Fioricet
Fioricet is a combination of Acetaminophen, Butalbital, and Caffeine.
Acetaminophen is a
pain reliever and fever reducer. Butalbital is in a
class of drugs called barbiturates that slow down your central nervous system
(brain and nerve impulses) causing relaxation. Caffeine is believed to
constrict dilated blood vessels that may contribute to tension headaches.
Together, acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine are used to relieve
complex tension (muscle contraction) headaches although precisely how Fioricet
works is unknown.
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that
use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Please consult your
healthcare professional before using this or any other prescription or
non-prescription medication.
About Fioricet
Fioricet Directions
To prevent upset stomach, take Fioricet with food or milk.
Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once the
pain becomes intense, Fioricet is not as effective in relieving it. Take
Fioricet as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take Fioricet more
frequently without your doctor's approval.
Fioricet Side Effects
Fioricet May cause lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness,
stomach upset, nausea, and sleeping disturbances the first few days as
your body adjusts to Fioricet. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome,
inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: a rapid /
irregular heartbeat. An allergic reaction to Fioricet is unlikely, but seek
immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
Fioricet Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: serious
liver disease, alcohol or narcotic dependence, emotional/mental conditions,
heart disease (arrhythmias, recent MI), stomach/intestinal ulcers, any
allergies. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Daily use of alcohol,
especially when combined with acetaminophen, may increase your risk for
liver damage. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
To prevent oversedation, avoid using alcohol and other sedative type
medications while taking Fioricet. Fioricet may make you dizzy or drowsy;
use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving
or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Fioricet contains caffeine.
Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages while taking
Fioricet as excessive nervousness and irritability can occur. Fioricet
should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Small amounts of
Fioricet appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions with Fioricet
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
drugs you may use, especially of: "blood thinners". Tell your doctor or
pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use that
cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives),
tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain
relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines
such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure
drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause
drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Because Fioricet contains acetaminophen,
check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medications
containing acetaminophen which is commonly found in nonprescription pain
relievers and cough-and-cold products. Read labels carefully to check
ingredients. Fioricet may interfere with the effectiveness of birth
control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your
doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
Fioricet Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of Fioricet overdose may
include vomiting, unusual drowsiness, lack of feeling alert, slow or
shallow breathing, cold or clammy skin, loss of consciousness,
dark urine, stomach pain, and extreme fatigue.
Missed Dose of Fioricet
If you miss a dose of Fioricet, take it as soon as
remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose,
instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose of Fioricet to catch up.
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