Butalbital (generic Fioricet)
Butalbital (generic Fioricet) is a non-narcotic
pain medication, often prescribed for tension
headaches and migraines. Fioricet® is a barbiturate
(butalbital), mixed with acetaminophen and caffeine.
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
Caffeine is believed to constrict dilated blood
vessels that may contribute to tension headaches.
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Butalbital (generic Fioricet)
Important Note
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. Consult
your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Uses
This medication is a pain reliever and sedative. It
is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and tension
headaches.
How to Use
To prevent upset stomach, take this medication with
food or milk. Pain medications work best in preventing
pain before it occurs. Once the pain becomes intense,
the medication is not as effective in relieving it.
Take this as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or
take it more frequently without your doctor's approval.
Side Effects
May cause lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach
upset, nausea, and sleeping disturbances the first few
days as your body adjusts to the medication. 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 this drug
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.
Precauations
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 this. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy;
use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness
such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic
beverages. This medication contains caffeine. Avoid
drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages while
taking this medication as excessive nervousness and
irritability can occur. This medication should be used
during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Small amounts
of this medication appear in breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
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 this medication 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. This drug
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.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
of 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.
Notes
Do not share this product with others.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, 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 to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.
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