Fioricet

Drug classes

Analgesic, Butalbital/Acetaminophen Combination (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses
Uses of This Medicine

Butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine combination is used to relieve symptoms of tension (or muscle contraction) headaches.

Butalbital belongs to the group of medicines called barbiturates. Barbiturates act in the central nervous system (CNS) to produce their effects.

Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. It does not become habit-forming when taken for a long time. But acetaminophen may cause other unwanted effects when taken in large doses, including liver damage.

When butalbital is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.

Caffeine is a CNS stimulant that is used with pain relievers to increase their effect. It has also been used for migraine headaches. However, caffeine can also cause physical dependence when it is used for a long time. This may lead to withdrawal (rebound) headaches when you stop taking it.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

How To Use

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

Take your medicine as directed. Do not use more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

This medicine is not for long-term use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using an MAO inhibitor (MAOI).

Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver, and alcohol can increase this risk.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen, butalbital, or caffeine, or if you have porphyria.

Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or stomach problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug addiction.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Liver damage
Serious skin reactions
This medicine contains acetaminophen. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
• feeling light-headed or short of breath;
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness;
• dizziness, confusion or lightheadedness;
• dry mouth;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• feeling anxious or jittery;
• drunk feeling; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

Extreme dizziness or weakness, trouble breathing, slow heartbeat, seizures, and cold, clammy skin

Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild nausea or vomiting

Sleepiness, tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Brand names include
Anolor 300, Capacet, Dolgic LQ, Esgic, Esgic-Plus, Ezol, Fioricet, Geone, Margesic, Medigesic, Nonbac, Orbivan, Pacaps, Repan, Zebutal
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

What You Should Know About Fioricet ?

Fioricet is a prescription medication commonly used to treat tension headaches. It is a combination drug that contains three active ingredients: acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine. Each of these components plays a specific role in relieving headache symptoms.

Components of Fioricet:

1. Acetaminophen: A pain reliever and fever reducer.
2. Butalbital: A barbiturate that helps to relax muscle contractions involved in a tension headache.
3. Caffeine: A stimulant that improves the effectiveness of acetaminophen and increases blood flow.

Important Information:

1. Dosage and Administration:
   • Fioricet is typically taken every 4 hours as needed.
   • It is crucial not to exceed the recommended dosage to avoid serious side effects, including liver damage due to acetaminophen overdose.
2. Side Effects:
   • Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea.
   • Serious side effects may include confusion, shortness of breath, severe rash, or an allergic reaction.
3. Precautions:
   • Avoid alcohol while taking Fioricet, as it can increase the risk of liver damage and enhance the sedative effects.
   • Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking to prevent harmful interactions.
   • Fioricet can be habit-forming, especially with prolonged use.
4. Warnings:
   • Not recommended for individuals with a history of substance abuse.
   • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using Fioricet.
   • Individuals with liver disease should use Fioricet with caution due to the acetaminophen content.
5. Drug Interactions:
   • Fioricet can interact with other medications, including blood thinners, other pain medications, and certain antidepressants.
   • Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking.
6. Withdrawal:
   • Abruptly stopping Fioricet after prolonged use can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, and seizures.
   • A healthcare provider should guide the discontinuation process to minimize withdrawal effects.