Anacin

Common Use

Anacin is used for the treatment of pain, including muscle aches, headache, tooth extraction and toothache, arthritis and rheumatism, menstrual cramps, pain and fever of the common cold. It is a combination of a stimulant and salicylate. It blocks several different chemical processes within the body that cause pain, inflammation, and fever. It can also reduce the tendency of blood clots.

Dosage and Directions

Take Anacin orally with or without a meal. If stomach upset occurs, take it with food to reduce stomach irritation. Take the medicine with a full glass of water. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication. Use it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions

Before using the medicine, discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding; if you are taking any prescribed or non-prescribed medicines, herbal products, or dietary supplements; if you have an allergy to food, medicines, or other substances; if you have asthma, bleeding or clotting problems, kidney or liver problems, stomach and intestinal problems, growths in the nose, heart problems, upset stomach, heartburn, or stomach pain; if you have hives, flu, chickenpox, or vitamin K deficiency; if you have alcoholism or consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day; if you are a child with a stroke, weakened blood vessel or bleeding in the brain, Kawasaki syndrome, or rheumatic disease; if you have anxiety, trouble sleeping, or heart problems.

Contraindications

Do not take Anacin if you have an allergy to any ingredient of Anacin; if you are a child or teenager with flu or chickenpox; if you have bleeding problems such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, low blood platelets, or active severe bleeding; if you have a severe allergic reaction such as rash, hives, breathing difficulties, dizziness to aspirin, tartrazine, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen, ibuprofen, celecoxib; if you are taking anticoagulants or methotrexate.

Possible Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Upset stomach
• Severe side effects can include allergic reactions such as rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; confusion; diarrhea; drowsiness; severe or persistent dizziness; hearing loss; ringing in the ears; severe or persistent stomach pain or heartburn; black or bloody stools; shakiness; trouble sleeping; vomiting. Seek medical help if any of these effects occur.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor about all medicines you may take and especially about the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (enalapril), probenecid, or sulfinpyrazone because their effectiveness may be decreased by Anacin; carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (acetazolamide) because they may decrease Anacin’s effectiveness; insulin or oral anti-diabetics because the risk of their side effects, including low blood sugar, may be increased by Anacin; anticoagulants (heparin, warfarin), clopidogrel, or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, celecoxib) because the risk of their side effects, including bleeding, may be increased by Anacin; quinolones (ciprofloxacin) because side effects such as problems sleeping, nervousness, jitteriness, or anxiety may occur; methotrexate, theophylline, or valproic acid because the risk of their actions and side effects may be increased by Anacin.

Missed Dose

If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Overdose

Symptoms of Anacin overdose include agitation; anxiety; confusion; fever; hearing loss; lethargy; lightheadedness, especially upon standing; muscle twitching; nausea; rapid breathing; rapid or irregular heartbeat; ringing in the ears; seizures; shortness of breath; stomach pain; trouble sleeping; vomiting. If you think that you have overdosed on Anacin, seek medical attention 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. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Anacin out of the reach of children and away from pets.