Acetaminophen and Aspirin (Buffered)

Generic name: Acetaminophen and Aspirin (Buffered) [ a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen-& AS-pir-in ]
Brand name: Excedrin Back & Body
Drug class: Analgesic combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 4, 2023.

Uses of Acetaminophen and Aspirin:

• It is used to ease pain and fever.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Acetaminophen and Aspirin?

For all patients taking acetaminophen and aspirin (buffered):

• If you have an allergy to acetaminophen, aspirin, or any other part of acetaminophen and aspirin (buffered).
• If you are allergic to acetaminophen and aspirin (buffered); any part of acetaminophen and aspirin (buffered); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

Children:

• If your child has or is getting better from flu signs, chickenpox, or other viral infections.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with acetaminophen and aspirin (buffered).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take acetaminophen and aspirin (buffered) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Acetaminophen and Aspirin?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take acetaminophen and aspirin (buffered). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid taking other products that have acetaminophen in them. Check labels closely. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver problems.
• This medicine has acetaminophen in it. Liver problems have happened with the use of acetaminophen. Sometimes, this has led to a liver transplant or death. Most of the time, liver problems happened in people taking more than 4,000 mg (milligrams) of acetaminophen in a day. People were also often taking more than 1 drug that had acetaminophen.
• Follow the directions exactly. Do not take more acetaminophen in a day than directed. If you do not know how much acetaminophen you can take in a day, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Some people may take up to 4,000 mg (milligrams) in a day if told to do so by the doctor. Some people (like people with liver problems and children) should take less acetaminophen. Call your doctor right away if you have taken too much acetaminophen in a day, even if you feel well.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• Do not give to children and teenagers who have or are getting better from flu signs, chickenpox, or other viral infections due to the chance of Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome causes very bad problems to the brain and liver.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using acetaminophen and aspirin (buffered) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Acetaminophen and Aspirin) best taken?

Use acetaminophen and aspirin (buffered) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take tablet with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Take with a full glass of water.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• This medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
• Feeling confused.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Ringing in ears.
• Hearing loss.
• Very bad headache or if headache is not better after the first dose.
• Pain for more than 10 days.
• Fever for more than 3 days.
• A very bad skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

What are some other side effects of Acetaminophen and Aspirin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Stomach pain or heartburn.
• Upset stomach.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Acetaminophen and Aspirin?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about acetaminophen and aspirin (buffered), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer