Category: Fioricet

Fioricet Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine is also known as: Alagesic LQ, Anolor 300, Anoquan, Arcet, Dolmar, Esgic, Esgic-Plus, Ezol, Femcet, Fioricet, Fiorpap, Geone, Isocet, Margesic, Orbivan, Pharmagesic, Phrenilin Forte, Repan, Tenake, Tencet, Triad, Two-Dyne, Vanatol LQ, Vtol LQ, Zebutal

Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine Pregnancy Warnings

Use is not recommended unless clearly needed

US FDA pregnancy category: C

Comment: Monitor for barbiturate withdrawal in neonates

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted on this combination product. Epidemiologic data for acetaminophen, including a population based case-control study from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (n= 11,610) and data from 26,424 live singleton births have shown no increased risk of major birth defects in children with first trimester prenatal exposure. In 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration released results of their evaluation on published research studies looking at mothers who took acetaminophen (either over the counter or as a prescription product) at any time during their pregnancy and the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) in their babies. They found all studies reviewed had potential limitations in their designs that prevented drawing reliable conclusions. Barbiturates have been reported to readily cross the placental barrier. A 2-day old infant whose mother had taken a butalbital-containing product during the last two months of pregnancy experienced withdrawal seizures; butalbital was found in the infant’s serum. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine Breastfeeding Warnings

Acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine are excreted into human milk in small concentrations. The significance of the effects on nursing infants has not been reported, but due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, other agents may be preferred.

A decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Excreted into human milk: Yes (acetaminophen); Yes (barbiturates); Yes (caffeine)

Pharmacist Tips for Fioricet

Fioricet is a combination medication containing butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine. It’s taken by mouth as needed, typically every 4 hours, to treat tension headaches.

But it’s not a first-choice option because it can become habit-forming and can worsen headaches if taken too frequently. In addition, Fioricet can cause side effects, such as sleepiness and dizziness. It’s available as pills and an oral syrup.

Fioricet can make you sleepy, dizzy, and lightheaded. Don’t drive or use any heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Avoid alcohol while taking Fioricet because it can make you more drowsy and dizzy, raise your risk of accidental injuries and liver damage, and worsen headaches

Take Fioricet exactly as your provider instructed you to. Don’t change your dose or stop taking Fioricet without talking to your provider first. To stop the medication, they might need to lower your dose slowly before stopping it completely. This lowers your risk of getting withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, hallucinations, and worsening of headaches.

Make sure to tell your provider about all of the medications you’re taking before starting Fioricet. Don’t start any new medications while taking Fioricet without talking to your provider first to make sure the combination is safe to take.

Many over-the-counter and prescription medications contain acetaminophen. Don’t use other medications containing acetaminophen unless your provider specifically said it was okay for you to do so. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you aren’t sure if a certain medication contains acetaminophen.

Store Fioricet at room temperature in a place out of reach from children due to the life-threatening risk of accidental overdose and misuse. If you don’t need to take Fioricet anymore, choose a medication take-back option to get rid of it safely.

If you or someone you know accidentally overdoses on Fioricet, get emergency medical help or call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

For the liquid form: Make sure to only use a medication dose cup or oral syringe from the pharmacy to measure out your dose. Don’t use household spoons because they aren’t accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.

Is Fioricet a Controlled Substance?

Fioricet is a controlled substance in some states. Because it contains butalbital, a medication that can be misused and cause dependence, some state governments place strict regulations on Fioricet. But it’s not classified as a controlled substance in all states because it contains acetaminophen. Initially, regulators believed that the acetaminophen in Fioricet discourages people from misusing Fioricet. This is because taking too much acetaminophen can cause harm, such as liver damage.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Fioricet is not a controlled substance. However, butalbital belongs to a class of drugs known as barbiturates. These drugs are habit-forming and can be abused. For this reason, it’s not recommended to take Fioricet long-term.

Fioricet on its own is not a federally controlled substance. Although it contains butalbital, it’s on the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)’s list of exempted prescription products. But some states do classify BAC as a controlled substance.

Other combinations that contain Fioricet or are similar to Fioricet may be controlled substances. The DEA classifies Fiorinal, which contains butalbital, aspirin, and caffeine, as a Schedule III drug. That means that there’s a low to moderate risk of dependence or overuse.

BAC Fioricet

In April 2022, the DEA proposed removing the exemption for Fioricet. The proposed rule change would add all products that contain butalbital to its list of Schedule III controlled substances.

