ANADIN EXTRA caplets 300mg/45mg/200mg 16

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What Are Anadin Extra Caplets Used For?
Anadin Extra Caplets are a well-established combination analgesic from Haleon, trusted by millions of people in the UK for effective relief from headache, migraine, cold and flu aches, and a range of other common painful conditions. The 16-caplet pack provides eight two-caplet doses — a practical supply for several days of pain management, making it a convenient size for the home medicine cabinet or for keeping at work. The formulation combines three synergistic active ingredients that work together to provide greater pain relief than any single ingredient could achieve alone at these doses.
Each caplet contains aspirin 300mg, paracetamol 200mg, and caffeine 45mg. Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins — the mediators of pain, inflammation, and fever — through irreversible inhibition of COX enzymes. Paracetamol provides complementary analgesic and antipyretic activity through a distinct mechanism, and clinical evidence consistently demonstrates that the aspirin and paracetamol combination produces greater pain relief than either ingredient alone at these doses. Caffeine at 45mg per caplet acts as an analgesic adjuvant, enhancing the effectiveness and absorption of both aspirin and paracetamol without itself being a direct pain reliever. The 90mg of caffeine in the standard two-caplet dose is comparable to a large cup of coffee and contributes a mild alerting effect that many people find helpful when managing the fatigue that accompanies headache or cold symptoms.
Anadin Extra Caplets are indicated for the relief of headache, migraine headache, dental pain, neuralgia, period pain, backache, sore throat, and the feverishness and aching associated with colds and influenza. The film-coated caplet format is easy to swallow and convenient to take without the need for measuring liquid doses or waiting for dissolution.
There are two critical safety warnings that apply to every pack size of Anadin Extra. First, it must never be given to anyone under 16 years of age, as it contains aspirin — which is associated with the risk of Reye's syndrome in children and young people. Second, it must never be taken alongside any other paracetamol-containing product, as the combined paracetamol intake could exceed the safe daily maximum of 4000mg and cause serious, potentially irreversible liver damage that may not be immediately apparent. For personalised pain management advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist, or browse our full pain relief range.
How to Use Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack
- Check all other medicines for paracetamol content before taking. This is the most important safety step before every dose.
- Take 2 caplets with food and a full glass of water. Taking with food reduces the risk of gastric irritation from the aspirin component. Never take on an empty stomach.
- Swallow caplets whole. Do not crush or chew. Swallow with plenty of water.
- Repeat every 4 hours as needed. Do not exceed 8 caplets in any 24-hour period.
- Do not use for more than 3 days without pharmacist or GP advice.
Practical tips
- Avoid alcohol during treatment — increases gastrointestinal bleeding risk from aspirin.
- The 90mg caffeine in a two-caplet dose may affect sleep if taken late in the evening.
- The 16-caplet pack provides eight two-caplet doses — plan your supply accordingly.
Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack Side Effects
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Nausea or stomach discomfort — reduced by taking with food and water
- Mild stimulant effects from caffeine — restlessness or difficulty sleeping if taken late in the day
Less common side effects (may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Heartburn, indigestion, increased bleeding tendency, palpitations in caffeine-sensitive individuals
Rare side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)
- Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding; tinnitus (may indicate aspirin toxicity); bronchospasm in aspirin-sensitive asthmatics; skin rash or hypersensitivity reaction; liver damage with overdose or concurrent paracetamol products
Stop using and seek urgent medical help if you experience:
- Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain
- Tinnitus — stop and seek advice immediately
- Worsening breathing or severe asthma attack
- Any concern about paracetamol overdose — call 999 or NHS 111 immediately
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction — call 999 immediately
Report any unexpected reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
How to Store Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack
- Temperature: Store below 25°C away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Packaging: Keep in original blister pack inside the outer carton.
- Do not refrigerate.
- Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times. Contains both aspirin and paracetamol — both can cause serious harm in overdose.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date on the blister and outer carton.
- Disposal: Return unused caplets to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacy for safe disposal.
Who Are Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack Suitable For?
Anadin Extra Caplets are suitable for adults and young people aged 16 and over who experience mild to moderate pain from a range of common causes.
