anacin tablet - Caffeine (50mg) + Paracetamol (500mg) medicine

Anacin Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, and Safety

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🏭 Pfizer Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 20, 2026
⚠️ Hepatotoxicity Risk 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Well-established for paracetamol and caffeine combination in pain relief.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 20, 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Severe abdominal pain or vomiting blood
  • Blood in stool or black tarry stools
  • Difficulty breathing or swelling of face, lips, or throat
  • Severe headache with confusion or vision changes
  • Decreased urine output or swelling in legs
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is anacin tablet used for?

This medicine is a combination of paracetamol and caffeine used for short-term relief of mild to moderate pain, including headaches, muscle aches, and fever. It works by reducing pain signals in the brain and enhancing alertness.

  • Generic Name: Paracetamol + Caffeine
  • Manufacturer: Pfizer Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 anacin tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा पैरासिटामोल और कैफीन का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग सिरदर्द, मांसपेशियों में दर्द, दांत दर्द और बुखार जैसी हल्की से मध्यम दर्द से राहत के लिए किया जाता है। यह दर्द को कम करने और सतर्कता बढ़ाने में मदद करती है।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: आमतौर पर यह दवा सुरक्षित मानी जाती है, लेकिन कुछ लोगों में बेचैनी, घबराहट, नींद न आना, पेट में गड़बड़ी जैसे दुष्प्रभाव हो सकते हैं। अधिक मात्रा में लेने से लिवर को नुकसान हो सकता है।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर की सलाह के अनुसार ही लें। निर्धारित मात्रा से अधिक न लें। शराब के साथ इसका सेवन न करें। यदि आपको लिवर या किडनी की समस्या है तो डॉक्टर से परामर्श लें। बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।

💡 Did You Know? Over 80% of the antiretroviral drugs used globally to combat AIDS are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical companies.

💊 anacin tablet Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Tension headache","description":"Relieves mild to moderate headache pain and associated tension.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Migraine headache","description":"Helps reduce pain during migraine attacks; caffeine may enhance the effect of paracetamol.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain","description":"Provides temporary relief from muscle aches, back pain, and joint pain.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Toothache","description":"Reduces dental pain temporarily until definitive treatment can be obtained.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Fever","description":"Paracetamol component helps lower fever due to colds or other mild infections.","evidence":"Well-established"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Prevention of post-dural puncture headache","description":"Sometimes used off-label in combination with other measures, but evidence is limited.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Headache

Also treats: Migraine, Musculoskeletal pain, Toothache, Fever

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Paracetamol + Caffeine
Brand NameAnacin Tablet
ManufacturerPfizer Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassPAIN ANALGESICS
Action ClassAnalgesic and Antipyretic
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Shelf LifeTypically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture. Check the expiry date on the packaging.
WHO GuidelineNot established from the available information.
ICMR GuidelineNot established from the available information.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Take this medicine with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
2
Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours to avoid liver damage.
3
Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
4
Limit other caffeine sources to prevent jitteriness and insomnia.
5
Consult your doctor if pain persists beyond 10 days or fever beyond 3 days.
6
Check other medicines for paracetamol content to avoid accidental overdose.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

Headache
This medicine is commonly used for headache relief.
Likely Use
Fever
Paracetamol component helps reduce fever.
Likely Use
Muscle pain
Provides temporary relief from mild to moderate muscle aches.
Likely Use
Severe chest pain
This medicine is not appropriate for severe chest pain; seek emergency care.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionParacetamol is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Caffeine is also rapidly absorbed. Peak plasma concentrations of paracetamol occur within 30-60 minutes; caffeine peaks within 30-60 minutes.
DistributionParacetamol distributes widely into most body tissues, with a volume of distribution of about 0.9 L/kg. Caffeine distributes throughout body water and crosses the blood-brain barrier and placenta.
Protein BindingParacetamol: approximately 10-25% bound to plasma proteins. Caffeine: approximately 15-35% bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismParacetamol is primarily metabolized in the liver via glucuronidation and sulfation, with a small fraction metabolized by CYP2E1 to a toxic intermediate (NAPQI) that is normally detoxified by glutathione. Caffeine is metabolized in the liver by CYP1A2 to paraxanthine, theobromine, and theophylline.
Half-LifeParacetamol: 2-3 hours in adults. Caffeine: 3-7 hours, depending on individual factors.
ExcretionParacetamol metabolites are excreted primarily in the urine. Caffeine metabolites are also excreted in urine, with only a small amount excreted unchanged.
BioavailabilityParacetamol: approximately 80-100% after oral administration. Caffeine: approximately 99% after oral administration.
Onset of ActionPain relief typically begins within 30-60 minutes after oral intake.
Peak Plasma TimeParacetamol: 30-60 minutes; Caffeine: 30-60 minutes.
Duration of ActionPain relief lasts approximately 4-6 hours.

