Brand Names: Alagesic, Anolor 300, Dolgic LQ, Dolgic Plus, Esgic, Esgic-Plus, Fioricet, Geone, Margesic, Medigesic, Repan, Zebutal

Generic Name: Acetaminophen, Butalbital, and Caffeine (a SEET a MIN oh fen, bue TAL bi tal, and KAF een)

What is Fioricet?

Fioricet contains a combination of acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It relaxes muscle contractions in blood vessels to improve blood flow.

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.

Butalbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates. It relaxes muscle contractions involved in a tension headache.

Fioricet may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Fioricet is used to treat tension headaches that are caused by muscle contractions.

Fioricet with Codeine is used for:

Fioricet with Codeine is a barbiturate, analgesic, stimulant, and narcotic combination. Acetaminophen and codeine work in the brain to relieve pain. Caffeine constricts blood vessels in the brain, which may help to relieve headache pain. Butalbital reduces anxiety and helps you to relax.

Relieving tension headaches. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Do NOT use Fioricet with Codeine if:

you are taking quinidine or sodium oxybate (GHB)

you have severe diarrhea caused by antibiotics or food poisoning

you have the blood disease porphyria

you are allergic to any ingredient in Fioricet with Codeine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

How Taken

Fioricet comes as a capsule and tablet to take by mouth. One or 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed. Total daily dosage should not exceed 6 tablets. Extended and repeated use of this product is not recommended because of the potential for physical dependence.

Warnings/Precautions

Fioricet may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended until you know your response to this drug. If you are being treated for severe depression or have a history of severe depression or drug abuse, consult with your doctor before taking Fioricet. Use this drug with caution if you are elderly or in a weakened condition, if you have liver or kidney problems, or if you have severe abdominal trouble. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Fioricet can affect a developing baby. It also appears in breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is finished.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Fioricet. More common side effects may include: Abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness, intoxicated feeling, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, shortness of breath, vomiting. Less common or rare side effects may include: Agitation, allergic reactions, constipation, depression, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, earache, exaggerated feeling of well-being, excessive sweating, excessive urination, excitement, fainting, fatigue, fever, flatulence, headache, heartburn, heavy eyelids, high energy, hot spells, itching, leg pain, mental confusion, muscle fatigue, numbness, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, seizure, shaky feeling, skin redness and/or peeling, sluggishness, stuffy nose, tingling.

Storage

Store below 86° F (30° C); dispense in a tight container and out of reach of children.

Overdose

An overdose of Fioricet, or combining this medication with alcohol or other central nervous system depressant, may lead to unconsciousness or perhaps death. Fioricet overdose is indicated by severe drowsiness, confusion, extreme weakness, hallucination, shortness of breath, too slow or troubled breathing, slurred speech, lack of coordination, vomiting with blood, unusually slow heartbeat.

More Information

Do not take Fioricet if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result. Fioricet may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.

General information:

If you have any questions about Fioricet with Codeine , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.