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.