How It Works

Paracetamol acts primarily in the central nervous system by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, which reduces pain perception and lowers fever. Caffeine is an adenosine receptor antagonist that blocks adenosine's inhibitory effects, leading to increased neuronal activity and release of neurotransmitters. This results in enhanced alertness and potentiation of paracetamol's analgesic effect, particularly for headaches.

Mechanism Steps

1
Paracetamol central action: Paracetamol reduces prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system, decreasing pain signal transmission and lowering body temperature.
2
Caffeine adenosine blockade: Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, reducing the inhibitory effect of adenosine and increasing neuronal firing.
3
Enhanced analgesia: The combination of central prostaglandin inhibition and adenosine blockade leads to improved pain relief, especially for headaches.

💡 How to Take anacin tablet

Strength: Tablet: Paracetamol 500 mg + Caffeine 50 mg

1Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
2Take with or without food, but food may reduce stomach upset.
3Do not crush or chew the tablet unless advised by your doctor.
4Follow the recommended dose and frequency.
5Do not take more than the maximum daily dose.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageFor adults and adolescents 12 years and older, the usual dose is 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed for pain or fever. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician.
Elderly DosageElderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and may have reduced liver or kidney function. Use with caution and consult a doctor for appropriate dosing.
Renal ImpairmentUse with caution in patients with kidney impairment. Dose adjustment may be needed; consult a doctor.
Hepatic ImpairmentUse with caution in patients with liver impairment. Dose reduction or avoidance may be necessary; consult a doctor.
Maximum Daily DoseFor adults: maximum 8 tablets (4000 mg paracetamol and 400 mg caffeine) in 24 hours. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Take with meals or a snack
Reduces stomach upset.
Caffeine-containing foods and drinks
Limit intake
Additional caffeine may increase nervousness and insomnia.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of anacin tablet

✅ Common Side Effects

Nervousness or restlessness (Common (5-10%))
Usually mild and temporary. Reduce caffeine intake from other sources if bothersome.
Insomnia (Common (5-10%))
Avoid taking this medicine close to bedtime.
Stomach discomfort (Uncommon (1-5%))
Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
Nausea (Uncommon (1-5%))
Take with a small snack. If persistent, consult your doctor.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Liver damage (hepatotoxicity) (Rare (<0.1%) with normal use; higher risk in overdose)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.
Severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome) (Very rare (<0.01%))
Stop the medicine and seek emergency care if you develop a rash, blisters, or peeling skin.
Anaphylaxis (Very rare (<0.01%))
Seek emergency help if you have difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, or a severe rash.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Blood disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia, leukopenia)
Report unusual bruising or bleeding to your doctor.
Pancreatitis
Seek medical attention if you have severe abdominal pain radiating to the back.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Warfarin Major
Alcohol Major
Other paracetamol products Major
Ciprofloxacin Moderate
Fluvoxamine Moderate
Rifampicin Moderate
Carbamazepine Moderate
Oral contraceptives Minor
Cimetidine Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Warfarin
  • Alcohol
  • Other paracetamol-containing products

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine)
  • CYP1A2 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, smoking)
  • Carbamazepine

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage from paracetamol and can worsen caffeine-related side effects such as anxiety and rapid heartbeat.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Known hypersensitivity to paracetamol or caffeine","Severe liver disease or active liver failure","Severe kidney impairment","Chronic alcohol abuse"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Do not exceed the recommended dose; overdose can cause serious liver damage.","Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.","Consult a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease.","Do not use for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever without medical advice.","Be cautious if you consume large amounts of caffeine from other sources.","Keep out of reach of children."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Paracetamol and caffeine are excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Short-term use at recommended doses is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but consult your doctor.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose can cause severe liver damage, which may be delayed. Seek immediate medical attention even if you feel well. Treatment with acetylcysteine may be required. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

⏰ Missed Dose

This medicine is usually taken as needed for pain. If you are on a scheduled regimen and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Take this medicine exactly as directed on the label or as advised by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose or use it for longer than 10 days for pain without medical advice. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine because it increases the risk of liver damage. Be cautious if you have liver or kidney problems, or if you are taking other medicines containing paracetamol. Do not use this medicine to treat a fever for more than 3 days without consulting a doctor. Keep out of reach of children.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to caffeine and may have reduced liver or kidney function. Use with caution and consult a doctor for appropriate dosing.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Paracetamol is generally considered safe, but caffeine should be limited.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

This medicine can be used for mild post-surgical pain, but follow your surgeon's instructions. Do not use it to mask severe pain that may indicate a complication.

