Can you take ibuprofen with Excedrin Migraine?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on March 6, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Speak with your doctor before using Excedrin Migraine together with ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Excedrin Migraine contains acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine in each caplet or geltab. Aspirin and ibuprofen are both nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Combining NSAID medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen may lead to serious side effects or drug interactions.

Each tablet of Excedrin Migraine contains 65 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, 250 mg of acetaminophen, and 250 mg of aspirin.

Using Excedrin Migraine and ibuprofen together may increase your risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal (stomach or intestine) ulcers, bleeding and perforation. This risk may be higher if you are an older patient.
Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor you more frequently for side effects if you use these drugs together.
Your doctor may also decide it is not safe for you to use these medicines together.
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen carry a Boxed Warning of an increased risk for a heart attack or stroke. Aspirin does not contain this warning.

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop severe abdominal (stomach) pain, bloating, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting (especially with blood), loss of appetite or black, tarry stools.

Do not take more Excedrin Migraine than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen (brand example: Tylenol) can damage your liver or cause death. The usual adult dose for Excedrin Migraine is 2 caplets with a glass of water. Do not take more than 2 caplets in a 24 hour period, unless directed by your doctor.

Before you use Excedrin Migraine, you should review the full Drug Facts product information on the bottle. If your migraine headache symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor.

Learn more: How often can you take Excedrin Migraine?

In addition, while Excedrin Migraine is typically used to treat migraine headaches, regularly using ibuprofen with low-dose aspirin may reduce the effectiveness of the aspirin if you are taking it to prevent a heart attack or stroke.

It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of the medications you use, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herb supplements. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

This is not all the information you need to know about Excedrin Migraine for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Excedrin Migraine information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

Aspirin Overdose: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Emergency Treatment

An aspirin overdose can occur after a single large dose (this is called an acute overdose) or develop gradually after taking lower doses for a long time (this is called a chronic overdose). An acute aspirin overdose may be accidental or intentional. A toxic dose of aspirin for a human adult is considered to be 200 to 300 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (works out to be 13,600 to 20,400mg of aspirin for a person who weighs 68 kg [approximately 150 pounds]). A dose of 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (34,000mg for a 68kg person) is considered a potentially lethal dose of aspirin, and could result in death. Continue reading

Does aspirin lower blood pressure?

No, aspirin does not appear to affect blood pressure. The effects of aspirin on blood pressure have been studied at doses even higher than 1,500 mg per day, as well as low doses for an average of 4 years. These studies showed that aspirin does not have an effect on blood pressure. Continue reading

Can I give Aspirin to my dog or cat?

DO NOT give aspirin to cats; it can be deadly to your cat. Cats lack the enzyme needed for metabolizing salicylic acid properly, and aspirin can build up and be extremely toxic. Many vets do not recommend aspirin use in dogs anymore due to stomach ulcers and the possibility of bleeding. Continue reading

Can you take ibuprofen with Excedrin Migraine?

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