Excedrin Migraine vs Advil Migraine: OTC migraine relief compared
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- Excedrin Migraine caplets. Best for: Adults whose doctor-diagnosed migraines respond to this combination. See options on Amazon
- Advil Migraine liquid-filled capsules. Best for: Adults who prefer an ibuprofen option. See options on Amazon
Excedrin Migraine vs Advil Migraine
| Detail | Excedrin Migraine | Advil Migraine |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients per pill | Acetaminophen 250 mg, aspirin 250 mg, caffeine 65 mg | Solubilized ibuprofen equal to 200 mg |
| Adult dose | 2 caplets; not more than 2 in 24 hours | 2 capsules; not more than 2 in 24 hours |
| Under 18 | Ask a doctor | Ask a doctor |
| Extra warnings | Liver (acetaminophen), Reye's syndrome, caffeine | Heart attack and stroke |
Details are from each product's DailyMed label. Both carry a stomach bleeding warning and a medication overuse headache warning.
Medication overuse headache
Both labels warn that headaches may worsen if the product is used for 10 or more days per month. This is called medication overuse headache, and it is a reason to talk to a doctor if you find yourself reaching for migraine medicine on many days. A doctor can discuss preventive options. If symptoms persist or worsen after a dose, the labels say ask your doctor; Advil Migraine also says stop and ask a doctor if migraine pain is not relieved or gets worse after the first dose.
A practical way to stay under the limit is to note each day you take any pain reliever, not only migraine products, since combination cold and pain medicines often contain the same ingredients. If your count approaches 10 days in a month, share that record with your doctor.
Red-flag headaches: ask a doctor first
Both labels say ask a doctor before use if:
- you have never had migraines diagnosed by a health professional
- your headache is different from your usual migraines
- you have the worst headache of your life
- you have fever and stiff neck
- headaches began after or are caused by head injury, exertion, coughing or bending
- you had your first headache after age 50
- you have daily headaches, or a migraine so severe it requires bed rest
Excedrin Migraine also lists vomiting with your migraine. Some of these can signal a serious problem that needs urgent care.
Excedrin: acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine
- Liver. Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than 2 caplets in 24 hours, take it with other acetaminophen products, or have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day. See our acetaminophen guide.
- Reye's syndrome. Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use it, because it contains aspirin.
- Caffeine. The dose contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee; limit other caffeine, since too much may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness and occasionally rapid heartbeat.
- Allergy. Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen, aspirin or any other pain reliever.
Advil Migraine: ibuprofen warnings
- Heart attack and stroke. NSAIDs, except aspirin, increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
- Stomach bleeding. The chance is higher at 60 or older, with past ulcers or bleeding, blood thinners or steroids, other NSAIDs, or 3 or more drinks a day.
- Aspirin users. Ibuprofen may decrease the heart benefit of aspirin.
- Pregnancy. Do not use at 20 weeks or later unless definitely directed by a doctor.
See our ibuprofen guide for more on these warnings.
Other ways to manage migraines
Many people find a dark, quiet room helps during an attack; see our blackout curtains guide. A cold compress or eye mask may also be soothing. Keeping a headache diary of triggers, sleep and medicine days helps you and your doctor spot patterns, including medication overuse. Store Excedrin at 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F) and keep the box for important information.
Get emergency care for a sudden, severe headache, a headache with confusion, weakness, trouble speaking or vision loss, or a headache after a head injury.
What to look for when you buy
Excedrin Migraine caplets
Best for: Adults whose doctor-diagnosed migraines respond to this combination
Its label lists acetaminophen 250 mg, aspirin 250 mg and caffeine 65 mg per caplet to treat migraine.
Watch out: Not more than 2 caplets in 24 hours; contains acetaminophen and aspirin.
See options on AmazonAdvil Migraine liquid-filled capsules
Best for: Adults who prefer an ibuprofen option
Its label lists solubilized ibuprofen equal to 200 mg per capsule to treat migraine.
Watch out: Heart and stomach bleeding warnings apply.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How many Excedrin Migraine can I take?
- Adults take 2 caplets; do not take more than 2 caplets in 24 hours unless a doctor directs.
- Can teenagers take Excedrin Migraine?
- Under 18, ask a doctor; it contains aspirin, which carries a Reye's syndrome warning for children and teens.
- Can migraine medicine make headaches worse?
- Yes. Both labels warn headaches may worsen if used 10 or more days per month.
- When is a headache an emergency?
- The labels list the worst headache of your life, fever with stiff neck, or headache after head injury as reasons to see a doctor.
- How much caffeine is in Excedrin Migraine?
- 65 mg per caplet; the label says the dose has about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.
- Should I take migraine medicine with food?
- Advil Migraine says take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs; both say take with a glass of water.
Sources
- Excedrin Migraine (acetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Advil Migraine (ibuprofen) capsule label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine