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Excedrin & Tylenol Ingredients

Excedrin and Tylenol are over-the-counter pain relievers containing acetaminophen. Excedrin, primarily indicated for headaches and migraines, combines acetaminophen with aspirin and caffeine, while Tylenol (acetaminophen) is indicated to relieve several types of pain. Other versions of Excedrin and Tylenol are also available to treat headaches occurring with other symptoms. Read all dosing instructions carefully before taking Excedrin or Tylenol, and discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.

  1. Acetaminophen

    • Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer included as an active ingredient in all Excedrin and Tylenol preparations. Acetaminophen is also a common ingredient in many combination over-the-counter medications; read all medication ingredients carefully to avoid an acetaminophen overdose, which may damage the liver.

    Aspirin

    • Aspirin is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps relieve pain by reducing inflammation in the body. Aspirin is included in all Excedrin preparations, except Excedrin PM and Excedrin Sinus Headache. Avoid other NSAID pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, when taking Excedrin.

    Caffeine

    • Caffeine relieves pain by relaxing muscle contraction and improving blood flow. Caffeine is included in all Excedrin preparations except Excedrin PM, Sinus Headache, and Back and Body. Avoid other sources of caffeine such as coffee, tea or soda while taking Excedrin, as these may worsen side effects of jitteriness or wakefulness.

    Additional Ingredients

    • Other versions of Excedrin and Tylenol are available to treat pain that occurs in conjunction with other symptoms, such as nighttime pain with sleeplessness and sinus pain. Both Excedrin and Tylenol include diphenhydramine as a sleep aid in their nighttime formulas. The sinus relief version of each medication uses the nasal decongestant phenylephrine. Tylenol also comes in an allergy relief preparation that contains the antihistamine chlorpheniramine, as well as a severe sinus congestion relief formula that contains the expectorant guaifenesin.

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