Suitable for:
- Adults with headache, migraine, dental pain, neuralgia, period pain, backache, or sore throat
- Those experiencing feverishness and aching from colds and influenza
- Young people aged 16 to 17 under appropriate adult supervision
- Those who prefer a medium-sized pack providing eight two-caplet doses
- Those who want a combined analgesic for pain where a single-ingredient product has not provided sufficient relief
Not suitable for — do not use if you:
- Are under 16 years of age — contains aspirin; absolute contraindication due to Reye's syndrome risk
- Are already taking any other product containing paracetamol — serious risk of paracetamol overdose and liver damage
- Have a known allergy to aspirin, paracetamol, caffeine, salicylates, or other NSAIDs
- Have an active peptic ulcer or significant gastrointestinal bleeding history
- Have haemophilia or a bleeding disorder
- Have severe liver, kidney, or heart failure
- Are in the third trimester of pregnancy
Use with caution or seek advice first if you:
- Take warfarin or other anticoagulants
- Have asthma that may be aspirin-sensitive
- Have liver or kidney impairment
- Are caffeine-sensitive
- Are pregnant (first or second trimester) or breastfeeding
- Are elderly
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free guidance on the most appropriate pain relief for your circumstances.
Active Ingredients in Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack
| Ingredient | Strength per caplet | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) | 300mg | NSAID analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic. Inhibits COX enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis. Works synergistically with paracetamol for greater combined pain relief than either alone. |
| Caffeine | 45mg | Analgesic adjuvant that enhances the effectiveness and absorption of both aspirin and paracetamol, as demonstrated consistently in clinical trials. Not a direct analgesic itself. |
| Paracetamol | 200mg | Complementary analgesic and antipyretic. Works via distinct central and peripheral mechanisms from aspirin. Critical safety note: never exceed 4000mg total paracetamol from all sources in 24 hours. Do not take alongside other paracetamol-containing products. |
Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack Dosage — How Much to Take
Adults and young people aged 16 and over
- Dose: 2 caplets per dose.
- Frequency: Every 4 hours as needed.
- Maximum daily dose: 8 caplets (4000mg aspirin total; 1600mg paracetamol total; 360mg caffeine total) in any 24-hour period.
- How to take: Swallow with a full glass of water, with or just after food.
Children and young people under 16
Do not give to anyone under 16 years of age.
CRITICAL — paracetamol safety
This product contains paracetamol 200mg per caplet. Do not take alongside any other paracetamol-containing product. The combined daily total from all sources must not exceed 4000mg. Paracetamol overdose causes serious liver damage that may not produce immediate symptoms. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help immediately even if you feel well.
Elderly patients
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Seek pharmacist or GP advice before regular use due to increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk from aspirin.
Precautions When Using Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack
- Always check all other medicines for paracetamol content before each dose.
- Always take with food and a full glass of water.
- Do not give to anyone under 16.
- Do not use in the third trimester of pregnancy.
- If you take warfarin, consult your pharmacist before use.
- Do not exceed 8 caplets in 24 hours.
- Do not combine with other aspirin, NSAID, or paracetamol-containing products.
- Avoid alcohol during treatment.
- Seek urgent medical help if paracetamol overdose is suspected — even if asymptomatic.
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free guidance on pain relief management.
Full Ingredients in Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack
Active ingredients per caplet: aspirin 300mg, caffeine 45mg, paracetamol 200mg.
Excipients: microcrystalline cellulose, starch, colloidal anhydrous silica, stearic acid, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol.
If you have a known allergy to aspirin, paracetamol, or any excipient, consult a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before use.
Last reviewed: May 2026.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. A copy is included in the pack. For advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist pharmacist or call +44 (0)20 8672 2157.
What Are Anadin Extra Caplets Used For?
Anadin Extra Caplets are a well-established combination analgesic from Haleon, trusted by millions of people in the UK for effective relief from headache, migraine, cold and flu aches, and a range of other common painful conditions. The 16-caplet pack provides eight two-caplet doses — a practical supply for several days of pain management, making it a convenient size for the home medicine cabinet or for keeping at work. The formulation combines three synergistic active ingredients that work together to provide greater pain relief than any single ingredient could achieve alone at these doses.
Each caplet contains aspirin 300mg, paracetamol 200mg, and caffeine 45mg. Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins — the mediators of pain, inflammation, and fever — through irreversible inhibition of COX enzymes. Paracetamol provides complementary analgesic and antipyretic activity through a distinct mechanism, and clinical evidence consistently demonstrates that the aspirin and paracetamol combination produces greater pain relief than either ingredient alone at these doses. Caffeine at 45mg per caplet acts as an analgesic adjuvant, enhancing the effectiveness and absorption of both aspirin and paracetamol without itself being a direct pain reliever. The 90mg of caffeine in the standard two-caplet dose is comparable to a large cup of coffee and contributes a mild alerting effect that many people find helpful when managing the fatigue that accompanies headache or cold symptoms.
