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Acetaminophen
/ butalbital / caffeine
Brand
Name: Fioricet
Most
Common Medical Uses
Codeine
is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It relieves pain.
Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that 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 that may
contribute to tension headaches. Together, acetaminophen, butalbital,
caffeine, and codeine are used to relieve complex tension headaches
although precisely how it works is unknown. Acetaminophen / butalbital
/ caffeine / codeine may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
acetaminophen / 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 acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine
codeine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Never take
more acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine /codeine 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 /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; 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/ codeine 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 / 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 acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine
/ codeine are with those drugs that also cause sedation. The following
drugs may lead to dangerous sedation if taken with acetaminophen
/ 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 drugs contain acetaminophen,
especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with acetaminophen
/ 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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