Excedrin Tension Headache tab

Uses

The indications of Paracetamol & Caffeine are Headache, Migraine, Toothache, Neuralgia, Feverishness, Period pain, Sore throat, Backache, Helps reduce temperature, Aches and pain of colds and flu

Excedrin Tension Headache tab is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), Common Cold, Dark circles under eyes, Dyspepsia, Fatigue, Fever, Flu caused by Influenza, Headache, Migraine, Pain, Pain, Acute, Pain, Menstrual, Primary apnea of premature newborns, Respiratory Depression, Rheumatic Pain, Somnolence, Soreness, Muscle, Tension Headache, Toothache, Moderate Pain, Analgesia, Antacid therapy, Athletic PerformanceAcute Gouty Arthritis, Acute Musculoskeletal Pain, Allergies, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Arthritis, Chills, Cold, Cold Symptoms, Common Cold, Common Cold/Flu, Cough, Cough caused by Common Cold, Coughing caused by Flu caused by Influenza, Dyskinesia of the Biliary Tract, Dyskinesia of the Urinary Tract, Febrile Convulsions, Febrile Illness Acute, Fever, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Flu caused by Influenza, Headache, Joint dislocations, Menstrual Distress (Dysmenorrhea), Mild pain, Muscle Inflammation, Muscle Injuries, Muscle Spasms, Musculoskeletal Pain, Nasal Congestion, Neuralgia, Osteoarthritis (OA), Pain, Pollen Allergy, Postoperative pain, Premenstrual cramps, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rhinopharyngitis, Rhinorrhoea, Severe Pain, Sinusitis, Soreness, Muscle, Spasms, Spastic Pain of the Gastrointestinal Tract, Sprains, Tension Headache, Toothache, Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Whiplash Syndrome, Acute Torticollis, Mild to moderate pain, Minor aches and pains, Minor pain, Moderate Pain, Airway secretion clearance therapy, Antispasmodic, Bronchodilation

How Excedrin Tension Headache tab works

The mechanism of action of caffeine is complex, as it impacts several body systems, which are listed below. The effects as they relate to various body systems are described as follows:

General and cellular actions

Caffeine exerts several actions on cells, but the clinical relevance is poorly understood. One probable mechanism is the inhibition of nucleotide phosphodiesterase enzymes, adenosine receptors, regulation of calcium handling in cells, and participates in adenosine receptor antagonism. Phosphodiesterase enzymes regulate cell function via actions on second messengers cAMP and cGMP. This causes lipolysis through activation of hormone-sensitive lipases, releasing fatty acids and glycerol.

Respiratory

The exact mechanism of action of caffeine in treating apnea related to prematurity is unknown, however, there are several proposed mechanisms, including respiratory center stimulation in the central nervous system, a reduced threshold to hypercapnia with increased response, and increased consumption of oxygen, among others. The blocking of the adenosine receptors enhances respiratory drive via an increase in brain medullary response to carbon dioxide, stimulating ventilation and respiratory drive, while increasing contractility of the diaphragm.

Central nervous system

Caffeine demonstrates antagonism of all 4 adenosine receptor subtypes (A1, A2a, A2b, A3) in the central nervous system. Caffeine's effects on alertness and combatting drowsiness are specifically related to the antagonism of the A2a receptor.

Renal system

Caffeine has diuretic effects due to is stimulatory effects on renal blood flow, increase in glomerular filtration, and increase in sodium excretion.

Cardiovascular system

Adenosine receptor antagonism at the A1 receptor by caffeine stimulates inotropic effects in the heart. Blocking of adenosine receptors promotes catecholamine release, leading to stimulatory effects occurring in the heart and the rest of the body. In the blood vessels, caffeine exerts direct antagonism of adenosine receptors, causing vasodilation. It stimulates the endothelial cells in the blood vessel wall to release nitric oxide, potentiating blood vessel relaxation. Catecholamine release, however, antagonizes this and exerts inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, ultimately leading to vasoconstriction. Finally, caffeine is shown to raise systolic blood pressure measurements by 5 to 10 mmHg when it is not taken regularly, versus no effect in those who consume it regularly. The vasoconstricting effects of caffeine are beneficial in migraines and other types of headache, which are normally caused by vasodilation in the brain.

Dosage

Excedrin Tension Headache tab dosage

Adult dose: 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours. Maximum dose: 8 tablets daily.

Child dose: Not recommended for children below 12 years.

Side Effects

Side effects of paracetamol are usually mild, though haematological reactions including thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported. Pancreatitis, skin rashes, and other allergic reactions occur occasionally.

Toxicity

The oral LD50 of caffeine in rats is 192 mg/kg. An acute fatal overdose of caffeine in humans is about 10–14 grams (equivalent to 150–200 mg/kg of body weight).