So regulators left it up to the states to decide on how to classify Fioricet. But recent data shows that the acetaminophen in Fioricet might not be enough to stop people from misusing this medication. There’s a possibility that the classification of Fioricet might change in the future. Fioricet is a controlled substance in some states. Because it contains butalbital, a medication that can be misused and cause dependence, some state governments place strict regulations on Fioricet.

But it’s not classified as a controlled substance in all states because it contains acetaminophen. Initially, regulators believed that the acetaminophen in Fioricet discourages people from misusing Fioricet. This is because taking too much acetaminophen can cause harm, such as liver damage. So regulators left it up to the states to decide on how to classify Fioricet. But recent data shows that the acetaminophen in Fioricet might not be enough to stop people from misusing this medication.

There’s a possibility that the classification of Fioricet might change in the future.

How to Treat Fioricet overdose

The treatment of Fioricet overdose is complicated by the presence of two substances which are highly toxic when taken in excessive amounts. Fioricet overdoses generally result in toxic amounts of both acetaminophen and butalbital being consumed at once, requiring both overdoses to be treated at once.

Fioricet overdose by anyone and/or any consumption by persons to whom it is not prescribed (particularly children) is always a medical emergency and medical attention must be sought immediately if an overdose or consumption by other persons is suspected.fioricet

Fioricet overdose is often fatal and symptoms may not present for hours following consumption, once initial overdose symptoms present they can progress rapidly and there may not be time to reach appropriate medical care after this point.

Acetaminophen over-exerts its toxicity through the production of a toxic metabolite which produces liver damage in doses of 3,000mg or more per day and acute liver failure in doses above that. The specific antidote to acetaminophen overdose is N-acetyl-cysteine. Kidney failure and stomach bleeding may also occur.

Butalbital overdoses exerts its toxicity through excessive sedation resulting in respiratory depression and ultimately death via hypoxia. Nonlethal overdoses may also result in coma and death. There is no specific antidote to butalbital overdose and treatment is supportive, common treatment regimens generally include the administration of intravenous administration of saline, naloxone, thiamine, glucose, NaHCO3 to alkalize the urine to increase rate of excretion, and activated charcoal via nasogastric tube. It is not uncommon for doctor to recommend observation of the patient in the Emergency Department for a number of hours or admission to the hospital for several days of observation if symptoms are severe and to counsel the patient on drug abuse and/or refer them for psychiatric evaluation.

Recommended dosages for this drug are based on someone’s age and weight and also the scheduled frequency of taking it.

Acetaminophen overdoses happen when someone:

  • Takes too much of the pain medication at one time
  • Re-doses too soon
  • Takes multiple medications at the same time that also contain acetaminophen

For a healthy adult weighing at least 150 pounds, the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is 4,000 milligrams (mg). However, you can experience liver damage even if you stay at or below 4,000mg if you take this maximum dose for an extended period.

As such, doctors often recommend a maximum daily dose closer to 3,000 mg. Read the drug label carefully and know exactly how much acetaminophen is in each tablet, capsule or liquid dose.

The following table further details acetaminophen dosage recommendations:

325mg 500mg 650mg (extended-release)
Take how many pills at a time? 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2
Take how often? Every 4 to 6 hours Every 4 to 6 hours Every 8 hours
Safest maximum daily dose for most adults 8 pills 6 pills 4 pills
Never take more than this in a 24-hour period 12 pills (3,900mg) 8 pills (4000mg) 6 pills (3,900mg)

For children, acetaminophen doses usually come in 80mg and 160mg, although many of the medications are delivered in liquids (syrups), not pills or chewable tablets.

Body weight plays more of a factor in dosing for kids than it does for adults. The smaller and younger a child is the more careful adults must be when giving the correct dosage. Get an updated weight on your child before administering acetaminophen or any medications that have acetaminophen in them.

Here are basic guidelines for children taking acetaminophen:

Child’s Weight Syrup/Liquid (160mg) Pills (80mg)
24 to 35 lbs 1 tsp 2 tablets
26 to 47 lbs 1.5 tsp 3 tablets
48 to 59 lbs 2 tsp 4 tablets
60 to 71 lbs 2.5 tsp 5 tablets
72 to 95 lbs 3 tsp 6 tablets
96 or more lbs 4 tsp 8 tablets

An important note: Children under the age of 6 should not take more than one medication at a time that has acetaminophen as an active ingredient.

