Fioricet is a barbiturate sedative (butalbital) mixed with a non-aspirin pain medication (acetaminophen) and caffeine. This non-narcotic pain medication and relaxant is often prescribed for tension headaches caused by contractions of the muscles in the neck and shoulder area, and migraines.
Prescribed by U.S. doctors and dispensed by U.S. pharmacists.
Tablets
Chemical Name: BUTALBITAL (byoo-TAL-bi-tal), ACETAMINOPHEN (a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen)
and CAFFEINE (kaf-EEN)
Common uses
Fioricet is an analgesic, barbiturate, and stimulant combination used
to treat tension headaches.
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Fioricet. INFORM
YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that
you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed
if you are taking anticoagulants, birth control pills, corticosteroids, doxycycline,
isoniazid, metronidazole, quinidine, theophylline, or medicine for high blood
pressure or heart conditions (beta blockers). Inform your doctor of any other
medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor
or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Fioricet.
Directions
Follow the directions for using Fioricet provided by your doctor.
STORE Fioricet at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from
heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Fioricet and you are using it regularly,
take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at
once.
Cautions
DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take Fioricet for longer than
prescribed without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose or
taking Fioricet for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming. AVOID ALCOHOL
while you are using Fioricet. Fioricet will add to the effects of alcohol
and other depressants. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT
COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Fioricet. Using Fioricet
alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive
or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Fioricet CONTAINS ACETAMINOPHEN.
Do not take additional acetaminophen for pain or fever without checking with your
doctor or pharmacist. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines
contain acetaminophen. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. If you drink alcohol
on a daily basis, do not take Fioricet without first discussing it with your
doctor. Alcohol use combined with acetaminophen may increase your risk for liver
damage. Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain
(or first signs of migraine) occur. If you wait until the pain has significantly
worsened, the pain medicine may not work as well. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY
NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor
or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: Fioricet may decrease
the effectiveness of your birth control pills. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional
form of birth control while you are taking Fioricet. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING
PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Fioricet
during pregnancy. Fioricet IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED
while taking Fioricet.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, dizziness,
lightheadedness, or nausea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your
doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse,
or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine
from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines
interact with each other.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, excessive sweating,
dark urine, stomach pain, extreme fatigue, unusual drowsiness or dizziness, lack
of feeling alert, slow or shallow breathing, cold or clammy skin, and loss of
consciousness.
Additional information
IF YOUR HEADACHE SYMPTOMS do not improve or if they become worse, contact
your doctor. DO NOT SHARE Fioricet with others for whom it was not prescribed.
DO NOT USE Fioricet for other health conditions. KEEP Fioricet out of
the reach of children. IF USING Fioricet FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME,
obtain refills before your supply runs out.
