|
Acetaminophen
/ butalbital / caffeine
Brand
Name: Fioricet
Most
Common Medical Uses
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.
How
to Take This Medication
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.
Possible
Side Effects
If
you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine 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);
or low blood sugar (fatigue, increased hunger or thirst, dizziness,
or fainting). These 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 acetaminophen / butalbital
/ caffeine 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; or constipation.
Precautions
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.
Drug
Interactions
Do
not take acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine 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 medications. Too much acetaminophen can be very
dangerous. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact
with acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine. 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.
|