🦷 Dental Procedures

This medicine can provide temporary relief for toothache, but it is not a substitute for dental treatment. Inform your dentist if you are taking it before any dental procedure.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on muscles and joints.
🥗
Stay hydrated throughout the day.
😴
Get regular sleep to help manage pain and stress.
💧
Limit caffeine intake from other sources to avoid jitteriness.
🧘
Practice relaxation techniques to reduce tension headaches.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

This medicine does not usually affect exercise, but if you feel dizzy or jittery from caffeine, avoid strenuous activities until you know how it affects you.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Include anti-inflammatory foods like fruits and vegetables.
Limit processed foods and excess sugar.
Stay well hydrated.
Avoid excessive caffeine from coffee, tea, and energy drinks.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause jitteriness or insomnia in some people, which could affect work performance. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or overly stimulated.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Stop taking this medicine and consult a doctor if your pain or fever persists beyond the recommended duration, or if you experience any serious side effects. Do not stop prescribed medicines without consulting your doctor.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine at recommended doses is generally safe, but prolonged high-dose use of paracetamol can increase the risk of liver and kidney damage. Regular use of caffeine may lead to tolerance and dependence. Monitor for any signs of liver problems and consult your doctor if you need to use it for more than 10 days.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Physical therapy

Can help manage chronic pain conditions and reduce reliance on painkillers.

Evidence: Well-established
Relaxation techniques

May help reduce tension headaches and stress-related pain.

Evidence: Some evidence

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

This medicine does not interact with vaccines. It can be taken before or after vaccination if needed for pain or fever.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate unless specified

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription if required. Store at room temperature and avoid extreme heat or moisture. When traveling across time zones, continue taking as needed for pain; no strict schedule adjustment is necessary for as-needed use. Check customs regulations for carrying medicines.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old woman with frequent tension headaches
She started taking this medicine as needed for her headaches. She found that taking it at the first sign of a headache with a glass of water provided quick relief. She also reduced her coffee intake to avoid jitteriness.
💡 Lesson: Taking the medicine early and limiting additional caffeine helps manage headaches effectively.
👤 A 50-year-old man with occasional back pain
He used this medicine for his back pain but initially took it on an empty stomach, which caused mild nausea. After switching to taking it with food, the nausea resolved, and his pain was well controlled.
💡 Lesson: Taking this medicine with food can improve tolerability and prevent stomach upset.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: This medicine usually starts relieving pain within 30-60 minutes after taking it.

Q: Can I take it on an empty stomach?

A: It can be taken on an empty stomach, but taking it with food may reduce the risk of stomach upset.

Q: Is it safe to take with other painkillers?

A: Do not take with other paracetamol-containing products. Consult your doctor before combining with other painkillers.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my kidney function?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my blood pressure medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

🔄 Substitutes for anacin tablet

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: This medicine is completely safe and can be taken in any amount.
    Fact: Exceeding the recommended dose can cause serious liver damage.
  • Myth: This medicine is a strong painkiller like opioids.
    Fact: It is a mild analgesic and does not contain opioids.
  • Myth: Caffeine in this medicine is harmful.
    Fact: Caffeine is added to enhance pain relief and is safe in the recommended amounts.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Paracetamol + Caffeine 500 mg + 50 mg tablets (various manufacturers)

Brand Alternatives

  • Anacin
  • Other brands containing paracetamol and caffeine

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"This medicine","composition":"Paracetamol 500 mg + Caffeine 50 mg","onset":"30-60 minutes","duration":"4-6 hours","notes":"Combination for enhanced headache relief."},{"medicine":"Paracetamol alone","composition":"Paracetamol 500 mg","onset":"30-60 minutes","duration":"4-6 hours","notes":"No caffeine; may be less effective for headaches."},{"medicine":"Ibuprofen","composition":"Ibuprofen 200-400 mg","onset":"30-60 minutes","duration":"4-6 hours","notes":"NSAID; may cause stomach upset."}]

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