Locations:

Acetaminophen; Caffeine Disintegrating Tablets

What is this medication?

ACETAMINOPHEN; CAFFEINE (a set a MEE noe fen; KAF een) treats mild aches and pains. It is a combination of acetaminophen and caffeine.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Excedrin Quick Tabs

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Frequently drink alcohol
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Seizures
  • Tobacco use
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, caffeine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the product label. Leave the tablet in the sealed pack until you are ready to take it. With dry hands, open the pack and gently remove the tablet. If the tablet breaks or crumbles, throw it away. Use a new tablet. Place the tablet in the mouth and allow it to dissolve. Then, swallow it. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not use it more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be given to children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Advertisement

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medicine is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Certain medications that prevent and treat blood clots like warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not take other medications that contain acetaminophen with this medication. Many non-prescription medications contain acetaminophen. Always read labels carefully. If you have questions, ask your care team.

If you take too much acetaminophen, get medical help right away. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous and cause liver damage. Even if you do not have symptoms, it is important to get help right away.

Do not take this medication close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually to not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Tremors or shaking
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

Advertisement

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Advertisement

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

Ad
Call Appointment Center 866.320.4573
Questions 216.444.2200