Fioricet (Butalbital / Acetaminophen / Caffeine)

Overview

Fioricet is a prescription combination medication containing
butalbital, acetaminophen (paracetamol), and caffeine.
It may be prescribed for the relief of certain tension-type headaches
when a healthcare professional determines that it is appropriate.

Butalbital is a barbiturate with sedative effects, acetaminophen provides
pain relief, and caffeine may enhance its pain-relieving effects.
Because butalbital can cause sedation, dependence, and misuse, Fioricet
should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare
professional.

For additional information, consult the

MedlinePlus guide to butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine
.

Uses

Fioricet may be prescribed for certain tension-type headaches when
a healthcare professional determines that this medication is suitable.
It is not generally intended as a routine treatment for every type
of headache.

Learn more about

headaches and headache-related health information

from MedlinePlus.

Dosage and Administration

Take Fioricet exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
One commonly marketed formulation contains:

• Butalbital: 50 mg
• Acetaminophen: 300 mg
• Caffeine: 40 mg

Formulations may differ. Always verify the ingredients and strength
against the specific product label and official prescribing information.
Do not take more than prescribed or increase the frequency of use
to obtain faster relief.

Because Fioricet contains acetaminophen, account for acetaminophen
from all other medicines you take. For safety information, consult
the

MedlinePlus acetaminophen medication guide
.

Common Side Effects

Possible side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach discomfort
• Headache
• Nervousness or restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping

Butalbital may impair alertness and coordination. Avoid driving or
operating machinery if you feel drowsy or impaired. Contact your
healthcare professional if side effects persist or become concerning.

Serious Side Effects

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe drowsiness,
difficulty waking, slow or difficult breathing, loss of consciousness,
severe confusion, fainting, seizures, or a serious allergic reaction.

Possible signs of liver injury include persistent vomiting, unusual
tiredness, abdominal pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Suspected acetaminophen overdose requires immediate medical assessment,
even if symptoms are initially absent.

Acetaminophen Safety

Taking other acetaminophen-containing medicines alongside Fioricet
can unintentionally result in excessive exposure. Too much acetaminophen
can cause severe and potentially fatal liver damage.

Check the ingredients of pain relievers, cold medicines, and fever
medicines before combining them with Fioricet. Avoid excessive alcohol
consumption and ask a healthcare professional about alcohol-related
risks. Additional information is available from the

U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s acetaminophen safety resource
.

Warnings and Precautions

Butalbital can cause misuse, abuse, physical dependence, and addiction.
Frequent use of Fioricet for headaches may contribute to medication-overuse
headaches, in which headaches become more frequent or persistent.

Tell your healthcare professional if you have liver disease, breathing
problems, a history of substance-use disorder, or other significant
medical conditions.

Read the

official medication information available through MedlinePlus

and discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional.

Drug Interactions

Tell your healthcare professional about all prescription medicines,
over-the-counter products, supplements, and other substances you use.
Important interactions may involve:

• Alcohol
• Opioid pain medicines
• Benzodiazepines
• Sleeping medicines and other sedatives
• Other medicines that depress the central nervous system
• Other acetaminophen-containing products

Combining sedating substances can increase the risk of excessive
sedation and respiratory depression. Do not combine these substances
without specific medical guidance.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning to
become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The ingredients may have different
risks in these circumstances, so a qualified healthcare professional
should assess whether this medication is appropriate.

Dependence and Withdrawal

Repeated use of butalbital can lead to physical dependence. Abruptly
stopping regular use may cause withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety,
restlessness, tremors, nausea, insomnia, and, in severe cases, seizures.

Do not abruptly discontinue regular use without discussing a safe
discontinuation plan with your healthcare professional.

Overdose

An overdose can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination,
loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, coma, or death.
Acetaminophen overdose can also cause severe liver injury, even when
symptoms are initially limited.

If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical assistance or
contact your local poison-control service immediately. Do not wait
for symptoms to appear.

Storage and Disposal

Store Fioricet securely according to its product labeling and keep it
out of reach of children and anyone for whom it was not prescribed.
Never share prescription medication. Follow local pharmacy or
healthcare-authority recommendations for disposing of unused medicine.

Important Safety Information

Fioricet should be used only as prescribed. Do not combine it with
alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other sedating medicines unless
specifically directed by a healthcare professional. Avoid additional
acetaminophen-containing products without medical guidance.

If headaches become more frequent while using Fioricet, contact your
healthcare professional because frequent use can contribute to
medication-overuse headaches.

Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for
educational purposes only and does not replace official prescribing
information, a medical diagnosis, or advice from a qualified healthcare
professional.

Related Resources

• 
  Headache information from MedlinePlus
  
• 
  FDA acetaminophen safety information
  
• 
  Medication information for butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine