical help or contact the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) right away.

Excedrin Migraine dosage forms

Each pill of both brands contain 250 mg of acetaminophen, 250 mg of aspirin, and 65 mg of caffeine.

• Excedrin Migraine and generic:

  • Age 18 years and older: The typical dose is 2 tablets by mouth once a day as needed with a glass of water. Don't take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours, unless directed by your provider.

  • Age under 18 years: Ask your child's provider.

• Excedrin Extra Strength and generic:

  • People aged 12 years and older: The typical dose is 2 tablets by mouth every 6 hours as needed with a glass of water. Don't take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

  • Children aged 11 years and younger: Ask your child's provider.