If your child is younger than 2 years old, check with your pediatrician, an urgent-care physician or pharmacist before giving any medication that contains acetaminophen.

For adults and children, if the recommended dosages don’t relieve symptoms, consult with a doctor before making the decision to increase any dosages. Acetaminophen toxicity can lead to life-threatening acute liver failure.

How Often Can You Take Acetaminophen?

Dosing frequency is a crucial part of how much acetaminophen you can take at one time or during a one-day period. How long it takes acetaminophen to work, duration of its effects, and how long the medication stays in your body determine how often you should re-dose.

The recommended frequency is every four to six hours. After ingestion, it takes acetaminophen between 30 and 90 minutes to start working. Several factors, including formulation, other drug and alcohol intake influence the effects of acetaminophen.

If you have questions about acetaminophen and the right dose for you, speak with your doctor. Discuss other medications you may be taking and your overall health to determine the best plan for your needs.

How Long Does Acetaminophen Work For?

Acetaminophen typically lasts four hours for both pain relief and fever reduction. This is why the recommended dosing frequency is no more than every four to six hours.

The biological half-life of a drug plays an essential role in its effectiveness and safety. It is also an important factor for determining dosage recommendations.

How Long Does Acetaminophen Stay in Your System?

Scientists gauge the time it takes for your body to eliminate acetaminophen from the system by using the medication’s estimated half-life. A drug’s half-life is the time it takes for half a dose to be metabolized and eliminated from your bloodstream. Acetaminophen half-life elimination for therapeutic doses is between one and two-and-a-half (2.5) hours.

However, the expected half-life of acetaminophen can vary from person to person. Factors that affect its half-life include age, genetics, weight and overall health. Generally, a therapeutic dose of acetaminophen flushes fully from your system within 24 hours.

An acetaminophen overdose can extend the half-life of the drug to four and eight, meaning it may take up to three times longer for you to get the drug out of your body. If you re-dose too soon following even a small overdose period, it can lead to an acute case of severe acetaminophen toxicity.

Is Fioricet Addictive?

Although it’s only a prescription headache medication, Fioricet has the potential to cause addiction. If a person follows their prescription guidelines and uses the medication correctly, the risks of addiction are low. However, if someone takes too much Fioricet, they may develop tolerance to its effects. A person with tolerance to a certain dose of Fioricet will require higher doses of the medication to alleviate their headaches.

When a person with tolerance starts to take more Fioricet, possibly by obtaining more prescriptions, they may eventually become dependent on it. In other words, they may feel unable to get through the day without taking Fioricet; if they stop, they will experience symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms arise because their body has grown accustomed to Fioricet in high doses.

If a Fioricet-dependent person attempts to weather withdrawal alone, it’s likely they will take Fioricet again just to relieve the symptoms of withdrawal. This is a hallmark characteristic of addiction. Anyone who compulsively abuses Fioricet to avoid withdrawal likely has an addiction to Fioricet. Additionally, people with an addiction to Fioricet will experience cravings for the medication which further compel them to keeping using it.

Moreover, the ingredient Butalbital is an addictive substance in its own right. Butalbital can cause someone to get “high” because it’s a Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressant. Since Butalbital is part of Fioricet, it is possible for someone to abuse Fioricet as a recreational drug. At high doses, Fioricet can intoxicate a person in a manner similar to alcohol. People who abuse Fioricet for this purpose have as much of a risk of developing an addiction as they would have if they repeatedly used an illegal drug.

How Much Acetaminophen Is Too Much?

Aside from determining how long acetaminophen works and how long it stays in your system, the drug’s half-life also determines how much is too much to take. The goal of medication is to achieve a steady state, at which point the amount of the drug you ingest and the amount that’s eliminated are equal.

Regardless of a drug’s half-life, it takes approximately four times longer for its concentration to reach a steady state in your body. Acetaminophen side effects often occur when you’re not in a steady state. A small amount of acetaminophen is metabolized into the compound NAPQI, which can cause liver toxicity in large amounts.

Taking too much acetaminophen can cause acute liver damage, which can be fatal. As such, you should not exceed the 4,000 mg maximum daily dose recommendation (you should ideally stay closer to 3,000 mg). Acetaminophen may also effect blood pressure. One 2022 clinical research study found that regular daily intake of 4 g acetaminophen increased systolic blood pressure in individuals with hypertension by about 5 mm Hg compared with a placebo.

