Genace
Generic name: acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine [ ah-see-ta-MIH-no-fin, AH-sprin, CAH-feen ]
Brand names: Excedrin, Excedrin Geltab, Excedrin Migraine, Genace, Goodys Extra Strength, Goodys Headache Powders, Supac
Drug class: Analgesic combinations
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 17, 2024.
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.
Warnings
If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, stop taking Genace and contact your doctor.
Do not drink alcohol during treatment with Genace. Together, alcohol, acetaminophen, and aspirin can be damaging to the liver and stomach. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, talk to your doctor before taking 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.
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
Do not drink alcohol during treatment with Genace. Together, alcohol, acetaminophen, and aspirin can be damaging to the liver and stomach. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, talk to your doctor before taking Genace.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.
It is not known whether Genace will be harmful to unborn baby. However, it is known that aspirin taken during pregnancy may affect an unborn baby's heart, reduce birth weight, and have other dangerous effects on the unborn baby. Do not take Genace without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Genace may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Genace without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use Genace to treat a child or teenager who has a fever, flu symptoms, or chicken pox without first talking to the child's doctor. In children younger than 18 years of age, aspirin may increase the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but often fatal condition.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.
Take each tablet or capsule with a full glass of water to ensure adequate swallowing of the medication. Do not take more Genace than is directed. Too much Genace may be harmful.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.
Store Genace at room temperature away from heat and moisture.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?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.Symptoms of an Genace overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating, seizures, confusion, and an irregular heartbeat.
What should I avoid?
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.
Do not drink alcohol during treatment with Genace. Together, alcohol, acetaminophen, and aspirin can be damaging to the liver and stomach. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages a day, talk to your doctor before taking 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.
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.
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.
Related/similar drugs
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.
Do not take Genace without first talking to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:-
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.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Genace, resulting in side effects and/or altered effectiveness of the medications. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without first talking to your doctor during treatment with this product.More about Genace (acetaminophen / aspirin / caffeine)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Latest FDA alerts (4)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: analgesic combinations
Patient resources
Other brands
Excedrin, Excedrin Migraine, Vanquish, Goody's Extra-Strength Headache Powders
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
Further information
- Your pharmacist has additional information about Genace written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Genace is available over-the-counter under the brand names Excedrin, Excedrin Migraine, Genace, Goodys Headache Powders, Goodys Extra Strength, and Supac. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about Genace, especially if it is new to you.
Remember, keep Genace and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Genace only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.