DESCRIPTION
FOR FIORICET PAIN PILLS
Brand Name: Fioricet
Pronounced: fee-OAR-i-set
Generic ingredients: Butalbital, Acetaminophen, Caffeine
Other brand names: Anolor 300, Esgic, Esgic-Plus
Why is Fioricet prescribed?
Fioricet, a strong, non-narcotic pain reliever and
relaxant, is prescribed for the relief of tension
headache symptoms caused by muscle contractions in the
head, neck, and shoulder area. It combines a sedative
barbiturate (butalbital), a non-aspirin pain reliever
(acetaminophen), and caffeine.
Most important fact about Fioricet
Mental and physical dependence can occur with the use of
barbiturates such as butalbital when these drugs are
taken in higher than recommended doses over long periods
of time.
How should you take Fioricet?
Take Fioricet exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the
amount you take without your doctor's approval.
--If you miss a fioricet dose...
Take the missed dose of fioricet as soon as you
remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip
the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Never take 2 doses at the same time.
--Fioricet Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant
container.
Fioricet 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.
- Side effects of fioricet may include:
Abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness, intoxicated
feeling, light-headedness, nausea, sedation,
shortness of breath, vomiting
Why should Fioricet not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic
reaction to barbiturates, acetaminophen, or caffeine,
you should not take this medication. Make sure that your
doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have
experienced.
Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not
take this medication if you have porphyria (an inherited
metabolic disorder affecting the liver or bone marrow).
Special warnings about Fioricet
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 Fioricet.
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 Fioricet 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.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking
Fioricet
Butalbital slows the central nervous system (CNS) and
intensifies the effects of alcohol and other CNS
depressants. Use of alcohol with Fioricet may also cause
overdose symptoms. Avoid alcoholic beverages while
taking Fioricet.
If Fioricet is taken with certain other drugs, the
effects of either could be increased, decreased, or
altered. It is especially important to check with your
doctor before combining Fioricet with the following:
• Antihistamines such as Benadryl
• Drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors,
including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
• Drugs to treat depression such as Elavil
• Major tranquilizers such as Haldol and Thorazine
• Muscle relaxants such as Flexeril
• Narcotic pain relievers such as Darvon
• Sleep aids such as Halcion
• Tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium
Special information if you are pregnant or
breastfeeding
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
Fioricet is essential to your health, your doctor may
advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until
your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Fioricet
ADULTS
The usual dose of Fioricet is 1 or 2 tablets taken every
4 hours as needed. Do not exceed a total dose of 6
tablets per day.
The usual dose of Esgic-Plus is 1 tablet every 4 hours
as needed. Do not take more than 6 tablets a day.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Fioricet have not been
established in children under 12 years of age.
OLDER ADULTS
Fioricet may cause excitement, depression, and confusion
in older people. Therefore, your doctor will prescribe a
dose individualized to suit your needs.
Fioricet Overdosage
Symptoms of Fioricet overdose can be due to its
barbiturate or its acetaminophen component.
- Symptoms of barbiturate poisoning may include:
Coma, confusion, drowsiness, low blood pressure,
shock, slow or troubled breathing
Overdose due to the acetaminophen component of
Fioricet may cause kidney and liver damage, blood
disorders, or coma due to low blood sugar. Massive doses
may cause liver failure.
- Symptoms of liver damage include:
Excess perspiration, feeling of bodily discomfort,
nausea, vomiting
If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical
treatment immediately.
Fioricet common misspelling:
fioracet, firacet, fioriset, fioraset, firaset, foracet,
feoracet, feoraset, feoriset, foraset, foriset, foricet,
foreset, forecet, forisit, fiorisit, feorisit, forasit,
fiorasit, feorasit, butabital, butabitol, butabatal,
butabatol, butabetol, butabetal
*This information is not intended to replace the
advice of your health care provider. Always speak with
your physician before starting or stopping any
medication.
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