Primary symptoms of acetaminophen overdose are:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive sweating
  • Jaundice
  • Irritability
  • Seizures
  • Coma

In case you suspect someone took an overdose of acetaminophen or if you see someone exhibit the above symptoms, you should immediately call 911, emergency medical services, a poison control center or a doctor.

Emergency room treatment will depend on the presenting condition and other drugs that may have been taken. If you make it to the hospital just after taking an overdose, the doctor will attempt to empty your stomach.

Doctors like to prescribe a dose of activated charcoal within four hours of an overdose to bind drugs remaining in your gastro-intestinal tract. They also give N-Acetylcysteine, an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity, orally or intravenously within eight hours.

Emergency doctors recommend that anyone suspected to have taken an acetaminophen overdose get treatment as soon as possible, even before the symptoms occur. Early treatment of acetaminophen overdose can improve the outcome significantly.

 

Acetaminophen Mechanism of Action

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Butalbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates. It relaxes muscle contractions involved in a tension headache. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It relaxes muscle contractions in blood vessels to improve blood flow.

Acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine is a combination medicine used to treat tension headaches that are caused by muscle contractions.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is generally considered to be a weak inhibitor of the synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs). However, the in vivo effects of paracetamol are similar to those of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. Paracetamol also decreases PG concentrations in vivo, but, unlike the selective COX-2 inhibitors, paracetamol does not suppress the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis.

It does, however, decrease swelling after oral surgery in humans and suppresses inflammation in rats and mice. Paracetamol is a weak inhibitor of PG synthesis of COX-1 and COX-2 in broken cell systems, but, by contrast, therapeutic concentrations of paracetamol inhibit PG synthesis in intact cells in vitro when the levels of the substrate arachidonic acid are low (less than about 5 mumol/L).

When the levels of arachidonic acid are low, PGs are synthesized largely by COX-2 in cells that contain both COX-1 and COX-2. Thus, the apparent selectivity of paracetamol may be due to inhibition of COX-2-dependent pathways that are proceeding at low rates.

This hypothesis is consistent with the similar pharmacological effects of paracetamol and the selective COX-2 inhibitors. COX-3, a splice variant of COX-1, has been suggested to be the site of action of paracetamol, but genomic and kinetic analysis indicates that this selective interaction is unlikely to be clinically relevant.

There is considerable evidence that the analgesic effect of paracetamol is central and is due to activation of descending serotonergic pathways, but its primary site of action may still be inhibition of PG synthesis.

The action of paracetamol at a molecular level is unclear but could be related to the production of reactive metabolites by the peroxidase function of COX-2, which could deplete glutathione, a cofactor of enzymes such as PGE synthase.

Currently, products that contain butalbital/aspirin/caffeine are classified as schedule III controlled substances; butalbital products listed on the DEA’s list of Exempted Prescription Products, including butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine products, are unscheduled. This rule change eliminates the disparity of scheduling for butalbital-containing products and recognizes all products containing butalbital, including Fioricet, as schedule III controlled substances under the Iowa uniform Controlled Substances Act.

Fioricet Dosing Information and Fioricet Overdose Treatment

Usual Adult Dose of Fioricet for Headache:

Acetaminophen 300 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg:
1 or 2 capsule(s) orally every 4 hours as needed. Maximum daily dose: 6 doses.

Acetaminophen 325 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg:
1 or 2 tablet(s), capsule(s), or tablespoonful(s) orally every 4 hours.
Maximum daily dose: 6 doses

Acetaminophen 500 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg:
1 tablet or capsule orally every 4 hours.
Maximum daily dose: 6 doses

Acetaminophen 750 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg:
1 tablet orally every 4 hours.
Maximum daily dose: 5 tablets

Usual Pediatric Dose of Fioricet for Headache:

12 years and older:
Acetaminophen 300 mg, butalbital 50 mg, and caffeine 40 mg:
1 or 2 capsule(s) orally every 4 hours as needed. Maximum daily dose: 6 doses.

Fioricet Overdose Treatment

The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Overdose symptoms may also include insomnia, restlessness, tremor, diarrhea, increased shallow breathing, uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), or fainting.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Fioricet Overdose?

While Butalbital is the addictive ingredient in Fioricet, Acetaminophen is the ingredient which is liable to cause an overdose. Unfortunately, people who misuse Fioricet as a recreational drug or as a way to suppress withdrawal are most likely to suffer an overdose.

