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Fiorinal
#3
Brand
Name: Aspirin / butalbital / caffeine / codeine
Most
Common Medical Uses
Codeine
is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It relieves pain.
Aspirin is a less potent pain reliever, as well as an anti-inflammatory
and a fever reducer. Aspirin increases the effects of codeine. Butalbital
is in a class of drugs called barbiturates that slow down your central
nervous system (brain and nerve impulses). Caffeine is believed
to constrict dilated blood vessels (veins and arteries) that may
contribute to tension headaches. Aspirin / butalbital / caffeine
/ codeine is used to relieve complex tension headaches although
precisely how it works is unknown. Aspirin / butalbital / caffeine
/ codeine may also be used for purposes other than those listed
here.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
aspirin / butalbital / caffeine / codeine 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 aspirin / butalbital / caffeine
/ codeine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Never take
more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much aspirin
/ butalbital / caffeine / codeine could be very harmful. Never take
more than six capsules per day. Do not suddenly stop taking aspirin
/ butalbital / caffeine / codeine if you have been taking it continuously
for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal
symptoms and make you feel uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to
gradually reduce your dose. Increase the amount of fiber and water
(six to eight full glasses) in your diet to prevent constipation.
Do not share this medication with anyone else. Do not take this
drug if it begins to smell strongly of vinegar. This smell means
that the aspirin in it is beginning to break down.
Possible
Side Effects
If
you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
aspirin / butalbital / caffeine / codeine 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; seizures; cold, clammy skin; severe weakness
or dizziness; unconsciousness; or black, bloody, or tarry stools
or blood in your urine or vomit. Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take aspirin / butalbital
/ caffeine / codeine and talk to your doctor if you experience constipation;
dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite; dizziness, tiredness,
or lightheadedness; muscle twitches; sweating; itching or rash;
decreased urination; decreased sex drive; or ringing in your ears.
Aspirin / butalbital / caffeine / codeine is habit forming. Do not
stop taking it suddenly. 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.
Precautions
Avoid
alcohol while taking aspirin / butalbital / caffeine / codeine.
Alcohol will greatly increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused
by this medication and could be dangerous. Also, alcohol increases
the risk of stomach bleeding when you are taking a medication that
contains aspirin. Also avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives,
and antihistamines except under the supervision of your doctor.
These medicines also may cause dangerous sedation. Use caution when
driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Codeine and butalbital may cause drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness,
avoid these activities
Drug
Interactions
Do
not take aspirin / butalbital / caffeine / codeine 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. The most serious interactions
affecting aspirin / butalbital / caffeine / codeine are with those
drugs that also cause sedation. The following drugs may lead to
dangerous sedation if taken with aspirin / butalbital / caffeine
/ codeine: antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed,
others), diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Nytol, Compoz, others), chlorpheniramine
(Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), and others; tricyclic antidepressants
such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and doxepin (Sinequan) and serotonin
reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft),
and paroxetine (Paxil); other commonly used antidepressants, including
amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin),
imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and protriptyline
(Vivactil); anticholinergics such as belladonna (Donnatal), clidinium
(Quarzan), dicyclomine (Bentyl, Antispas), hyoscyamine (Levsin,
Anaspaz), ipratropium (Atrovent), propantheline (Pro-Banthine),
and scopolamine (Transderm-Scop); phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine
(Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), thioridazine (Mellaril), and
prochlorperazine (Compazine); and tranquilizers and sedatives such
as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), secobarbital
(Seconal), alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan),
flurazepam (ProSom), and temazepam (Restoril). Do not take any of
the drugs listed above without the approval of your doctor. Many
other medicines contain aspirin, especially over-the-counter pain,
fever, cold, and allergy medications. Too much aspirin could be
very dangerous. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact
with aspirin / butalbital / caffeine / codeine. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines.
Missed
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.
Storage
Store
at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Remember,
keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication
only for the indication prescribed.
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