Drug Name

Anacin (Aspirin/Caffeine)

Drug Uses

Anacin is used for treating pain including, headache, muscle aches, sprains, tooth extraction and toothache, menstrual cramps, arthritis and rheumatism, and pain and fever of the common cold. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Anacin as directed by your doctor.

• Take Anacin by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. Taking it with food may not decrease the risk of stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, ulcers) that may occur while taking Anacin.
• Take Anacin with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL). Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Anacin.
• Use Anacin exactly as directed on the package, unless instructed differently by your doctor. If you are taking Anacin without a prescription, follow any warnings and precautions on the label.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Anacin is a combination salicylate and stimulant. It works by blocking several different chemical processes within the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. It also reduces the tendency for blood to clot.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Anacin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Anacin at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Anacin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Anacin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Anacin;
• you are a child or teenager with influenza (flu) or chickenpox;
• you have bleeding problems such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, or low blood platelets, or you have active severe bleeding;
• you have had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness) to aspirin, tartrazine, or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib);
• you are taking anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, warfarin) or methotrexate.

• Anacin may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Anacin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Avoid large amounts of food or drink that have caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, cocoa, cola, chocolate). This includes any medicines that contain caffeine.
• Talk to your doctor before you take Anacin or other pain relievers/fever reducers if you drink more than 3 drinks with alcohol per day. Serious stomach ulcers or bleeding can occur with the use of Anacin. Taking it in high doses or for a long time, smoking, or drinking alcohol increases the risk of these side effects. Taking Anacin with food will not reduce the risk of these effects. Contact your doctor or emergency room at once if you develop severe stomach or back pain; black, tarry stools; vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds; or unusual weight gain or swelling.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Taking more than the recommended dose or taking Anacin regularly may be habit-forming.
• Anacin may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools to your doctor.
• Diabetes patients - Anacin may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• If Anacin has a strong vinegar-like smell upon opening, do not use. It means the medicine is breaking down. Throw the bottle away safely and out of the reach of children; contact your pharmacist and replace.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Anacin before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Do not take Anacin for at least 7 days after any surgery unless directed by your health care provider.
• Do not take Anacin for more than 10 days for pain or for more than 3 days for fever unless directed to do so by your health care provider.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Anacin while you are pregnant. Anacin is not recommended during the last 3 months (third trimester) of pregnancy because it may cause harm to the fetus. This medicine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Anacin, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• dizziness; heartburn; irritability; nausea; nervousness; upset stomach.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; confusion; diarrhea; drowsiness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or heartburn; shakiness; trouble sleeping; vomiting.

More Information

Anacin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.