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 it works is unknown
Fioricet Directions?
Take acetaminophen /
butalbital / caffeine exactly as directed
by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or
doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose
with a full glass of water. Take acetaminophen
/ butalbital / caffeine with food or milk
if it upsets your stomach. Never take more
acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine than
is prescribed for you. If your pain is not
being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.
Fioricet Side Effects?
If you experience any
of the following serious side effects, stop
taking acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine
and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of
your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue,
or face; or hives); slow, weak breathing;
liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes,
nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual
bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); blood
problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising);
or low blood sugar (fatigue, increased hunger
or thirst, dizziness, or fainting). These
side effects are very rare and are not likely
to occur during proper treatment with acetaminophen
and caffeine. If you experience any unusual
reactions, stop taking this medicine and seek
the advice of your doctor. Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to take acetaminophen / butalbital
/ caffeine and talk to your doctor if you
experience drowsiness; dizziness,, confusion
or lightheadedness; shortness of breath; dry
mouth; nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or
decreased appetite; tiredness, leg pain, or
muscle weakness; agitation, irritability,
nervousness, anxiety or excitability; rash
or itching; feeling of intoxication; headache;
or constipation.
Fioricet Warnings?
Use caution when driving,
operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Butalbital will cause drowsiness
or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness
or dizziness, avoid these activities. Avoid
sleeping pills, antihistamines, sedatives,
and tranquilizers except under the supervision
of your doctor. These may also make you drowsy.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol taken during therapy
with acetaminophen and butalbital can be very
damaging to your liver and can increase drowsiness
and dizziness. Check the acetaminophen content
of other over-the-counter and prescription
products while taking this medication. You
should not exceed 4 grams (4000 mg) of acetaminophen
per day.
Fioricet Drug Interactions?
Do not take acetaminophen
/ butalbital / caffeine if you have taken
a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such
as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil),
or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14
days. Dangerous side effects could result.
Acetaminophen and butalbital may increase
the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines,
sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other
pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle
relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines
that you are taking, and do not take any medicine
unless your doctor approves. Many other medicines
contain acetaminophen, especially over-the-counter
pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications.
Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous.
Drugs other than those listed here may also
interact with acetaminophen / butalbital /
caffeine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist
before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines.
Fioricet Missed Dose?
If you miss a dose of
Fioricet, do not double the next dose. Instead,
skip the missed dose and start again with
your usual dosing schedule.
Fioricet Storage?
Store it at room temperature
away from sunlight and moisture. Keep this
and all medications out of the reach of children.
Anything Else I Should
Know About Fioricet?
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 it works is unknown.
NOTE: The above
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 the use of the product is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before taking
the product.
