Fioricet is a pain reliever and sedative medication to relieve mild to moderate pain and tension headaches.
The Generic Fioricet is Butalbital / Acetaminophen / Caffeine – (50 / 325 / 40mg)
Fioricet is used to treat tension headaches that are caused by muscle contractions.
This combination medication is used to treat tension headaches. Codeine is an opioid (narcotic) pain reliever that acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. Acetaminophen helps to decrease the pain from the headache. Caffeine helps increase the effects of acetaminophen. Butalbital is a sedative which helps to decrease anxiety and cause sleepiness and relaxation.
Information About Fioricet :
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 Fioricet is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using Fioricet.
BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN/CAFFEINE – ORAL (byou-TAL-bih-tall/uh-seet-uh-MEE-no-fen/kaff-EEN)
Fioricet common brand names : Esgic, Fioricet
Fioricet uses :
Fioricet is a pain reliever and sedative. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and tension headaches.
How to use Fioricet :
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, the medication is not as effective in relieving it. Take Fioricet as prescribed. Do not increase your dose of Fioricet or take it more frequently without your doctor’s approval.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than 6 capsules in a 24-hour period. If you have nausea, you may take this medication with food. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (such as lying down for 1-2 hours with as little head movement as possible).
The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to therapy. This medication works best if it is used as the first signs of a headache occur.
If you wait until the headache has worsened, the medication may not work as well. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed, because your risk of side effects may increase. Properly stop the medication when so directed. Suddenly stopping this medication may cause withdrawal, especially if you have used it for a long time or in high doses. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have any withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, mental/mood changes (including anxiety, trouble sleeping, thoughts of suicide), watering eyes, runny nose, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, muscle aches, or sudden changes in behavior. Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol).
Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Inform your doctor if you notice increased use of this medication, a worsening of headaches, an increase in the number of headaches, the medication not working as well, or use of this medication for more than 2 headache episodes a week. Do not take more than recommended. Your doctor may need to change your medication and/or add a separate medication to prevent the headaches.
Fioricet side effects :
Fioricet may cause the following side effects the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication:
- lightheadedness;
- dizziness;
- drowsiness;
- stomach upset;
- nausea;
- sleeping disturbances.
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 of Fioricet 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 this medication as excessive nervousness and irritability can occur.
Fioricet should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Small amounts of this medication appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Fioricet – 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 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 Fioricet 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;
- extreme fatigue.
Fioricet – Missed dose :
If you miss Fioricet 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 Fioricet dose to catch up.
Fioricet storage :
Store Fioricet at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store Fioricet in the bathroom.