Generic
Paracetamol + Caffeine
106 brands available in the market
At a glance
Paracetamol + Caffeine is a combination medicine used for headache, migraine, toothache, neuralgia, fever, period pain, sore throat, backache and aches of colds and flu. Paracetamol provides analgesic and antipyretic effects while caffeine enhances pain tolerance.
Description
Paracetamol has analgesic and antipyretic properties with weak anti-inflammatory activity. Caffeine is an alkaloid which is a theophylline-like xanthine derivative. By intermolecular association with Paracetamol, Caffeine increases the solubility and transmembrane permeation of Paracetamol. Caffeine also increases the pain threshold and tolerance and raises vessel tone in the brain for migraine and headache treatment.
Indications
- Headache
- Migraine
- Toothache
- Neuralgia
- Fever
- Period pain
- Sore throat
- Backache
- Aches and pain of colds and flu
Therapeutic class
Non-Opioid Analgesics
Pharmacological class
Analgesic & Antipyretic Combination
Pharmacology
Paracetamol reduces pain and fever by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. Caffeine increases paracetamol solubility and absorption, enhances pain tolerance and threshold, and raises brain vascular tone to help in migraine.
Mechanism of action
Relieves pain and fever by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and caffeine enhances paracetamol efficacy.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours
- Maximum daily: 8 tablets
Pediatric Dose: Not recommended for children below 12 years
Administration
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take at the same time each day
- May be taken with or without food
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Increased heart rate
- Restlessness
- Thrombocytopenia
- Leukopenia
- Pancytopenia
- Neutropenia
- Agranulocytosis
- Pancreatitis
- Skin rashes
- Allergic reactions
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in hepatic or renal failure
- Caution in patients taking other hepatotoxic medications
- Avoid prolonged use without consulting physician
- Caution while driving (may cause drowsiness and dizziness)
- Avoid alcohol
Contraindications
- Severe renal impairment
- Hepatic disease (Viral Hepatitis)
- Hypersensitivity
Drug interactions
- May reduce serum levels with anticonvulsants (phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine)
- May enhance anticoagulant effect of warfarin (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
- May cause severe hypothermia with phenothiazine
Food interactions
Avoid caffeine and chocolate containing foods (tea leaves, cocoa beans).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Paracetamol + Caffeine may be unsafe during pregnancy; animal studies show evidence of fetal harm.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Caution during breastfeeding; hold breastfeeding until treatment is completed.
Pediatric use
Not recommended for children below 12 years.
Geriatric use
Elderly may require dose adjustment.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in severe kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed (paracetamol is considered the safest painkiller for kidney disease patients).
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in severe liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed; not recommended in active liver disease.
Overdose effects
Overdose (first 24 hours): Pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain; liver damage may appear 12-40 hours after ingestion; glucose metabolism abnormalities and metabolic acidosis may occur.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protect from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Paracetamol + Caffeine