Extra Strength Headache Relief

Description

No relevant information is available for SPL code 34089-3.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with various conditions, including headache, cold symptoms, arthritis, muscular aches, toothache, and premenstrual or menstrual cramps.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Patients should adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and administration guidelines. It is imperative not to exceed the directed dosage.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 caplets every 6 hours, with a maximum of 8 caplets within a 24-hour period. Each dose should be accompanied by a full glass of water to ensure proper hydration and absorption.

For children under 12 years of age, it is advised to consult a physician for appropriate dosing recommendations.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Co-administration with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, due to the risk of acetaminophen overdose.

• Prolonged use for pain exceeding 10 days without medical supervision is contraindicated, as it may lead to adverse effects.

• Use for fever exceeding 3 days without medical guidance is contraindicated, to prevent potential complications.

Warnings and Precautions

Children and teenagers who are experiencing or recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. If any changes in behavior accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur while using this product, it is imperative to consult a healthcare professional, as these may be early signs of this rare but serious condition.

Aspirin, a component of this product, may lead to severe allergic reactions, which can manifest as hives, facial swelling, shock, or asthma symptoms such as wheezing. Additionally, acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions, including skin reddening, blisters, and rash. Should any skin reaction occur, the use of the product must be discontinued immediately, and medical assistance should be sought.

This product contains acetaminophen, which poses a risk of severe liver damage if the maximum daily dosage of 8 caplets is exceeded within a 24-hour period, if it is taken concurrently with other medications containing acetaminophen, or if consumed with three or more alcoholic drinks daily.

Furthermore, the product contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which may increase the risk of severe stomach bleeding, particularly in individuals aged 60 or older, those with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, or those taking anticoagulants, steroids, or other NSAIDs. The risk is also heightened with excessive alcohol consumption or prolonged use beyond the recommended duration.

Caffeine is present in the recommended dose of this product, approximately equivalent to that found in a cup of coffee. It is advisable to limit the intake of other caffeine-containing medications, foods, or beverages while using this product, as excessive caffeine may lead to nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and, in some cases, rapid heartbeat.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor prior to use if they have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn, or if they have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease. Additionally, patients taking diuretics or those on prescription medications for diabetes, gout, or arthritis should seek guidance from a healthcare provider before using this product.

In the event of an accidental overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or contact with a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) is recommended. Prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are initially apparent.

Patients should discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms do not improve, if new symptoms arise, if pain or fever persists or worsens, or if any signs of stomach bleeding occur, such as feeling faint, experiencing bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, or having persistent stomach pain. Additionally, if ringing in the ears or loss of hearing occurs, it is essential to consult a doctor before continuing use of this product.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware of several serious and common adverse reactions associated with its use.

Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious illness that may occur in children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms. If patients experience changes in behavior accompanied by nausea and vomiting while using this product, they should consult a doctor immediately, as these may be early signs of Reye’s syndrome.

Severe allergic reactions may occur in patients taking this product, particularly those sensitive to aspirin or acetaminophen. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to aspirin may include hives, facial swelling, shock, and asthma (wheezing). For acetaminophen, severe skin reactions can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. If any skin reaction occurs, patients should discontinue use and seek medical assistance promptly.

The product contains acetaminophen, which poses a risk of severe liver damage if patients exceed the maximum daily dosage of 8 caplets within 24 hours, use it in conjunction with other acetaminophen-containing medications, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Additionally, the presence of an NSAID in this product raises the risk of severe stomach bleeding, particularly in patients aged 60 or older, those with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, or those taking blood thinners, steroids, or other NSAIDs. The risk is further increased if patients consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily or exceed the recommended dosage.

Patients should also be cautious regarding caffeine intake, as the recommended dose of this product contains approximately the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. Excessive caffeine consumption may lead to nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and, in some cases, rapid heartbeat.

Patients are advised to stop using the product and consult a doctor if symptoms do not improve, new symptoms arise, pain or fever persists or worsens, or if they experience any signs of stomach bleeding, such as feeling faint, having bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, or experiencing persistent stomach pain. Additionally, if patients experience ringing in the ears or loss of hearing, they should consult a doctor before continuing use of this product.

Drug Interactions

Concurrent use of this medication with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is contraindicated due to the risk of acetaminophen overdose and potential hepatotoxicity.

Pharmacodynamic interactions should be carefully considered, particularly with anticoagulants or steroid medications. The concomitant use of this medication with blood thinners significantly increases the risk of severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, close monitoring for signs of bleeding is advised in patients receiving these combinations.

Additionally, patients taking prescription medications for diabetes, gout, or arthritis should consult a healthcare professional prior to initiating therapy with this medication. This is essential to ensure safe and effective use, as potential interactions may necessitate dosage adjustments or enhanced monitoring.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Extra Strength Headache Relief (acetaminophen aspirin caffeine). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness. If changes in behavior accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur while using this product, it is important to consult a doctor, as these may be early signs of Reye’s syndrome.

