From the Research
The recommended dose of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) in Excedrin is 250 mg per tablet, with a standard adult dosage of two tablets providing a total of 500 mg of aspirin per dose. This dosage is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which compared the effectiveness of a combination analgesic containing acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine to that of ibuprofen in the treatment of migraine 1. Each tablet of Excedrin also contains 250 mg of acetaminophen and 65 mg of caffeine, so a two-tablet dose delivers 500 mg of acetaminophen and 130 mg of caffeine in addition to the aspirin.
Some key points to consider when taking Excedrin include:
- Users should not exceed 8 tablets in a 24-hour period, which would be a maximum of 2000 mg of aspirin daily.
- It's essential to take Excedrin with a full glass of water and not on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal irritation.
- Aspirin works by inhibiting prostaglandin production, which helps reduce inflammation and pain.
- People with certain conditions, such as bleeding disorders, stomach ulcers, aspirin allergies, or those taking blood thinners, should avoid Excedrin due to the aspirin content.
- Children and teenagers recovering from viral illnesses should not take aspirin-containing products due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
The study by 1 demonstrated that the combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine in Excedrin is effective in relieving migraine pain and associated symptoms, with a faster onset of action compared to ibuprofen. However, it's crucial to follow the recommended dosage and take necessary precautions to minimize potential side effects.