Fiorinal with Codeine (Butalbital Compound With Codeine) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Fiorinal with Codeine

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...

Read the Tension Headache article »

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Fiorinal with Codeine User Reviews >>

Fiorinal with Codeine

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Fiorinal with Codeine Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

BUTALBITAL/ASPIRIN/CAFFEINE - ORAL

(bue-TAL-bi-tal/AS-pir-in/KAF-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fiorinal

USES: This combination medication is used to treat tension headaches. Aspirin helps to decrease the pain from the headache. Caffeine helps increase the effects of aspirin. 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 your health care professional.

This medication may also be used to treat migraine headaches.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually every 4 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than 6 capsules/tablets in a 24-hour period. Take with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication. To help prevent stomach upset, take it with food or milk.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication works best if it is used as the first signs of a headache occur. If you wait until the headache has worsened, the medication may not work as well.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea/vomiting, mental/mood changes, seizures) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Though very unlikely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. To lessen the risk of becoming addicted, do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

Inform your doctor if you notice increased use of this medication, a worsening of headaches, an increase in the number of headaches, the medication not working as well, or use of this medication for more than 2 headache episodes a week. Your doctor may need to change your medication and/or add a separate medication to prevent the headaches.