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. |
