Difference Between Excedrin Migraine and Extra Strength

Excedrin Migraine vs Extra Strength

Pain that is brought about by several conditions can be very troublesome on the part of the sufferer. It is considered the fifth vital sign which is essential in the determination of health status but is disturbing on several occasions. The use of analgesia or pain medication has become an easy step in relieving and treating pain.

Excedrin has been part of the list of dynamic pain medication products throughout the years. It is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug that was introduced to cure headaches of different severities and other pain-related conditions. It contains acetaminophen which has antipyretic and analgesic properties, aspirin, which also has the latter plus anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet effects, and caffeine which is a psychoactive stimulant.

Currently, there are about eight Excedrin products that cater to specific pain related conditions, namely:

Express Gels which are gellcaps used for fast headache relief.

Menstrual Complete which works against bloating, cramps, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue.

Tension Headache which gives relief for head, neck, and shoulder pain brought about by tension-type headaches.

Excedrin PM which aids insomnia-related pain.

Back and Body which acts as a pain reliever and blocker in one.

Sinus Headache which relieves sinus and nasal congestion and headache pain.

Two of its products, Excedrin Migraine and Extra Strength, are similar in nature for pain modification yet are different in some ways.

Produced in 1998, Excedrin was granted Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance to introduce Migraine, a specifically made drug to combat migraine pain and other associated symptoms. Meanwhile, Extra Strength is the oldest among Excedrin’s line of products which was earlier introduced in the 1960’s. It was branded as the first multi-ingredient headache drug.

Migraine is available in gelcaps, tablets, and caplets form while Extra Strength is available also in gelcap form.

Though similar in formulation, dosages are deemed different. Migraine’s recommended dosage is “For adults: Take 2 tablets with a glass of water and do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor.” Extra Strength’s dosage is “For adults and children 12 years and over: Take 2 caplets every 6 hours; not more than 8 caplets in 24 hours.”

Both drugs are a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine with amounts of 250 mg, 250 mg and 65 mg, respectively.

Summary:

1.Excedrine Migraine was introduced in 1998 while Extra Strength was the pioneer among the product line as it was made available in the early 1960’s.

2.Migraine is available in three forms while Extra Strength is available in four.

3.Migraine’s recommended dosage is 2 tablets per 24 hours while Extra Strength must be taken 2 caplets every 6 hours; not more than 8 caplets in 24 hours.