Headaches or migraines are very common discomforts; such pains may reduce your productivity level and quality of life. Many over the counter drugs are available to treat such pains. One such med is Excedrin. It is known to contain a few active substances, namely caffeine, aspirin and acetaminophen. On the other hand, allergic reactions such as itchiness or other skin conditions are treated with antihistamines. Hydroxyzine is a commonly prescribed antihistamine. This drug is also used as a sedative especially, prior to surgical procedures. But, can you take Excedrin along with hydroxyzine? Know more about this prior to starting your medication plan.
You may experience pains due to a toothache, migraine, headaches or cramping of abdominal muscles during menstrual cycles. In such cases, pain killing medications are used. Meds such as Excedrin are also commonly used to treat such painful episodes. This drug is made with a combination of chemicals such as aspirin, caffeine as well as acetaminophen.
What is Excedrin made of?
Of the above three ingredients, aspirin is used for reducing odds of a heart attack, cardiac arrest or a stroke. It belongs to a class of meds known as salicylates, and is also a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) formulation. In short, it helps reduce pains caused by inflammation or internal swelling. On the other hand, acetaminophen is known for its capabilities to treat moderate levels of pains, especially those caused by the onset of common cold, flu, backache, toothache, headache as well as discomforts caused by autoimmune conditions such as osteoarthritis. The last major ingredient of Excedrin is caffeine, a stimulating chemical. It boosts your central nervous system.
Excedrin is administered to obtain temporary relief from the aforesaid list of pains. The effects of acetaminophen and aspirin are directly linked to pain relief; caffeine boosts the efficacy of these 2 active ingredients of Excedrin. This drug is mostly taken as an over the counter (OTC) drug. You are hence advised to read through all the instructions printed in the pack with utmost care before starting your medication plan. This drug may cause a few side effects such as vomiting, nausea and upset of stomach. These discomforts may cease to show up once your body gets used to the key chemicals. However, if side effects such as abdominal pains persist for a longer time span, you are advised to talk to a qualified medical professional without much delay.
What is hydroxyzine and what are its uses?
Drugs forming part of a genre called antihistamines are administered to manage allergic reactions. The key function of these meds is to stop the action of histamines. Histamines are allergy-fighting chemicals your body releases soon after your system is invaded by an allergen or a pollutant such as dust, dander, pollen, mites, etc. Hydroxyzine is a widely used antihistamine which has capabilities to handle a large spectrum of allergens. It is mostly used for skin conditions, spells of itching, etc.
Owing to the calming effects it brings about, the drug has a few other extended applications. One of its off-label uses is to calm down people living with severe levels of anxieties or restlessness, both among adults and children. Its numbing properties are used to work as a sedating drug, which is used before a surgical or dental intervention. It is sold in multiple formats i.e., pills, as capsules and as a syrup (liquid suspension). It is safe to be used across all age groups.
Can you take Excedrin with hydroxyzine?
Intake of these two drugs can lead to a few adverse reactions and side effects. Most common among such discomforts include, being in an agitated state of mind, accidental falls, renal disorders (marked by yellowish discharge of urine or pain during urination), shakes or tremors. In some cases, especially males have witnessed near-fatal or even fatal outcomes (i.e., death). The risks are more pronounced among aged and elderly patients. People aged above 60 years and more are likely to experience falls, impairment of renal function and lack of coordination. So, if you are aged and living with bone conditions like osteoarthritis, you are advised to talk to your treating doctor about falls as well as about likely loss of bones.
Those living with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux, thyroid related disorders, increased level of blood cholesterol or lipids, respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder / disease (COPD) like bronchitis, asthma, etc., are advised to take added precautions. Your treating physician must be made aware of these conditions prior to commencing your treatment. You must be equally wary of conditions such as acne or other skin conditions like dermatitis, rapid heartbeats (also known as tachycardia), etc.
Those who have had prior episodes of substance abuse must keep their caregiving team aware of your clinical history. In general, if you are living with bone health problems such as osteoporosis and autoimmune conditions like osteoarthritis, intake of these drugs worsen your bone condition. Also, if your family’s clinical history includes spells of hypertension, heart problems and mental disorders (such as mood swings, depression or anxieties), you may need to keep away from these two drugs.
It is equally important to tell your caregiving team about the meds you are presently taking. It is a safe practice to make a list of all the drugs currently consumed; in this list, care to include over the counter meds, prescription drugs, herbal aids, dietary supplements, etc. Once you have shared this list of drugs, never make changes to it without telling your treating doctor.
In sum, administration of Excedrin and hydroxyzine can lead to some adverse side effects. Being in an agitated frame of mind, falling and tremors are common side effects. Elderly people are more likely to witness accidental falls and impairment of motor function. Ensure that your doctor knows about prior clinical conditions as well as of your family’s medical history prior to starting your medication plan. Take added precautions if you are living with chronic spells of skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, hives or rashes; intake of either of these meds may worsen these ailments. Last but not least, if you are taking drugs to bring down blood pressure level or if you have a rapid heartbeat, consult with your caregiver to know more about necessary safety precautions.
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida. Experience: 5 years as a pharmacist and medical writer, creating content on medication management and pharmaceutical news for healthcare blogs and patient education sites.
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