Anacin

Generic name: aspirin and caffeine

Drug class: Analgesic combinations

Dosage form: Tablets, Caplets

Route of administration: Oral

Dose: Adults and children 12 years and older: 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours. Children under 12 years: consult a doctor.

Mechanism of action: Aspirin inhibits the production of prostaglandins, chemicals responsible for inflammation and pain signaling. Caffeine enhances aspirin’s pain-relieving effects and has a vasoconstrictive effect, beneficial for headaches caused by dilated blood vessels.

Drug usage cases:

• Headaches
• Muscle pain
• Minor arthritis pain
• Fever or body aches due to the common cold
• Toothaches
• Menstrual cramps
• Temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with hangovers

Drug contraindications:

• Allergy to aspirin or caffeine
• Active bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
• History of stomach or intestinal bleeding
• Children or teenagers with flu symptoms or chickenpox (due to risk of Reye’s syndrome)

Side effects:

• Upset stomach or heartburn
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Signs of stomach bleeding (e.g., bloody or black stools, vomiting that looks like coffee grounds)
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Nervousness, irritability, rapid heartbeat
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Fever lasting longer than 3 days
• Pain lasting longer than 10 days

Warnings:

• Aspirin may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.
• Limit the use of caffeine-containing medications, coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, or other sources of caffeine while taking Anacin. Using too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and rapid heartbeats.
• Do not use more than the recommended dose. An overdose can damage your liver or cause death.
• Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chickenpox. Aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Anacin may be harmful to an unborn baby’s heart and may also reduce birth weight or have other dangerous effects. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless directed by a doctor. Aspirin and caffeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.