Information About Fioricet :
Fioricet - Important note : The following
information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise
and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of Fioricet is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using Fioricet.
BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN/CAFFEINE - ORAL (byou-TAL-bih-tall/uh-seet-uh-MEE-no-fen/kaff-EEN)
Fioricet common brand names : Esgic, Fioricet
Fioricet uses :
Fioricet is a pain reliever and sedative. It is used to
relieve mild to moderate pain and tension headaches.
How to use Fioricet :
To prevent upset stomach, take Fioricet with food or milk.
Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs.
Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective
in relieving it. Take Fioricet as prescribed. Do not increase your
dose of Fioricet or take it more frequently without your doctor's
approval.
Fioricet side effects :
Fioricet may cause the following side effects the first few days
as your body adjusts to the medication:
- lightheadedness;
- dizziness;
- drowsiness;
- stomach upset;
- nausea;
- sleeping disturbances.
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 of Fioricet not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Fioricet 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 Fioricet. Fioricet may make you dizzy
or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness
such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Fioricet contains caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated
beverages while taking this medication as excessive nervousness
and irritability can occur.
Fioricet should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Small amounts of this medication appear in breast milk. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
Fioricet - 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 Fioricet 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 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.
Fioricet overdose :
If Fioricet overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
of Fioricet 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;
- extreme fatigue.
Fioricet - Missed dose :
If you miss Fioricet 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 Fioricet dose to catch up.
Fioricet storage :
Store Fioricet at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store Fioricet in the bathroom.
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