BUTALBITAL (generic Fioricet) 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
Butalbital is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before using
Butalbital.
BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN/CAFFEINE - ORAL (byou-TAL-bih-tall/uh-seet-uh-MEE-no-fen/kaff-EEN)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Esgic, Fioricet
BUTALBITAL
USES: Butalbital is a pain
reliever and sedative. Butalbital is
used to relieve mild to moderate pain and tension headaches.
HOW TO USE BUTALBITAL: To prevent upset stomach, take
Butalbital with food or milk. Butalbital
works best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once the
pain becomes intense, Butalbital is not as effective in
relieving it. Take Butalbital as
prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more
frequently without your doctor's approval.
BUTALBITAL SIDE EFFECTS: Butalbital 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.
BUTALBITAL 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 over
sedation, avoid using alcohol and other sedative type
medications while taking this. Butalbital 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. Butalbital should be used
during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Small amounts of
Butalbital appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor
before breast-feeding.
BUTALBITAL 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. Butalbital 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.
BUTALBITAL OVERDOSE: If Butalbital 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.
BUTALBITAL NOTES: Do not share this product with others.
BUTALBITAL MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose of
Butalbital, 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.
BUTALBITAL STORAGE: Store Butalbital at room
temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in
the bathroom. |
Allergies