When a person overdoses on Fioricet, the Acetaminophen will damage their liver. In severe cases, an overdose can even provoke fatal liver failure. For this reason, it is dangerous to take Fioricet together with another medication which contains Acetaminophen because it increases the risk of overdose and death. Furthermore, drinking alcohol while taking Fioricet may also inflict liver damage.

A Fioricet overdose is a medical emergency, so it’s important to know the symptoms. An overdose on Fioricet may cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Other symptoms of an overdose include:

  • Confusion
  • Convulsions and seizures
  • Fainting
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Restlessness
  • Stomach pain
  • Sweating
  • Tremors

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Fioricet can be fatal.

The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Overdose symptoms may also include insomnia, restlessness, tremor, diarrhea, increased shallow breathing, uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), or fainting.

A single or multiple drug overdose with this combination product is a potentially lethal polydrug overdose, and consultation with a regional poison control center is recommended. Immediate treatment includes support of cardiorespiratory function and measures to reduce drug absorption.

Oxygen, intravenous fluids, vasopressors, and other supportive measures should be employed as indicated. Assisted or controlled ventilation should also be considered.

Gastric decontamination with activated charcoal should be administered just prior to N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to decrease systemic absorption if acetaminophen ingestion is known or suspected to have occurred within a few hours of presentation.

Serum acetaminophen levels should be obtained immediately if the patient presents 4 hours or more after ingestion to assess potential risk of hepatotoxicity; acetaminophen levels drawn less than 4 hours post-ingestion may be misleading.

To obtain the best possible outcome, NAC should be administered as soon as possible where impending or evolving liver injury is suspected. Intravenous NAC may be administered when circumstances preclude oral administration.

Vigorous supportive therapy is required in severe intoxication. Procedures to limit the continuing absorption of the drug must be readily performed since the hepatic injury is dose dependent and occurs early in the course of intoxication.

What You Should Know When You Buy Fioricet Online

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With fioricetcheap, you can buy cod fioricet online, you can even buy card fioricet, visa fioricet, Mastercard fioricet online.

Our card fioricet pharmacy is only for returned COD customers and we will tell you how to buy fioricet online using credit card if you have successfully accepted a COD fioricet or COD Gabapentin order.For COD fioricet orders, We only accept Money Orders of USPS for COD payment. We do not accept any personnel Check or small company money order.

If you have paid us bounced check or fraud check once, we will place you into customer blacklist, almost all online pharms share the same blacklist. You will not be possible to order prescription online any more.  You also should know your own health condition before you buy Fioricet online.

Your first Fioricet or Gabapentin prescription must be approved by your local doctor. Our online doctors can approve your prescription too but our doctors’ decisions are based on your health conditions your provided to us. You must complete the health conditions very honestly. Some patients are not allowed to buy fioricet online in our network.

      1. You have porphyria;
      2. You have recently used alcohol;
      3. You have recently used sedatives, tranquilizers, or other narcotic medications;
      4. You have taken a MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days because A dangerous drug interaction could occur;
      5. You have liver , heart disease, kidney disease;
      6. You have  a history of alcoholism or drug addiction;
      7. You have asthma, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
      8. You have stomach ulcer or bleeding;
      9. You have a history of skin rash caused by any medication;
      10. You have a history of mental illness or suicidal thoughts;
      11.  You use medicine to prevent blood clots;
      12. You are pregnant because your baby could become dependent on the drug;
      13. You are now breast feeding because Fioricet can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.

When you are not allowed to buy fioricet online does not mean you can not take fioricet, you must go to your local doctors and local pharmacies to get your prescription. You need your doctors and pharmacists to check you face to face.

Fioricet Warnings

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or stomach problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug addiction.
  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver damageSerious skin reactions
  • This medicine contains acetaminophen. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Fioricet Interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using an MAO inhibitor (MAOI).
  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver, and alcohol can increase this risk.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

What Are the Side Effects of Fioricet ?

fioricetblueFioricet Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Fioricet Side effects may include: fatal skin reactions, seizure, confusion, depression, excitement, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, intoxicated feeling, lightheadedness, nausea, sedation, shortness of breath, vomiting, excessive sweating.

Commonly reported side effects for Fioricet include:

  • Euphoria
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Intoxicated feeling
  • Light-headedness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sedation
  • Substance dependence
  • Shortness of breath
  • Abdominal pain

Fioricet is implicated as causing repeat headaches with over-use.

Commonly reported side effects for Fioricet include:

  • Euphoria
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Intoxicated feeling
  • Light-headedness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sedation
  • Substance dependence
  • Shortness of breath
  • Abdominal pain

Fioricet is implicated as causing repeat headaches with over-use

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Fioricet?

Like any medication, Fioricet can cause side effects. People who misuse Fioricet or use it compulsively are at greater risk for experiencing the worst side effects of the medication.

The possible side effects of Fioricet include:

  • Anxiety
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Feelings of being intoxicated
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shaking and tremors
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stomach pain
  • Trouble sleeping

In some cases, a person who takes Fioricet may develop an allergic reaction to the drug. The symptoms of an allergic reaction are trouble breathing, itching, rashes, intense dizziness, and swelling in the face, throat, and tongue.

 

Fioricet Overdose

The treatment of Fioricet overdose is complicated by the presence of two substances which are highly toxic when taken in excessive amounts. Fioricet overdoses generally result in toxic amounts of both acetaminophen and butalbital being consumed at once, requiring both overdoses to be treated at once. Fioricet overdose by anyone and/or any consumption by persons to whom it is not prescribed (particularly children) is always a medical emergency and medical attention must be sought immediately if an overdose or consumption by other persons is suspected.

Fioricet overdose is often fatal and symptoms may not present for hours following consumption; once initial overdose symptoms present they can progress rapidly and there may not be time to reach appropriate medical care after this point.

Acetaminophen exerts its toxicity through the production of a toxic metabolite which can sometimes produce liver damage with doses as low as 4,000 mg, although normally requiring doses that are much higher. Acute liver failure may result in doses greatly exceeding this, and death has been known to occur with ingestion of 10,000-15,000 mg (10-15 grams of pure acetaminophen).

The specific antidote to acetaminophen overdose is N-acetylcysteine. Acute renal failure and upper gastrointestinal bleeding may also occur.

Butalbital exerts its toxicity through excessive sedation resulting in respiratory depression and ultimately death via hypoxia. Nonlethal overdoses may also result in coma and death. There is no specific antidote to barbiturate overdose and treatment is supportive. Common treatment regimens generally include the administration of intravenous administration of saline, naloxone, thiamine, glucose, sodium bicarbonate to alkalize the urine to increase rate of excretion, and activated charcoal via nasogastric tube.

It is not uncommon for a doctor to recommend observation of the patient in the emergency department for a number of hours or admission to the hospital for several days of observation if symptoms are severe and to counsel the patient on drug abuse or refer them for psychiatric evaluation.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Fioricet Overdose?

While Butalbital is the addictive ingredient in Fioricet, Acetaminophen is the ingredient which is liable to cause an overdose. Unfortunately, people who misuse Fioricet as a recreational drug or as a way to suppress withdrawal are most likely to suffer an overdose.

When a person overdoses on Fioricet, the Acetaminophen will damage their liver. In severe cases, an overdose can even provoke fatal liver failure. For this reason, it is dangerous to take Fioricet together with another medication which contains Acetaminophen because it increases the risk of overdose and death. Furthermore, drinking alcohol while taking Fioricet may also inflict liver damage.

A Fioricet overdose is a medical emergency, so it’s important to know the symptoms. An overdose on Fioricet may cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Other symptoms of an overdose include:

  • Confusion
  • Convulsions and seizures
  • Fainting
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Restlessness
  • Stomach pain
  • Sweating
  • Tremors

What may Interact With Butalbital APAP Caffeine?

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before taking Fioricet with a sleeping pill, opioid pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Alcohol or medications that contain alcohol
  • Antidepressants, especially MAOIs like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and selegiline
  • Antihistamines
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Carbamazepine
  • Isoniazid
  • Medications for pain like pentazocine, buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, tramadol, and propoxyphene
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Naltrexone
  • Phenobarbital, phenytoin, and fosphenytoin
  • Phenothiazines like perphenazine, thioridazine, chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, fluphenazine, prochlorperazine, promazine, and trifluoperazine
  • Voriconazole

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Medications known to interact with Fioricet (Butalbital APAP Caffeine)

