How Do Other Combo Analgesics Work?

Other combo analgesics include different combinations of medications that are used to provide pain relief from common conditions such as headaches and menstrual cramps. Each medication in the combo works in a different way to relieve symptoms such as pain, fever, menstrual cramps, and bloating.

All the combo analgesics contain at least one type of analgesic, either acetaminophen or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The drug combinations may include other medications such as antihistamines, diuretics, vasoconstrictors, and vitamins.

Each medication used in combo analgesics works in a unique way to relieve inflammatory symptoms. Drugs used in other combo analgesics include:

• Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen works by blocking the synthesis of prostaglandin in the central nervous system (CNS). Prostaglandin is a fatty compound in the body that has many functions including initiation of inflammation. Acetaminophen also reduces fever by acting on the hypothalamus region of the brain which regulates temperature.
• NSAIDs: NSAIDs control inflammation by inhibiting the activity of enzymes known as cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), essential for the biosynthesis of prostaglandin. NSAIDs reduce blood clotting time, and some NSAIDs such as aspirin are protective against heart disease. NSAIDs also reduce fever by acting on the hypothalamus. NSAIDs used in other combo analgesics include:
  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen
  • Aspirin
  • Magnesium salicylate
  • Methyl salicylate
• Caffeine: Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor that constricts cerebral blood vessels, which helps reduce pain in vascular headaches. Caffeine also stimulates the brain’s respiratory drive, improving oxygen inflow.
• Antihistamines: Antihistamine medications inhibit the activity of histamine, an inflammatory substance naturally released in the body when harmful pathogens are encountered, or in allergies. Antihistamines also have sedative effects. Antihistamines used in other combo analgesics include:
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Pyrilamine
  • Phenyltoloxamine
• Diuretics: Diuretics stimulate increased urination, remove excess fluid from the body and reduce bloating. Diuretic used in other combo analgesics is:
  • Pamabrom
• Vitamins: Pyridoxine, a vitamin B6 supplement is combined with acetaminophen to reduce its toxic effects on the liver.
• Misoprostol: Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin combined with diclofenac, an NSAID, to prevent NSAID-induced gastric ulcers.
• Other medications: Other medications used in combo analgesics include:
  • Menthol and camphor are typically used for pain relief.
  • Orphenadrine, which suppresses the hyperactivity of nerve cells to reduce pain.

Other combo analgesics include the following combination drugs:

• Acetaminophen/aspirin
• Acetaminophen/aspirin/caffeine
• Acetaminophen/aspirin/diphenhydramine
• Acetaminophen/caffeine
• Acetaminophen/caffeine/pyrilamine
• Acetaminophen/ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen/magnesium salicylate/pamabrom
• Acetaminophen/pamabrom
• Acetaminophen/pamabrom/pyridoxine
• Acetaminophen/pamabrom/pyrilamine
• Acetaminophen/phenyltoloxamine
• Aspirin/caffeine
• Diclofenac/misoprostol
• Methyl salicylate/menthol/camphor topical
• Naproxen/diphenhydramine
• Orphenadrine/aspirin/caffeine

Most of the other combo analgesics are available over the counter. Other combo analgesic drugs are available in many strengths and forms such as:

• Oral: Powders, tablets, caplets, capsules, gel tabs, gel caps,
• Topical: Sprays, creams, gels, patches

Other combo analgesic drugs may be used in the treatment of:

• Minor pain from:
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Fever
  • Joint pain
  • Backache
  • Toothache
  • Colds
  • Hangover
• Migraines
• Sleeplessness due to pain
• Menstrual symptoms such as:
  • Cramps
  • Headache
  • Backache
  • Muscular ache
  • Water retention
  • Bloating
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Side effects of other combo analgesics may vary with each combination. A few of the major side effects include:

