Both brands contain the same active ingredients: acetaminophen, aspirin, andcaffeine.
However, they are marketed to serve different purposes.
Excedrin Migraine is meant to relieve pain associated with headaches and migraines.
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For this reason, their labeling and dosing recommendations are different.
Excedrin Migraine’s dosing is limited to prevent medication overuse headaches.
One caplet contains:
Given their identical formulation, they may seem like the same medication on the surface.
However, there are a few differences between the two.
These include their intended uses, certain warnings, and the dosing considerations.
Per the medication label, only people age 18 and up should take this medication.
For those under 18, a healthcare provider should be consulted before use.
Excedrin Extra Strength, on the other hand, has a more broadly marketed use.
It is marketed to relieve various types of pain.
The labeling provides broader indications for pain relief, not explicitly limited to migraines.
Excedrin Extra Strength can be taken by people age 12 and up.
Anyone under the age of 12 should consult a provider before taking it.
This includes the warnings listed on the label, which would only apply if using the medication for migraines.
It also has different dosing instructions on the label.
Excedrin Extra Strength has warnings and labeling tailored to individuals who are taking the medication for pain.
The label provides more generalized dosing instructions for individuals experiencing different types of pain.
This is a direct result of overusing a headache medication that is only supposed to be used short term.
Differences in Dosage
The frequency and dosages are different for Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength.
It is important to note these differences to ensure you take the proper dose.
There is a stricter dosage limit on Excedrin Migraine to prevent MOH.
What Are the Side Effects?
Reyes syndrome is a condition that affects the brain and the liver.
Symptoms of Reyes syndrome range from personality changes to vomiting and seizures.
It is typically seen in children who are recovering from a viral illness and who have taken aspirin.
While rare, it is a severe disease that can progress to coma and death.
Excedrin Migraine is marketed mainly for migraine relief, with strict dosing to prevent medication overuse headaches.
Individuals should adhere to the recommended dosages listed on each product’s label to prevent health risks.
The author would like to thank and acknowledge Sakina Yasmin Naqvi for contributing to this article.
2021;4(10):e2128544.