Anadin Extra Caplets are indicated for the relief of headache, migraine headache, dental pain, neuralgia, period pain, backache, sore throat, and the feverishness and aching associated with colds and influenza. The film-coated caplet format is easy to swallow and convenient to take without the need for measuring liquid doses or waiting for dissolution.
There are two critical safety warnings that apply to every pack size of Anadin Extra. First, it must never be given to anyone under 16 years of age, as it contains aspirin — which is associated with the risk of Reye's syndrome in children and young people. Second, it must never be taken alongside any other paracetamol-containing product, as the combined paracetamol intake could exceed the safe daily maximum of 4000mg and cause serious, potentially irreversible liver damage that may not be immediately apparent. For personalised pain management advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist, or browse our full pain relief range.
How to Use Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack
- Check all other medicines for paracetamol content before taking. This is the most important safety step before every dose.
- Take 2 caplets with food and a full glass of water. Taking with food reduces the risk of gastric irritation from the aspirin component. Never take on an empty stomach.
- Swallow caplets whole. Do not crush or chew. Swallow with plenty of water.
- Repeat every 4 hours as needed. Do not exceed 8 caplets in any 24-hour period.
- Do not use for more than 3 days without pharmacist or GP advice.
Practical tips
- Avoid alcohol during treatment — increases gastrointestinal bleeding risk from aspirin.
- The 90mg caffeine in a two-caplet dose may affect sleep if taken late in the evening.
- The 16-caplet pack provides eight two-caplet doses — plan your supply accordingly.
Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack Side Effects
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Nausea or stomach discomfort — reduced by taking with food and water
- Mild stimulant effects from caffeine — restlessness or difficulty sleeping if taken late in the day
Less common side effects (may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Heartburn, indigestion, increased bleeding tendency, palpitations in caffeine-sensitive individuals
Rare side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)
- Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding; tinnitus (may indicate aspirin toxicity); bronchospasm in aspirin-sensitive asthmatics; skin rash or hypersensitivity reaction; liver damage with overdose or concurrent paracetamol products
Stop using and seek urgent medical help if you experience:
- Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain
- Tinnitus — stop and seek advice immediately
- Worsening breathing or severe asthma attack
- Any concern about paracetamol overdose — call 999 or NHS 111 immediately
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction — call 999 immediately
Report any unexpected reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
How to Store Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack
- Temperature: Store below 25°C away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Packaging: Keep in original blister pack inside the outer carton.
- Do not refrigerate.
- Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times. Contains both aspirin and paracetamol — both can cause serious harm in overdose.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date on the blister and outer carton.
- Disposal: Return unused caplets to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacy for safe disposal.
Who Are Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack Suitable For?
Anadin Extra Caplets are suitable for adults and young people aged 16 and over who experience mild to moderate pain from a range of common causes.
Suitable for:
- Adults with headache, migraine, dental pain, neuralgia, period pain, backache, or sore throat
- Those experiencing feverishness and aching from colds and influenza
- Young people aged 16 to 17 under appropriate adult supervision
- Those who prefer a medium-sized pack providing eight two-caplet doses
- Those who want a combined analgesic for pain where a single-ingredient product has not provided sufficient relief
Not suitable for — do not use if you:
- Are under 16 years of age — contains aspirin; absolute contraindication due to Reye's syndrome risk
- Are already taking any other product containing paracetamol — serious risk of paracetamol overdose and liver damage
- Have a known allergy to aspirin, paracetamol, caffeine, salicylates, or other NSAIDs
- Have an active peptic ulcer or significant gastrointestinal bleeding history
- Have haemophilia or a bleeding disorder
- Have severe liver, kidney, or heart failure
- Are in the third trimester of pregnancy
Use with caution or seek advice first if you:
- Take warfarin or other anticoagulants
- Have asthma that may be aspirin-sensitive
- Have liver or kidney impairment
- Are caffeine-sensitive
- Are pregnant (first or second trimester) or breastfeeding
- Are elderly
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free guidance on the most appropriate pain relief for your circumstances.
