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Aspirin
/ butalbital / caffeine / codeine
Brand
Name: Fiorinal with Codeine
Most
Common Medical Uses
Codeine
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. Caffeine is believed
to constrict dilated blood vessels that may contribute to tension
headaches. Aspirin / butalbital / caffeine / codeine is used to
relieve complex tension headaches. 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. 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.
Possible
Side Effects
Stop
taking aspirin / butalbital / caffeine / codeine and seek emergency
medical attention if you experience any of the following: 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
If
you have stomach ulcers, have a bleeding or platelet disorder, or
have recently had surgery, you may not be able to take this drug.
Codeine is habit forming and should be used only under close supervision
if you have an alcohol or drug addiction. Before taking this medication,
tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; liver disease; asthma;
urinary retention; an enlarged prostate; hypothyroidism; seizures
or epilepsy; gallbladder disease; a head injury; or Addison's disease.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby. If you are older than
60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects
from this therapy. Use extra caution. Do not use aspirin / butalbital
/ caffeine / codeine to treat a child or teenager who has a fever,
flu symptoms, or chicken pox without first talking to a doctor.
In children younger than 18 years of age, aspirin may increase the
risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but often fatal condition.
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. Numerous drugs may lead to dangerous
sedation if taken with aspirin / butalbital / caffeine / codeine:
Do not take any prescription or over the counter medications without
the approval of your doctor. Many 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
Do
not stop taking aspirin / butalbital / caffeine / codeine suddenly
if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days.
Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you very
uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose.
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. Codeine also
causes constipation. Drink plenty of water (six to eight full glasses
a day) to lessen this side effect. Increasing the amount of fiber
in your diet can also help to alleviate constipation. Never take
more of this medication than is prescribed for you. If your pain
is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor. Avoid other
over-the-counter and prescription products that contain aspirin.
Too much aspirin could be dangerous. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist
before taking any over-the-counter preparations.
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