For dosing, adults and children aged 12 years and over are directed to take 2 caplets every 6 hours, with a maximum of 8 caplets in a 24-hour period. For children under 12 years, it is advised to consult a doctor before use.

This product should be kept out of reach of children. In the event of an accidental overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222). Prompt medical attention is critical for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 and older, are at an increased risk of severe stomach bleeding when using this product, which contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The risk is further heightened in individuals with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, those who are concurrently using blood thinners (anticoagulants) or steroid medications, and patients taking other NSAIDs, whether prescription or over-the-counter, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this product to geriatric patients, especially if they consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using the medication. It is essential to monitor these patients closely for any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and to consider dose adjustments or alternative therapies as necessary. Additionally, patients should be advised to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and duration of use to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before using this medication. The use of aspirin during the last trimester of pregnancy is particularly cautioned against, as it may lead to adverse effects on fetal outcomes or complications during delivery. Therefore, it is essential that pregnant patients only use aspirin in this period if explicitly directed by a healthcare provider.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional before using this medication. It is particularly important to avoid the use of aspirin during the last three months of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a doctor, as it may pose risks to the unborn child or lead to complications during delivery. There is no specific data available regarding the excretion of this medication in breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when considering its use in lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

There is no specific information available regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for patients with renal impairment. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing to patients with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in these patients to ensure safety and efficacy.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should be closely monitored when using this product, which contains acetaminophen. It is important to note that severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed the maximum daily dosage of 8 caplets within a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients should avoid concomitant use of other medications containing acetaminophen, as this can further increase the risk of liver injury.

Patients with compromised liver function are also advised to limit alcohol consumption. Specifically, the intake of 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day while using this product may significantly heighten the risk of liver damage. Therefore, careful consideration of liver function and adherence to recommended dosage guidelines is essential to minimize the potential for adverse effects in this patient population.

Overdosage

In cases of overdosage, significant health risks are associated with the consumption of this product.

Risk of Severe Liver Damage Taking more than 8 caplets within a 24-hour period, which is the maximum recommended daily dosage, can lead to severe liver damage. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant in assessing patients who may have exceeded this limit.

Additionally, the concomitant use of this product with other medications containing acetaminophen poses a further risk of severe liver damage. It is crucial for healthcare providers to inquire about all medications a patient is taking to prevent potential interactions that could exacerbate liver toxicity.

Furthermore, patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product are at an increased risk of severe liver damage. Healthcare professionals should advise patients on the dangers of alcohol consumption in conjunction with this medication.

Recommended Actions In the event of suspected overdosage, immediate medical attention is warranted. Healthcare providers should initiate appropriate management procedures, which may include monitoring liver function tests and providing supportive care as necessary. It is essential to educate patients on the importance of adhering to recommended dosages and the potential risks associated with overdosage.

Nonclinical Toxicology

It is especially important not to use aspirin during the last three months of pregnancy unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional, as it may lead to complications for the unborn child or during delivery. No specific non-teratogenic effects have been identified in the available data. Additionally, there are no details regarding nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology provided in the current information.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs. Severe allergic reactions, including hives, facial swelling, shock, and asthma (wheezing), have been associated with aspirin use. Additionally, severe skin reactions related to acetaminophen have been reported, characterized by skin reddening, blisters, and rash.

Reports of liver damage have been noted in association with acetaminophen, particularly in instances of overdose or concurrent use with other acetaminophen-containing products. Furthermore, incidents of severe stomach bleeding have been documented in patients using NSAIDs, especially among individuals over 60 years of age, those with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, and those concurrently taking anticoagulants or other NSAIDs.

Lastly, cases of nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and rapid heartbeat have been reported in relation to excessive caffeine intake while using this product.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. In the event of an accidental overdose, patients must seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222, as prompt medical attention is critical for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are present.

Patients should be informed not to use this medication in conjunction with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If patients are uncertain whether a drug contains acetaminophen, they should consult a doctor or pharmacist for clarification.

It is important to instruct patients not to use this medication for more than 10 days for pain or more than 3 days for fever unless directed by a doctor. Patients should be advised to stop use and consult a doctor if their symptoms do not improve, if new symptoms occur, or if pain or fever persists or worsens.

Patients should also be made aware of the signs of potential stomach bleeding, which include feeling faint, having bloody or black stools, vomiting blood, or experiencing stomach pain that does not improve. If any of these symptoms occur, patients should stop use and seek medical advice immediately.

In addition, patients should be cautioned to consult a doctor before continuing use if they experience ringing in the ears or loss of hearing. It is essential to ask a doctor before use if the patient has a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn, or if they have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease. Patients taking a diuretic or those on prescription medications for diabetes, gout, or arthritis should also seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before using this product. Lastly, patients under a doctor’s care for any serious condition should consult their healthcare provider before use.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It should be stored at a temperature range of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), with permissible excursions between 15° and 30°C (59° to 86°F). It is essential to adhere to the expiration date indicated on the package to ensure product efficacy and safety. Proper storage conditions must be maintained to preserve the integrity of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

No further data are available.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Extra Strength Headache Relief, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)