BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN/CAFFEINE - ORAL

BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN/CAFFEINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (bue-TAL-bi-tal/a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen/KAF-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Esgic, Fioricet

GENERIC NAME(S): butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine

Uses

USES: This combination medication is used to treat tension headaches. Acetaminophen helps to decrease the pain from the headache. Caffeine helps increase the effects of acetaminophen. Butalbital is a sedative that helps to decrease anxiety and cause sleepiness and relaxation.


How to use BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN/CAFFEINE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: See also Warning section. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 hours as needed. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. 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. Report any withdrawal reactions right away. Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell 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. Do not take more than recommended. Your doctor may need to change your medication and/or add a separate medication to prevent the headaches.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, dry mouth, shaking (tremor), shortness of breath, increased urination, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, fainting, seizures, fast/irregular heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section. 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 a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol), mental/mood disorders, abdominal/stomach problems (such as stomach ulcer). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Liquid products may contain alcohol, sugar and/or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. Before having surgery or certain medical procedures (such as a heart stress test or a procedure to restore a normal heart rhythm if you have an unusually fast heartbeat), tell your doctor or dentist that you use this medication and about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness and trouble falling asleep. These side effects can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Using it for long periods or in high doses near the expected delivery date is not recommended because of possible harm to the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have used this medication for an extended time may have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, seizures, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn. This drug passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Warning section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: darunavir, sodium oxybate, drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove this medication from your body (such as macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin, cimetidine, disulfiram, valproic acid, fluvoxamine, MAO inhibitors including isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine), isoniazid, lithium, phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine). This drug can speed up the removal of other drugs from your body by affecting certain liver enzymes. These affected drugs include "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), doxycycline, estrogen, felodipine, quinidine, theophylline, certain beta blockers such as metoprolol, corticosteroids such as prednisone. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, other drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain caffeine or ingredients that cause drowsiness. Also keep in mind that certain beverages (such as coffee, colas, tea, energy drinks) contain caffeine. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring. This could cause pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this medication. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control is not working well. This medication may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, slow/shallow breathing, severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.

Images

BUTALB-ACETAMIN-CAFF 50-300-40

color
light blue
shape
oblong
imprint
FIORICET FIORICET, logo and logo
BUTALB-ACETAMIN-CAFF 50-300-40

color
light blue
shape
oblong
imprint
FIORICET FIORICET, logo and logo

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Faq for BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN/CAFFEINE - ORAL

Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine is a combination medication that is used to treat tension headaches. It contains butalbital (a barbiturate), acetaminophen (a pain reliever), and caffeine (a stimulant).

Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine works by relaxing muscle contractions and reducing tension, which helps to relieve headache pain. Acetaminophen helps to reduce fever and relieve pain, while caffeine helps to enhance the effects of acetaminophen.

The recommended dosage of Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine varies depending on the individual and the severity of the headache. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

Yes, common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach. It is important to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.

Yes, Butalbital, one of the ingredients in this medication, is classified as a barbiturate and can be habit-forming if used excessively or for prolonged periods. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine. The medication may have potential risks to the fetus or may be excreted in breast milk.

Drinking alcohol while taking Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine may increase the risk of liver damage or other side effects. It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while on this medication.

Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine typically starts working within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion. However, individual response may vary.

It is important to inform your doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, that you are taking. Certain medications may interact with Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine and lead to potentially harmful effects.


Warning

WARNING: One ingredient in this product is acetaminophen. Taking too much acetaminophen may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Adults should not take more than 4000 milligrams (4 grams) of acetaminophen a day. People with liver problems and children should take less acetaminophen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how much acetaminophen is safe to take. Do not use with any other drug containing acetaminophen without asking your doctor or pharmacist first. Acetaminophen is in many nonprescription and prescription medications (such as pain/fever drugs or cough-and-cold products). Check the labels on all your medicines to see if they contain acetaminophen, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure. Get medical help right away if you take too much acetaminophen (overdose), even if you feel well. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, and dark urine. Daily alcohol use, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may damage your liver. Avoid alcohol.


Disclaimer

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.