FIORICET DRUG INFO
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 the drug
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN/CAFFEINE - ORAL (byou-TAL-bih-tall/uh-seet-uh-MEE-no-fen/kaff-EEN)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Esgic, Fioricet
USES FIORICET: This medication 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
this medication 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 this as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take
it more frequently without your doctor's approval.
SIDE EFFECTS FIORICET: 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 FIORICET: 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.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging
in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using
machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. This medication contains
caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages
while taking this medication as excessive nervousness and
irritability can occur. This medication 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 FIORICET: 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. This drug 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 FIORICET: If 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 FIORICET: Do not share this product with others.
MISSED DOSE FIORICET: 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 FIORICET: Store at room temperature away from
moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. |
