Acetaminophen / Aluminum Hydroxide / Aspirin / Caffeine / Magnesium Hydroxide Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Pain

Dose: 2 caplets with water every 6 hours
Maximum Dose: Do not exceed 8 caplets in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain

>= 12 years:
Dose: 2 caplets with water every 6 hours
Maximum Dose: Do not exceed 8 caplets in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor.

Renal Dose Adjustments

The use of aspirin for treatment of patients with severe renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance <10 mL/min) should be avoided.

Magnesium hydroxide should not be administered to patients with severe renal insufficiency because of the risk of hypermagnesemia. In patients with moderate renal insufficiency, close observation for clinical and laboratory evidence of hypermagnesemia (and other electrolyte abnormalities) is recommended. Signs and symptoms of hypermagnesemia may include hypotension, nausea, vomiting, EKG changes, respiratory depression, altered mental status, and coma.

Liver Dose Adjustments

The use of aspirin for the treatment of patients with severe hepatic dysfunction is generally not recommended. Such patients may be at increased risk of clinically significant bleeding and other side effects.

Precautions

Patients who consume three or more alcohol containing drinks per day should be informed to consult with their physician for advice on when and how to take acetaminophen. Chronic, heavy alcohol users may be at increased risk of liver damage when taking more than recommended dosages.

The use of aspirin is contraindicated for patients with the syndrome of asthma, rhinitis, and nasal polyps. Aspirin may cause severe urticaria, angioedema, or bronchospasm in these patients.

The risk of bleeding is increased in patients receiving aspirin. Inhibition of platelet function occurs even at low doses of aspirin. Patients with inherited or acquired bleeding disorders may experience coagulation abnormalities.

Patients who drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day should be counseled concerning bleeding risks associated with aspirin use and chronic, heavy alcohol consumption.

Gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding can occur in the absence of previous GI symptoms. Patients should be counseled on the signs and symptoms of GI side effects and steps to take should symptoms occur. The use of aspirin should be avoided in patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease.

Detailed information concerning the pharmacokinetic disposition of aspirin in elderly patients is not available. However, one study has reported that the pharmacokinetic disposition of salicylate is significantly altered in some elderly patients compared to young adults.

Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers for viral infections (with or without fever) due to the risk of Reye's Syndrome associated with aspirin use in certain viral illnesses.

Caffeine has been reported to increase heart rate, left ventricular output, and stroke volume. Therefore, caution is recommended if caffeine is used in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease.

Dialysis

Aluminum excretion is impaired in renal failure, and the cation is not dialyzable.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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