• Acetaminophen/aspirin
  • Angioedema (swelling in the tissue under the skin or mucous membranes)
  • Pruritic maculopapular rash (itchy flat lesions with raised bumps)
  • Hepatotoxicity (toxicity to the liver)
  • Gastrointestinal problems
• Acetaminophen/aspirin/caffeine
  • Angioedema, laryngeal edema (swelling of the larynx)
  • Rash, urticaria (hives)
  • Palpitations, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Acetaminophen/aspirin/diphenhydramine
  • Angioedema, laryngeal edema
  • Rash, urticaria
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Sedation and confusion
• Acetaminophen/caffeine
  • Angioedema, laryngeal edema
  • Rash, urticaria
  • Insomnia, restlessness, and tremor
  • Nausea and vomiting
• Acetaminophen/caffeine/pyrilamine
  • Angioedema, laryngeal edema
  • Rash, urticaria
  • Insomnia, restlessness, and tremor
  • Sedation, dry mouth, and blurred vision
• Acetaminophen/ibuprofen
  • Hepatotoxicity
  • NSAID allergy
  • Gastrointestinal ulcer, perforation, and bleeding
  • Cardiovascular risk
• Acetaminophen/magnesium salicylate/pamabrom
  • Angioedema, laryngeal edema
  • Rash, urticaria
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Hepatotoxicity
• Acetaminophen/pamabrom
  • Angioedema, laryngeal edema
  • Rash, urticaria
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Decrease in blood cell counts
• Acetaminophen/pamabrom/pyridoxine
  • Angioedema, laryngeal edema
  • Rash, urticaria
  • Hepatotoxicity
  • Decrease in blood cell counts
• Acetaminophen/pamabrom/pyrilamine
  • Angioedema, laryngeal edema
  • Rash, urticaria
  • Sedation, dry mouth, and blurred vision
  • Discolored urine
• Acetaminophen/phenyltoloxamine
  • Angioedema, laryngeal edema
  • Rash, urticaria
  • Xerostomia (dry mouth)
  • Blurred vision
• Aspirin/caffeine
  • Dyspepsia (indigestion) and heartburn
  • Tinnitus
  • Insomnia and irritability
  • Angina (chest pain)
• Diclofenac/misoprostol
  • Maculopapular rash and urticaria
  • Pyrexia (high temperature)
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Methyl salicylate/menthol/camphor topical
  • Stinging
  • Burning
  • Tingling
• Naproxen/diphenhydramine
  • Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Fluid retention and edema
  • Sedation, dry mouth, and blurred vision
  • Palpitations
• Orphenadrine/aspirin/caffeine
  • Palpitation and tachycardia
  • Urinary retention
  • Headache and dizziness
  • Blurred vision and increased intraocular pressure

Information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of other combo analgesics include:

• AcetaGesic
• acetaminophen/aspirin
• acetaminophen/aspirin/caffeine
• acetaminophen/aspirin/diphenhydramine
• acetaminophen/caffeine
• acetaminophen/caffeine/pyrilamine
• acetaminophen/ibuprofen
• acetaminophen/magnesium salicylate/pamabrom
• acetaminophen/pamabrom
• acetaminophen/pamabrom/pyridoxine
• acetaminophen/pamabrom/pyrilamine
• acetaminophen/phenyltoloxamine
• Advil Dual Action
• Air Salonpas
• Aleve PM
• Alka-Seltzer Wake-Up Call Effervescent
• Anacin
• Anacin Advanced Headache
• Anacin Maximum Strength
• APAP-Plus
• Arthriten
• Arthrotec
• aspirin/caffeine
• BackAid Max
• Bayer AM
• Bayer Extra Strength Back & Body Pain
• Bayer Headache Relief
• Bayer Migraine Formula
• BC Powder
• BC Powder Arthritis Strength
• Bengay Ultra Strength Cream
• Blowfish
• diclofenac/misoprostol
• Excedrin Aspirin Free
• Excedrin Back & Body
• Excedrin Extra Strength
• Excedrin Menstrual Complete
• Excedrin Migraine
• Excedrin PM Headache
• Excedrin Tension Headache
• Flexall Ultra Plus
• Flextra DS
• Goody's Extra Strength
• Goody's Extra Strength Fast Pain Relief Powders
• Goody's Extra Strength Headache Powders
• Goody's Migraine Relief
• Goody's Powder Back & Body Pain
• Lagesic
• methylsalicylate/menthol/camphor topical
• Midol Complete
• Midol Maximum Strength PMS
• Midol Teen
• Muscle Rub
• naproxen/diphenhydramine
• orphenadrine/aspirin/caffeine
• Orphengesic Forte
• P-A-C
• Painaid ESF Extra-Strength Formula Tablets
• Painaid PMF Premenstrual Formula
• Pamprin Cramp
• Pamprin Max
• Pamprin Multi-Symptom Maximum Strength
• PB Poly-650
• Phenagesic
• Phenylgesic
• Premsyn PMS
• Relagesic Liquid
• Salonpas Pain Relieving Patch
• Staflex
• Summit Extra Strength Caplets
• Vanquish
• Vitelle Lurline PMS
• Women's Tylenol Multi-Symptom Menstrual Relief