Anacin

Generic name:aspirin and caffeine [ ASP-rin-and-KAF-een ]
Drug class:Analgesic combinations

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Apr 28, 2022.

What is Anacin?

Anacin is a combination of a salicylate and a stimulant. It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. Caffeine is used in this product to increase the pain relieving effects of aspirin.

Anacin is used to treat headaches, muscle pain, minor arthritis pain, and fever or body aches caused by the common cold. Anacin is sometimes used to treat or prevent heart attacks, strokes, and chest pain (angina). Anacin should be used for cardiovascular conditions only under the supervision of a doctor.

Warnings

Aspirin may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Aspirin can also cause a severe allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have hives, wheezing, or swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You should not use Anacin if you have an active bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.

Do not give this medication to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Anacin if you are allergic to aspirin or caffeine, or if you have:

• a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding;

• active bleeding caused by hemophilia or another blood-clotting disorder; or

• an allergy to an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Orudis, Indocin, Lodine, Voltaren, Toradol, Mobic, Relafen, Feldene, and others.

Do not give this medication to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children.

Anacin may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are taking this medicine, especially:

• if you are age 60 or older;

• if you have a stomach ulcer or a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding;

• if take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin) or steroid medicine;

• if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day; or

• if you take the medicine for longer than recommended.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• any bleeding disorder or stomach problems;

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• asthma or seasonal allergies;

• liver or kidney disease;

• gout; or

• diabetes.

This medicine may be harmful to an unborn baby's heart, and may also reduce birth weight or...