Fioricet is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
WHAT IS IT
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. Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
NORMAL DOSE
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. Store acetaminophen /
butalbital / caffeine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
MISSED DOSE
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose
of this medication. Wait the prescribed amount of time before taking
your next dose.
OVER DOSE
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an acetaminophen /
butalbital / caffeine overdose include insomnia, restlessness, tremor,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating, seizures,
drowsiness, decreased breathing, dizziness or fainting, confusion, an
irregular heartbeat, and coma.
SIDE EFFECT
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) 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 constipation
Butalbital may be habit forming. Side effects other than those listed
here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that
seems unusual or that is especially bothersome .
PRECAUTIONS
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. Avoid
taking too much caffeine. Check the caffeine content of other
over-the-counter and prescription products as well as beverages (coffee,
tea, and colas) while taking this medication
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.
NOTES
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. Never
take more acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine than is prescribed for
you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.
