Brand name:

BC Powder

Generic ingredients: Aspirin, Caffeine, Salicylamide

What this drug is used for

BC Powder comes in regular and arthritis strengths. Both provide temporary relief from minor arthritis pain, pain from inflamed nerves, and low back pain radiating down the leg (sciatica). They can also be used to relieve the muscle aches, fever, and discomfort of a cold, as well as the pain of tooth extraction. Regular strength BC powder is also recommended for headache and normal menstrual pain.

How should you take this medication?

For adults and children 12 years and over, the usual dose is 1 powder placed on your tongue and followed with a glass of water or other liquid. If you prefer, you may stir 1 powder into a glass of liquid. Take a dose every 3 to 4 hours, if needed. Do not take more than 4 powders in 24 hours. For children under 12, consult your doctor.

Do not take this medication if...

Avoid BC Powder if you are allergic to aspirin.

Special warnings about this medication

The aspirin in BC Powder has been known to trigger a serious illness called Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers who catch a virus. If your child gets chickenpox or flu, do not treat the symptoms with BC Powder.

If pain lasts more than 10 days or you notice redness, stop taking BC and call your doctor.

Do not take this product during the last 3 months of pregnancy. It could harm the baby or cause complications during delivery. Earlier during pregnancy, and while nursing a baby, check with your doctor before taking BC.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Aspirin-containing products such as BC Powder can interact with a number of prescription drugs. Check with your doctor before combining BC with any of the following:

Acetazolamide (Diamox)
ACE-inhibitor-type blood pressure medications such as Capoten
Anti-gout drugs such as Anturane, Benemid, and Zyloprim
Arthritis preparations such as Aleve, Anaprox, Ecotrin, Indocin,
Motrin, Naprosyn, and Orudis
Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
Certain diuretics (water pills), including Lasix
Diabetes medications, including DiaBeta, Diabinese, Micronase,
and Glucotrol
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Dipyridamole (Persantine)
Seizure medications such as Depakene
Steroids such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone)