Excedrin MigraStop – composition, indications, dosage, side effects

Headache is a condition that affects almost all of us from time to time. The frequency and severity of headache occurrence are determined by a variety of factors. The most severe types of headache are migraines, which are repeated, one-sided symptoms of a throbbing headache that can last up to several days continuously.

Headache is often accompanied by other symptoms – fatigue, irritability, photophobia, hypersensitivity to sounds, nausea and vomiting. Most often, the headache is localized in the orbital-temporal area or inside the skull. According to research, 90% of society members experience headache at least once a year, while 15% of us suffer from it regularly.

Excedrin MigraStop, manufactured by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis Consumer, is among the over-the-counter medications designed to combat various types of headache, including migraine pain. Excedrin MigraStop is available in packages containing 10 pieces (price around PLN 13) or 20 pieces (price around PLN 22).

Excedrin MigraStop – composition and action

The composition of Excedrin MigraStop includes active substances: acetylsalicylic acid (250 mg), paracetamol (250 mg) and caffeine (65 mg). The other ingredients are substances that form the core and the tablet shell.

Acetylsalicylic acid and paracetamol reduce the intensity of pain and fever, and acetylsalicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties. Caffeine has a stimulating effect and increases the action of the other two main ingredients.

Excedrin MigraStop is intended for use in the acute treatment of headaches, including migraine-type pain, accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and disturbances in concentration.

How do you take Excedrin MigraStop?

Excedrin MigraStop is intended to be taken orally. The dose recommended for taking varies depending on the type of pain you are dealing with.

In case of headache, take 1 tablet every 4-6 hours. In case of severe pain, you can take 2 tablets at a time, every 4-6 hours. Excedrin MigraStop should not be taken for more than 4 days.

In the case of migraine headaches and migraine aura, it is recommended to take 2 tablets at a time, every 4-6 hours. Do not use Excedrin MigraStop for more than 3 days if you have migraine pain.

Safety of taking Excedrin MigraStop

As with all medications, taking Excedrin MigraStop may be associated with side effects. The most common ones are:

1. nervousness,
2. dizziness,
3. nausea,
4. abdominal pain,
5. insomnia,
6. Tinnitus,
7. a feeling of dry mouth
8. diarrhea,
9. vomiting,
10. tiredness,
11. increased heart rate,
12. feeling anxious.

Less common side effects include:

1. sore throat,
2. difficulty swallowing
3. a feeling of numbness and tingling around the mouth,
4. salivation,
5. reduced appetite,
6. taste disturbance
7. anxiety,
8. euphoria,
9. feeling tense,
10. attention disorders,
11. problems with memory and concentration,
12. pain in the eyes, forehead and cheeks,
13. blurred vision,
14. hot flush
15. epistaxis,
16. shallow and slow breathing.

In addition, you should not use Excedrin MigraStop in the following cases:

1. known allergy to any of its ingredients,
2. known allergy to other painkillers (e.g. diclofenac, ibuprofen),
3. if you have or have ever had ulcers in the stomach or intestines
4. blood in the stools or black stools
5. in patients with haemophilia or other blood disorders,
6. in patients with heart, liver or kidney problems,
7. in patients in the third trimester of pregnancy,
8. in patients with increased skin sensitivity,
9. in case of flatulence, reflux,
10. if you experience stiffness in muscles, bones or joints
11. if you feel weak or have discomfort in your chest.

In addition, it is not recommended to take Excedrin MigraStop at the same time and:

1. other drugs containing: paracetamol or acetylsalicylic acid,
2. other drugs with analgesic and antipyretic properties,
3. anticoagulants
4. corticosteroids
5. alcohol.

Pregnant women may only use Excedrin MigraStop during the first two trimesters. Taking this medicine during the third trimester could harm your unborn child or make it difficult to give birth. The drug should not be taken by young mothers who are breastfeeding.

It should also be mentioned that Excedrin MigraStop belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the taking of which may cause fertility problems. This effect is not permanent and will only last for as long as you are taking the medicine.

Excedrin MigraStop is not recommended for people under 18 years of age.