Caffeine overdose

In the case of caffeine overdose, seizures may occur, as caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It should be used with extreme caution in those with epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal upset. Intoxication with caffeine is included in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Agitation, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, tachycardia, tremors, tachycardia, psychomotor agitation, and, in some cases, death can occur, depending on the amount of caffeine consumed. Overdose is more likely to occur in individuals who do not consume caffeine regularly but consume energy drinks.

Overdose management

For a mild caffeine overdose, offer symptomatic treatment. In the case of a severe overdose, intubation for airway protection from changes in mental status or vomiting may be needed. Activated charcoal and hemodialysis can prevent further complications of an overdose and prevent absorption and metabolism. Benzodiazepine drugs can be administered to prevent or treat seizures. IV fluids and vasopressors may be necessary to combat hypotension associated with caffeine overdose. In addition, magnesium and beta blocking drugs can be used to treat arrhythmias that may occur, with defibrillation and resuscitation if the arrhythmias are lethal. Follow local ACLS protocols.

Precaution

Paracetamol & Caffeine should be given cautiously in the following cases: In patients with hepatic or renal failure, in patients taking other hepatotoxic medication. Prolonged use of the drug without consulting a physician should be avoided.

Interaction

May reduce serum levels with anticonvulsants (e.g. phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine). May enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarins with prolonged use. Accelerated absorption with metoclopramide and domperidone. May increase serum levels with probenecid. May increase serum levels of chloramphenicol. May reduce absorption with colestyramine within 1 hr of admin. May cause severe hypothermia with phenothiazine.

Volume of Distribution

Caffeine has the ability to rapidly cross the blood-brain barrier. It is water and fat soluble and distributes throughout the body. Caffeine concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of preterm newborns are similar to the concentrations found in the plasma. The mean volume of distribution of caffeine in infants is 0.8-0.9 L/kg and 0.6 L/kg in the adult population.

Volume of distribution is about 0.9L/kg. 10 to 20% of the drug is bound to red blood cells. Acetaminophen appears to be widely distributed throughout most body tissues except in fat.

Elimination Route

Caffeine is rapidly absorbed after oral or parenteral administration, reaching peak plasma concentration within 30 minutes to 2 hours after administration. After oral administration, onset of action takes place within 45 to 1 hour. Food may delay caffeine absorption. The peak plasma level for caffeine ranges from 6-10mg/L. The absolute bioavailability is unavailable in neonates, but reaches about 100% in adults.

Half Life

In an average-sized adult or child above the age of 9, the half-life of caffeine is approximately 5 hours. Various characteristics and conditions can alter caffeine half-life. It can be reduced by up to 50% in smokers. Pregnant women show an increased half-life of 15 hours or higher, especially in the third trimester. The half-life in newborns is prolonged to about 8 hours at full-term and 100 hours in premature infants, likely due to reduced ability to metabolize it. Liver disease or drugs that inhibit CYP1A2 can increase caffeine half-life.

The half-life for adults is 2.5 h after an intravenous dose of 15 mg/kg. After an overdose, the half-life can range from 4 to 8 hours depending on the severity of injury to the liver, as it heavily metabolizes acetaminophen.

Clearance

The clearance of caffeine varies, but on average, is about 0.078 L/kg/h (1.3 mL/min/kg).

Adults: 0.27 L/h/kg following a 15 mg/kg intravenous (IV) dose. Children: 0.34 L/h/kg following a 15 mg/kg intravenous (IV dose).

Elimination Route

The major metabolites of caffeine can be found excreted in the urine. About 0.5% to 2% of a caffeine dose is found excreted in urine, as it because it is heavily absorbed in the renal tubules.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnant mothers should consult with doctors before taking Paracetamol & Caffeine. Paracetamol & Caffeine can be taken whilst breast feeding.

Contraindication

Paracetamol is contraindicated in patients with severe renal function impairment and hepatic disease (Viral Hepatitis). Known hypersensitivity to paracetamol or caffeine.

Special Warning

Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of Paracetamol IV for the treatment of acute pain and fever in pediatric patients ages 2 years and older is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of Paracetamol IV in adults.

Geriatric use: No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.

Patients with Hepatic Impairment: Paracetamol is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease and should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment or active liver disease. A reduced total daily dose of Paracetamol may be warranted.

Patients with Renal Impairment: In cases of severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min), longer dosing intervals and a reduced total daily dose of Paracetamol may be warranted.

Acute Overdose

Symptoms of Paracetamol overdose in the first 24 hours are pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and abdominal pain. Liver damage may become apparent 12 to 40 hours after ingestion. Abnormalities of glucose metabolism and metabolic acidosis may occur.

Storage Condition

Store in a cool and dry place, protect from light and moisture.Keep all medicines out of the reach of the children.

Innovators Monograph

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