What is Fioricet ?

Fioricet and Esgic are brand names of a combination of butalbital (a barbiturate), acetaminophen and caffeine which is indicated for the treatment of tension headaches,muscle contraction headaches and post-dural puncture headaches. Although not indicated, they are commonly used to treat migraines and other pain related ailments.

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

Fioricet is indicated for the treatment of muscle tension or muscle contraction headaches. It is also commonly prescribed for migraines although it is not FDA indicated for this use in the United States. The usual adult dose is 1-2 tablets every four hours as needed, not exceeding six tablets in a 24-hour period

Mechanism of action

fioricetnoprescriptionButalbital has generalized depressant effect on central nervous system and, in very high doses, has peripheral effects. Acetaminophen has analgesic and antipyretic effects mediated by a metabolite which acts atcannabinoid receptors, contrary to popular belief it is not an antiinflammatory at safe levels (it becomes toxic at doses above 1,000mg per dose and/or 3,000mg per day). Caffeine is thought to produce constriction of cerebral blood vessels and serves to counteract the sedative effect of butalbital.

Butalbital has a half-life of about 35 hours. Acetaminophen has a half-life of about 1.25 to 3 hours, but may be increased by liver damage and after an overdose. Caffeine has a half-life of about 5 to 7 hours.

Common and Rare Fioricet Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Lightheadedness

shortness of breath

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain

black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

blood in the urine or stools

blurred vision

change in the frequency of urination or amount of urine

chills

cough

diarrhea

difficulty with breathing

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

drowsiness

dry mouth

fainting

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

flushed or dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

hives, itching, or skin rash

increased hunger

increased thirst

increased urination

joint or muscle pain

loss of appetite

nausea or vomiting

pinpoint red spots on the skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

seizures

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

sweating

swelling of the feet or lower legs

tightness in the chest

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

troubled breathing

unexplained weight loss

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Confusion as to time, place, or person

dark urine

difficult or painful urination

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

hallucinations

headache

holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact

increased sweating

irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing

light-colored stools

loss of appetite

pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin

restlessness

sudden decrease in the amount of urine

sweating

trouble sleeping

unpleasant breath odor

unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

vomiting of blood

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Relaxed and calm

sleepiness

Incidence not known

Anxiety

bloated

constipation

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

depression

earache

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

false or unusual sense of well-being

full feeling

hearing loss

heartburn

heavy eyelids

high energy

hot spells

hyperventilation

irritability

numbness

pain in the leg

passing gas

sluggishness

stuffy nose

tingling sensation

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medicine. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medicine for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take the medicine for a long time.

Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking the medicine or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that may be dangerous until you know how the medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly.

Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen with this medicine. Always read labels carefully. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take too much acetaminophen get medical help right away. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous and cause liver damage. Even if you do not have symptoms, it is important to get help right away.