Indications 

Anacin is a temporary pain relief medication for minor aches and pains caused by various conditions such as headaches, toothaches, muscular aches, colds, backaches, arthritis, or menstrual cramps. 

Anacin’s formulation includes two active ingredients: aspirin and caffeine. Aspirin, classified as a salicylate and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), works by reducing pain, fever, and inflammation-causing substances in the body. Caffeine, on the other hand, enhances the pain-relieving properties of aspirin, complementing its effects. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Anacin carefully read its medication guide and patient information leaflet. If you have questions or clarifications, do not hesitate to ask your physician or pharmacist. 

The usual dosing regimen for Anacin is 2 tablets every 6 hours, not exceeding 8 tablets within 24 hours, or as directed by the doctor.  

If you experience stomach upset while taking this medication, take it with food or milk. Ensure to take Anacin with a full glass of water, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. After ingestion, avoid lying down for at least 10 minutes. 

For optimal results, take Anacin at the earliest signs of pain. Delaying intake until the pain worsens may reduce its efficacy. 

Take Anacin exactly as directed. Do not take more of it or use it as frequently and longer than prescribed. Higher doses or prolonged usage will not expedite recovery but increase the risk of adverse effects.  

Do not take Anacin for pain lasting over 10 days or for a fever lasting longer than 3 days. Consult a doctor promptly in such situations as they may indicate a more severe condition. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the side effects associated with the use of Anacin. If any of these side effects last or worsen, inform your doctor right away. 

Common Side Effects 

• Upset stomach 
• Heartburn 
• Drowsiness 
• Mild headache 

Serious Side Effects 

• Ringing in the ears 
• Confusion 
• Hallucinations 
• Rapid breathing 
• Seizures 
• Severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain 
• Bloody or tarry stools 
• Coughing up blood, or vomit resembling coffee grounds 
• Fever lasting longer than 3 days 
• Swelling or pain persisting beyond 10 days 

Stop using Anacin and call your doctor at once if you experience any of the above serious side effects. 

Allergic Reactions 

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you exhibit signs of an allergic reaction to Anacin, including: 

• Hives 
• Severe abdominal pain 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Face, lips, tongue, or throat swelling 

This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Anacin. Inform your doctor if unlisted side effects occur and become bothersome. 

Cautions 

Before taking Anacin, inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any known allergies, especially to: 

• Caffeine 
• Aspirin 
• Other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or celecoxib 
• Other salicylates such as choline salicylate 
• Any medications 
• Any ingredients present in Anacin tablets 

To ensure Anacin is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, specifically regarding any history of: 

• Stomach problems such as ulcers, heartburn, or stomach pain 
• Aspirin-sensitive asthma (history of breathing worsening with a runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs) 
• Nasal polyps 
• Bleeding or blood clotting problems such as hemophilia and low platelet counts 
• Gout 
• Heart problems such as fast/irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or heart attack 
• High blood pressure 
• Kidney disease 
• Liver disease 
• Enzyme deficiencies such as pyruvate kinase or G6PD deficiency. 

To prevent the possibility of drug interactions, inform your physician and pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking, such as prescription and non-prescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal products, as Anacin may interact with many medications. 

Some medications that may interact with Anacin include: 

• Acetazolamide 
• Prednisone 
• Dichlorphenamide 
• Methotrexate 
• Mifepristone 
• Valproic acid 
• Vemurafenib 
• Ginkgo biloba 

When taken with other drugs that may also cause bleeding, Anacin may increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples of such drugs include anti-platelet drugs like clopidogrel and “blood thinners” such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, among others. 

Carefully check the labels of all your medications as many of them contain NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, ketorolac, and naproxen. To avoid an aspirin overdose, read the labels of pain relievers and cold products before taking them to ensure they do not contain aspirin. Consult your pharmacist for safe usage of these products. 

Daily use of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can reduce aspirin’s effectiveness in preventing heart attacks and strokes. If you are taking low-dose aspirin for this purpose, consult your doctor or pharmacist for alternative treatments, such as acetaminophen, to manage your pain or fever.  

Before Anacin treatment, inform your doctor if you have recently received certain live vaccines, such as varicella vaccine or live flu vaccine. 

Anacin is not recommended for children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms. If there are changes in behavior, nausea, and vomiting while using Anacin, consult a doctor as these may be early signs of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness. 

Anacin may affect the accuracy of certain medical/lab tests, such as dipyridamole-thallium imaging tests and certain urine tests, potentially resulting in false test results. Inform lab personnel and all your doctors that you are using this medication. 

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking Anacin, as it may have harmful effects on an unborn baby’s heart and may also reduce birth weight or have other dangerous effects. 

Breastfeeding while taking Anacin is not recommended as aspirin and caffeine may pass into breast milk and harm the nursing baby.