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Uses
Fioricet (Butalbital) is a pain reliever and sedative. It is used to
relieve mild to moderate pain and tension headaches.
How To Use
To prevent upset stomach, take Fioricet (Butalbital) with food or milk.
Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once
the pain becomes intense, Fioricet (Butalbital) is not as effective in
relieving it. Take Fioricet (Butalbital) as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or
take it more frequently without your doctor's approval.
Side Effects
May cause lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset,
nausea, and sleeping disturbances the first few days as your body
adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become
bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if
you develop: a rapid/ irregular heartbeat. An allergic reaction to
this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it
occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching,
swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: serious liver
disease, alcohol or narcotic dependence, emotional/mental
conditions, heart disease (arrhythmias, recent MI),
stomach/intestinal ulcers, any allergies. Acetaminophen may cause
liver damage. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with
acetaminophen, may increase your risk for liver damage. Check with
your doctor or pharmacist for more information. To prevent
oversedation, avoid using alcohol and other sedative type
medications while taking this. Fioricet (Butalbital) may make you dizzy or
drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such
as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Fioricet (Butalbital)
medication contains caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of
caffeinated beverages while taking this medication as excessive
nervousness and irritability can occur. Fioricet (Butalbital) should be
used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Small amounts of this
medication appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you
may use, especially of: "blood thinners" Tell your doctor or
pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use
that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives),
tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain
relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g.,
phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as
amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle
relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g.,
diphenhydramine). Because this medication contains acetaminophen,
check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medications
containing acetaminophen which is commonly found in nonprescription
pain relievers and cough-and-cold products. Read labels carefully to
check ingredients. Fioricet (Butalbital) may interfere with the effectiveness of
birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control
with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If Fioricet (Butalbital) overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
vomiting, unusual drowsiness, lack of feeling alert, slow or shallow
breathing, cold or clammy skin, loss of consciousness, dark urine,
stomach pain, and extreme fatigue.
Notes
Do not share Fioricet (Butalbital) with others.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it
is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double-up the dose to
catch up.
Storage
Store Fioricet (Butalbital) at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom.
This information on this site is for informational purposes only. It
is not intended to diagnose symptoms, prescribe treatment, or to
substitute for a doctor's consultation. Only your doctor can tell
you if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you.
Information intended for US residents only. |
