This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Fioricet Consumer Information
FIORICET
Generic Name: acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine (oral) (a seet a MIN oh fen and boo TAL bi tall and CAFF een)
Brand Names: Esgic, Esgic-Plus, Fioricet
What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine?
- 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.
What is acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine?
- 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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine?
- This medication is habit forming and should only be used under close supervision. Take this drug only for as long as it is prescribed , in the amounts it is prescribed, and no more frequently than prescribed.
- Do not take acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease. You may not be able to take acetaminophen and butalbital, or you may require a lower dose.
- Do not take acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine if you have porphyria.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- kidney disease, or
- liver disease.
- You may not be able to take acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- This drug combination is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that its effects on an unborn baby are not known. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
- This drug combination passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- Acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine has not been approved for use in children younger than 12 years of age.
How should I take acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine?
- 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.
What happens if I miss a 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.
What happens if I overdose?
- 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.
What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen/butalbital/caffeine?
- 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
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.