On this page · 8 sections
OTC and prescription Analgesic combinations

Genace

Generic name: acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine

Brand names: Excedrin, Excedrin Geltab, Excedrin Migraine, Genace, Goodys Extra Strength, Goodys Headache Powders, Supac

Last updated January 17, 2025 0 views Reviewed by Drugs.com
Share

What is Genace?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.

Aspirin is in a class of drugs called salicylates. It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.

Caffeine is used in this product to increase the pain relieving effects of acetaminophen and aspirin.

Genace is used to treat pain from conditions such as headache (including migraine), muscle aches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds and sinus infections.

Genace may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How should I take Genace?

Take Genace exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the instructions on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.

If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, stop using Genace and contact your doctor.

Due to the caffeine in this product, taking Genace before bed may result in difficulty sleeping.

Warnings

If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, stop taking Genace and contact your doctor.

Read the labels on other prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are taking to determine the amount of acetaminophen, aspirin, or caffeine they contain. Do not take more than one product that contains acetaminophen or aspirin in the same day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

This product contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Limit the use of caffeine-containing beverages, foods, and medications while taking this product. Too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and a rapid heartbeat.

Before taking this medicine

Before taking Genace, tell your doctor if you

  • have an allergy to or have had problems after taking aspirin;
  • have an allergy to or have had problems after taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, others), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), and others;
  • drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day;
  • have never had migraines diagnosed by a doctor;
  • have a headache that is different from or more severe than your usual migraines;
  • have daily headaches;
  • have a headache following or caused by a head injury, exertion, coughing, or bending;
  • experienced your first headache after age 50;
  • have an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach;
  • have liver disease;
  • have kidney disease;
  • have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder (e.g., hemophilia);
  • have high blood pressure;
  • have gout;
  • have asthma;
  • have nasal polyps; or
  • have anxiety problems or insomnia.

You may not be able to take Genace or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Genace side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Genace and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or
  • blood problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising).
  • black, bloody, or tarry stools;
  • nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain;
  • uncontrolled fever;
  • blood in the urine or vomit;
  • decreased hearing or ringing in the ears;
  • seizures; or
  • dizziness, confusion, or hallucinations.

These side effects are very rare and are not likely to occur with the proper use of Genace. If you experience any unusual side effects, stop taking Genace and seek the advice of your doctor.

If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, notify your doctor:

  • heartburn or indigestion; or
  • nervousness, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose of Genace.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of an Genace overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating, seizures, confusion, and an irregular heartbeat.

Avoid taking other over-the-counter or prescription medications that contain aspirin; salicylates (forms of aspirin) such as magnesium and/or choline salicylate (Magan, Doan's, Bayer Select Backache Pain Formula, Mobidin, Arthropan, Trilisate, Tricosal) and salsalate (Disalcid); and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, others), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), and others. Combined with aspirin, these medicines can be dangerous.

Read the labels on other prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are taking to determine the amount of acetaminophen, aspirin, or caffeine they contain. Do not take more than one product that contains acetaminophen or aspirin in the same day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

This product contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Limit the use of caffeine-containing beverages, foods, and medications while taking this product. Too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and a rapid heartbeat.

Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking aspirin, especially if you need to undergo a surgical procedure. Aspirin may prolong bleeding.

What other drugs will affect Genace?

Read the labels on other prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are taking to determine the amount of acetaminophen, aspirin, or caffeine they contain. Do not take more than one product that contains acetaminophen or aspirin in the same day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

  • a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), ardeparin (Normiflo), or tinzaparin (Innohep);
  • a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (used for pain, arthritis, fever, and other conditions) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, others), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), sulindac (Clinoril), or tolmetin (Tolectin);
  • another salicylate (used for pain, arthritis, fever, and other conditions) such as aspirin (Acuprin, Ecotrin, Ascriptin, Bayer, others); choline salicylate and/or magnesium salicylate (Magan, Doan's, Bayer Select Backache Pain Formula, Mobidin, Arthropan, Trilisate, Tricosal), or salsalate (Disalcid);
  • a medicine for diabetes; or
  • a medicine for gout.

You may not be able to take acetaminophen, aspirin, or caffeine or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Related medicines

Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
General medicine information Consumer-friendly language Source: Drugs.com

Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer. Source page medically reviewed by Drugs.com on January 17, 2025.