Fioricet (Butalbital, Acetaminophen and Caffeine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 16, 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

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Fioricet®
(butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine) Tablet

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Fioricet® (Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine Tablets USP) is supplied in tablet form for oral administration.

Each tablet contains the following active ingredients:
butalbital USP . . . . . . . . . . . .50 mg
acetaminophen USP . . . . . . 325 mg
caffeine USP . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 mg

Inactive Ingredients: crospovidone, FD&C Blue #1, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, pregelatinized starch, and stearic acid.

Butalbital (5-allyl-5-isobutylbarbituric acid), is a short to intermediate-acting barbiturate. It has the following structural formula:

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:

C₈H₉NO₂ Mol. wt. 151.17

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine), is a central nervous system stimulant. It has the following structural formula:

Caffeine structural formula illustration

C₈H₁₀N₄O₂ Mol. wt. 194.19

What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine?

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...

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What are the precautions when taking butalbital, acetaminophen and caffeine (Fioricet)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to acetaminophen, caffeine, or butalbital; or to other barbiturates (such as phenobarbital) or xanthine derivatives (such as theophylline); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe breathing problems (such as bronchopneumonia), a certain enzyme disorder (porphyria), liver disease, kidney disease, personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, mental/mood disorders, abdominal/stomach problems (such as stomach ulcer).

This drug may make...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 8/8/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.