Active Ingredients in Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack
| Ingredient | Strength per caplet | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) | 300mg | NSAID analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic. Inhibits COX enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis. Works synergistically with paracetamol for greater combined pain relief than either alone. |
| Caffeine | 45mg | Analgesic adjuvant that enhances the effectiveness and absorption of both aspirin and paracetamol, as demonstrated consistently in clinical trials. Not a direct analgesic itself. |
| Paracetamol | 200mg | Complementary analgesic and antipyretic. Works via distinct central and peripheral mechanisms from aspirin. Critical safety note: never exceed 4000mg total paracetamol from all sources in 24 hours. Do not take alongside other paracetamol-containing products. |
Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack Dosage — How Much to Take
Adults and young people aged 16 and over
- Dose: 2 caplets per dose.
- Frequency: Every 4 hours as needed.
- Maximum daily dose: 8 caplets (4000mg aspirin total; 1600mg paracetamol total; 360mg caffeine total) in any 24-hour period.
- How to take: Swallow with a full glass of water, with or just after food.
Children and young people under 16
Do not give to anyone under 16 years of age.
CRITICAL — paracetamol safety
This product contains paracetamol 200mg per caplet. Do not take alongside any other paracetamol-containing product. The combined daily total from all sources must not exceed 4000mg. Paracetamol overdose causes serious liver damage that may not produce immediate symptoms. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help immediately even if you feel well.
Elderly patients
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Seek pharmacist or GP advice before regular use due to increased gastrointestinal bleeding risk from aspirin.
Precautions When Using Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack
- Always check all other medicines for paracetamol content before each dose.
- Always take with food and a full glass of water.
- Do not give to anyone under 16.
- Do not use in the third trimester of pregnancy.
- If you take warfarin, consult your pharmacist before use.
- Do not exceed 8 caplets in 24 hours.
- Do not combine with other aspirin, NSAID, or paracetamol-containing products.
- Avoid alcohol during treatment.
- Seek urgent medical help if paracetamol overdose is suspected — even if asymptomatic.
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free guidance on pain relief management.
Full Ingredients in Anadin Extra Caplets 16 Pack
Active ingredients per caplet: aspirin 300mg, caffeine 45mg, paracetamol 200mg.
Excipients: microcrystalline cellulose, starch, colloidal anhydrous silica, stearic acid, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol.
If you have a known allergy to aspirin, paracetamol, or any excipient, consult a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before use.
Last reviewed: May 2026.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. A copy is included in the pack. For advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist pharmacist or call +44 (0)20 8672 2157.
FAQs
Yes. Anadin Extra Caplets are identical across all pack sizes — aspirin 300mg, caffeine 45mg, and paracetamol 200mg per caplet in the same tablet formulation. The 16-caplet pack provides eight two-caplet doses, offering a slightly more generous supply than the 12-caplet pack without the bulk of the 32-caplet economy size. All clinical guidance, dosage instructions, and safety warnings are identical for all pack sizes.
Anadin Extra contains paracetamol 200mg per caplet — 400mg per standard two-caplet dose. Many common cold and flu products, combination pain relief medicines, and other over-the-counter and prescribed medicines also contain paracetamol. Taking them alongside Anadin Extra can easily push your total daily paracetamol intake above the safe maximum of 4000mg in 24 hours. Paracetamol overdose causes severe, potentially irreversible liver damage that may not produce obvious symptoms for 24 to 48 hours — by the time a person feels unwell, significant damage may have already occurred. This check is not optional — it is a critical safety step before every dose.
If you have accidentally taken Anadin Extra alongside another paracetamol-containing product and you are concerned that the total combined dose may have exceeded 4000mg in 24 hours, contact NHS 111 or go to your nearest accident and emergency department immediately, even if you feel well. Do not wait to see whether symptoms develop — the window for effective treatment of paracetamol overdose is time-critical, and early intervention prevents liver damage. Always take the packaging of all medicines you have taken with you to the hospital or have it available when you call NHS 111.
Yes. Period pain (primary dysmenorrhoea) is one of the licensed indications for Anadin Extra. The aspirin component inhibits prostaglandin synthesis — the mechanism driving uterine cramping — and is clinically effective for dysmenorrhoea. The additional analgesic synergy from paracetamol and the adjuvant effect of caffeine may provide better overall relief for period pain than aspirin alone at this dose. If period pain is very severe or not adequately controlled by over-the-counter products, speak to your GP about whether a prescription NSAID such as naproxen might provide better relief.
At the standard adult dosage of 2 caplets up to 4 times daily (maximum 8 caplets per day), the 16-caplet pack provides 2 days of treatment at full dosage. In practice, most people do not need to use the maximum dose on every occasion — many headaches and minor pain episodes resolve with 2 caplets taken once or twice, in which case the 16-caplet pack provides a more generous number of treatment episodes than the maximum-dose calculation suggests.