WHAT IS FIORICET
Fioricet is comprized of 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. Fioricet
may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this med guide.
NORMAL DOSE
OF FIORICET
Take fioricet 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 fioricet with food or milk if it upsets your
stomach. Never take more fioricet than is prescribed
for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated,
talk to your doctor. Store fioricet 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 med. Wait the
prescribed amount of time before taking your
next dose.
FIORICET OVER
DOSE
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an
fioricet overdose include insomnia, restlessness,
tremor, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain,
sweating, seizures, drowsiness, decreased breathing,
dizziness or fainting, confusion, an irregular
heartbeat, and coma.
FIORICET SIDE
EFFECTS
If you experience any of the following serious
Fioricet side effects, stop taking fioricet 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 Fioricet 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 fioricet 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
Fioricet 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
.
FIORICET PRECAUTIONS
Use caution when driving, operating machinery,
or performing other hazardous activities. Fioricet
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 med. 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 med
FIORICET DRUG
INTERACTIONS
Do not take fioricet 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 meds. Too much acetaminophen
can be very dangerous. Drugs other than those listed
here may also interact with fioricet. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines.
FIORICET 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 med. You should not exceed
4 grams (4000 mg) of acetaminophen per day. Never
take more fioricet than is prescribed for you.
If your pain is not being adequately treated,
talk to your doctor.
