Important information about Fioricet

What is Fioricet?

Fioricet, a pain relief medication is a combination of butalbital, acetaminophen and caffeine. One of its chief ingredients, acetaminophen, apart from being a pain reliever, also reduces fever. Another ingredient, Butalbital belongs to a group of barbiturates, which work by relaxing muscle contraction that are involved in causing a headache. The third main ingredient Caffeine is known for stimulating the central nervous system and improving the flow of blood. Fioricet is used for the treatment of tension headaches that are caused by contractions in muscles.

Avoid using Fioricet if you have used one of the following medications within the past 14 days:

• Marplan
• Nardil
• Azilect


• Eldepryl, Emsam
• Parnate

Use Fioricet only if your body has cleared these drugs from the system. Do not take this medication more than recommended. Taking it more than prescribed will not help you recover faster but will increase the risk of side effects. Also, an overdose of Fioricet may lead to a liver malfunction. Avoid using it if you are using any other medication for treatment of cold, allergy or pain. At times, using Fioricet in combination with other products may increase the amount of a particular drug in your body, which can be dangerous. Check the label of the medication you are about to take and see if it contains acetaminophen.

Use of this medication along with intake of alcohol will increase the risk of liver damage. Do not consume more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day.

What to tell the doctor before taking Fioricet?

This medication is habit forming and individuals who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse should avoid using it. Store this medication at a place that is secured and away from the reach of others.

Do not take this drug more than prescribed. Taking it more than the prescribed amount will not make your recovery faster but it will increase the risk of side effects. Always consult a doctor before taking this drug, especially if you are a habitual drinker. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to any of its ingredient, especially the three main ingredients; acetaminophen, butalbital, or caffeine.

Talk to your doctor if you are using any other prescription or over the counter medication. Before you use this pain relief medication, tell your doctor if you are suffering from any of the below mentioned health conditions.

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• A history of mental illness or suicidal thoughts.

This drug fall under the category: FDA pregnancy category C, which means that whether this drug harms the unborn baby or not is not known. It can pass in to breast milk and this is why you should avoid using it when you are breastfeeding. Never use this drug without consulting a doctor. Take Fioricet with food or milk. Store it away from food and heat.

Do not overdose even if you have missed a dose. Seek emergency medical help if you have taken this drug more than the amount prescribed.