Fioricet (Butalbital, Acetaminophen and Caffeine) Drug Center: Guide to Drug Information for Professionals, Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Fioricet

Tension Headache »

Introduction

Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches among adults. They are commonly referred to as stress headaches.

A tension headache may appear periodically ("episodic," less than 15 days per month) or daily ("chronic," more than 15 days per month). An episodic tension headache may be described as a mild to moderate constant band-like pain, tightness, or pressure around the forehead or back of the head and neck.

These headaches may last from 30 minutes to several days. Episodic tension headaches usually begin gradually, and often occur in the middle of the day.

The "severity" of a tension headache increases significantly with its frequency. Chronic tension headaches come and go over a prolonged period of time. The pain is usually throbbing and affects the front, top, or sides of the head. Although the pain may vary in intensity throughout the day, the pain is almost always present. Chronic tension headaches do not affec...

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Fioricet Drug Center

Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Prescribing Information

For Patients

Fioricet (butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine) is a combination pain reliever and muscle relaxant used in the treatment of tension headache. It is available as a generic. The most frequently reported adverse reactions or side effects are: drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and intoxicated feeling.

Fioricet is available in tablet form. Total dosage should not exceed 6 tablets. Butalbital is habit-forming. Consequently, the extended use of this product is not recommended. The CNS effects of butalbital may be enhanced by monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Fioricet may enhance the effects of other narcotic analgesics, alcohol, general anesthetics, and tranquilizers such as chlordiazepoxide, sedative-hypnotics, or other CNS depressants. This product should be given to pregnant women only when clearly needed. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug.

Our Fioricet Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements and diseases and conditions.

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Fioricet Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

Butalbital structural formula illustration

C₁₁H₁₆N₂O₃ Mol. wt. 224.26

Acetaminophen (4´-hydroxyacetanilide), is a non-opiate, non-salicylate analgesic and antipyretic. It has the following structural formula:

Fioricet (butalbital, acetaminophen and caffeine) ® (Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine Tablets USP) is indicated for the relief of the symptom complex of tension (or muscle contraction) headache.

Evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of this combination product in the treatment of multiple recurrent headaches is unavailable. Caution in this regard is required because butalbital is habit-forming and potentially abusable.

Read the complete drug monograph for Fioricet »

What is Fioricet Prescribing Information?

Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More

What is Patient information?

Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.

Fioricet Patient Information: Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;
feeling light-headed or short of breath;
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fever, chills, body ...

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What is Fioricet Patient Information?

Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More

What is Consumer information?

A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.

Fioricet Consumer Information: Uses

This combination medication is used to treat tension headaches. Acetaminophen helps to decrease the pain from the headache. Caffeine helps increase the effects of acetaminophen. Butalbital is a sedative that helps to decrease anxiety and cause sleepiness and relaxation.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by yo...

Read the complete consumer information for Fioricet »