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: This medication is a pain
reliever and sedative. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain
and tension headaches.
HOW TO USE: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Do not share this product
with others.
MISSED DOSE: 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: Store at room temperature
away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
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