Excedrin Extra Strength Tablets
Excedrin Extra Strength Tablets Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Excedrin Extra Strength Tablets is a brand name. Its generic name is Paracetamol + aspirin + caffeine.
Introduction
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a medication used to treat mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. It is the most commonly used pain reliever in the world and is taken orally for most of its uses. Aspirin is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, often used for the treatment of pain, fever and inflammation. Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system which is often used as a pain reliever and for treating headaches. Combining paracetamol, aspirin, and caffeine in one medication can provide a strong and fast relief for pain, fever and inflammation.
Uses
Paracetamol, aspirin, and caffeine are used together as an analgesic to relieve mild to moderate pain, and to treat fever, headaches, and inflammation. This medication can also be used for the treatment of migraines, dental pain, period pain, muscle aches, and arthritis.
Mechanism of Action
Paracetamol works by blocking the production of prostaglandins which are responsible for pain, inflammation, and fever. Aspirin also blocks the production of prostaglandins and also blocks the action of certain enzymes, such as cyclooxygenase, which further blocks the production of prostaglandins. Caffeine is a stimulant which works by stimulating the central nervous system to reduce pain. The three medications together work to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
The combined medication can begin to show effects within 30 minutes of ingestion. The effects of the drug can last up to four hours.
Absorption
Paracetamol is rapidly absorbed after ingestion and peaks in concentrations within 1-2 hours. Aspirin is also very rapidly absorbed and it reaches a peak concentration in 30-60 minutes. Caffeine is moderate with regards to absorption and typically peaks in concentration in 30-120 minutes after ingestion. The more quickly a medication is absorbed, the quicker it begins to exhibit effects.
Route of Elimination
After being metabolized in the liver, paracetamol is eliminated primarily through the kidneys. Aspirin is eliminated through the kidneys and intestines. Caffeine is eliminated primarily through the kidneys, but also through other pathways, such as the gastrointestinal tract.
Dosage
For adults and adolescents age 12 and over, the recommended dose for paracetamol and aspirin is 500mg each, while the recommended dose of caffeine is 65mg. The total daily dose of paracetamol should not exceed 4g, and the total daily dose of aspirin should not exceed 4g. Aspirin should be taken with food to reduce its gastrointestinal side effects. The combined medication should be taken every 4-6 hours, no more than 3 times a day.
Administration
This medication is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Liquid medication should be taken with a measuring spoon. Do not crush or chew the medication.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of the medication include: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, constipation, decreased appetite, indigestion, and blurred vision. Other side effects may include liver and kidney damage, ringing in the ears, shortness of breath, and allergic reactions such as skin rash and itching.
Toxicity
Combining paracetamol and aspirin has been associated with an increased risk of toxicity compared to taking either paracetamol or aspirin alone. The toxic effects include stomach and intestinal ulcers, liver failure, and bleeding.
Precautions
Patients with existing liver, kidney, heart, or gastrointestinal disease should be monitored closely while taking the medication and should not take it if their condition is exacerbated. It should not be taken by patients who have a known allergy to any of the components of the medication. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take the medication.
Interaction
The combination of paracetamol, aspirin, and caffeine can increase the risk of drug interactions when taken with certain other medications. It should not be taken with alcohol, antacids, or anti-anxiety medications, as these can reduce the effectiveness of the medication or increase the risk of toxicity.
Disease Interaction
Patients with existing liver, kidney, heart, or gastrointestinal disease should be monitored closely while taking the medication and should not take it if their condition is exacerbated. The medication can also interact with other diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and glaucoma.
Drug Interaction
Certain drugs can interact with the combination of paracetamol, aspirin, and caffeine and increase the risk of toxicity or reduce the effectiveness of the medication. These drugs include alcohol, antacids, anti-depressants, and anti-anxiety medications.
Food Interactions
The medication should not be taken with alcohol or acidic foods, as these can reduce the absorption of the drug and reduce its effectiveness.
Pregnancy Use
The combination of paracetamol, aspirin, and caffeine should not be taken by pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. The medication may cause birth defects or other harm to the fetus.
Lactation Use
This medication is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding as it can pass into breast milk and cause harm to the baby.
Acute Overdose
An acute overdose of paracetamol, aspirin, and caffeine can lead to liver failure, stomach and intestinal bleeding, and death. If an overdose is suspected, seek medical attention immediately.
Contraindication
This medication should not be taken by patients who are allergic to any of the components of the medication. It should also not be taken by patients with existing liver, kidney, heart, or gastrointestinal diseases, as it can worsen their condition.
Use Direction
The medication should be taken as directed by a doctor or pharmacist. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. The liquid medication should be taken with a measuring spoon. Do not crush or chew the medication.
Storage Conditions
Store the medication at room temperature, protect from light and moisture, and keep out of reach of children.
Volume of Distribution
Paracetamol is widely distributed throughout the body, with peak concentrations in the liver, spleen, and kidney. Aspirin is widely distributed, and peak concentrations are found in the liver, kidney, stomach, and small intestine. Caffeine is distributed throughout the body, with peak concentrations in the liver and kidneys.
Half Life
Paracetamol has a half-life of 1 to 4 hours, aspirin has a half-life of 3 to 7 hours, and caffeine has a half-life of 3 to 5 hours.
Clearance
Paracetamol is primarily cleared by the kidneys, aspirin is primarily cleared by the kidneys and the intestines, and caffeine is primarily cleared by the kidneys. Ultimately, all three medications are cleared by the liver.
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