A
  • abametapir topical
  • abemaciclib
  • abrocitinib
  • acalabrutinib
  • acebutolol
  • acetylcarbromal
  • acrivastine
  • adagrasib
  • adenosine
  • aldesleukin
  • alfentanil
  • alfuzosin
  • alosetron
  • alpelisib
  • alprazolam
  • altretamine
  • aminophylline
  • amitriptyline
  • amlodipine
  • amobarbital
  • amoxapine
  • amprenavir
  • anagrelide
  • anisindione
  • apalutamide
  • apixaban
  • apomorphine
  • apraclonidine ophthalmic
  • apremilast
  • aprepitant
  • aripiprazole
  • armodafinil
  • asenapine
  • asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi
  • asparaginase escherichia coli
  • aspirin
  • atazanavir
  • atogepant
  • atorvastatin
  • atropine
  • avacopan
  • avanafil
  • avapritinib
  • axitinib
  • azatadine
  • azilsartan medoxomil
B
  • baclofen
  • bedaquiline
  • belladonna
  • belumosudil
  • bendamustine
  • benztropine
  • bepridil
  • betamethasone
  • bexarotene
  • biperiden
  • black cohosh
  • boceprevir
  • bortezomib
  • bosutinib
  • brentuximab
  • brexanolone
  • brexpiprazole
  • brigatinib
  • brimonidine ophthalmic
  • brimonidine topical
  • brivaracetam
  • bromocriptine
  • brompheniramine
  • budesonide
  • buprenorphine
  • bupropion
  • buspirone
  • busulfan
  • butabarbital
  • butorphanol
C
  • cabazitaxel
  • cabozantinib
  • calaspargase pegol
  • calcifediol
  • calcitriol
  • canagliflozin
  • cannabidiol
  • cannabis
  • capmatinib
  • carbamazepine
  • carbetapentane
  • carbinoxamine
  • cariprazine
  • carisoprodol
  • carvedilol
  • caspofungin
  • cenobamate
  • ceritinib
  • cetirizine
  • cevimeline
  • charcoal
  • chlophedianol
  • chloral hydrate
  • chloramphenicol
  • chlordiazepoxide
  • chlorotrianisene
  • chlorphenesin
  • chlorpheniramine
  • chlorpromazine
  • chlorthalidone
  • chlorzoxazone
  • cholecalciferol
  • cholestyramine
  • cimetidine
  • ciprofloxacin
  • citalopram
  • clemastine
  • clevidipine
  • clidinium
  • clobazam
  • clofarabine
  • clomipramine
  • clonazepam
  • clonidine
  • clorazepate
  • clozapine
  • cobimetinib
  • cocaine nasal
  • cocaine topical
  • codeine
  • conjugated estrogens
  • copanlisib
  • corticorelin
  • corticotropin
  • cortisone
  • cosyntropin
  • crizotinib
  • cyclobenzaprine
  • cycloserine
  • cyclosporine
  • cyproheptadine
D
  • daclizumab
  • dantrolene
  • dapsone topical
  • daridorexant
  • darifenacin
  • darolutamide
  • darunavir
  • dasatinib
  • deferasirox
  • delavirdine
  • desipramine
  • desvenlafaxine
  • deutetrabenazine
  • dexamethasone
  • dexbrompheniramine
  • dextromethorphan
  • dezocine
  • diazepam
  • dicumarol
  • dicyclomine
  • difelikefalin
  • diflunisal
  • digitoxin
  • dihydroergotamine
  • dihydrotachysterol
  • diltiazem
  • dimenhydrinate
  • diphenhydramine
  • dipyridamole
  • disopyramide
  • disulfiram
  • divalproex sodium
  • docetaxel
  • dolutegravir
  • donepezil
  • doravirine
  • doxazosin
  • doxepin
  • doxepin topical
  • doxercalciferol
  • doxorubicin
  • doxorubicin liposomal
  • doxycycline
  • doxylamine
  • dronabinol
  • dronedarone
  • droperidol
  • drospirenone
  • duloxetine
  • duvelisib
E
  • echinacea
  • efavirenz
  • elacestrant
  • elagolix
  • eliglustat
  • encorafenib
  • enoxacin
  • entacapone
  • entrectinib
  • enzalutamide
  • epirubicin
  • ergocalciferol
  • ergonovine
  • ergotamine
  • erlotinib
  • escitalopram
  • esketamine
  • eslicarbazepine
  • estazolam
  • esterified estrogens
  • estradiol
  • estradiol topical
  • estrone
  • estropipate
  • eszopiclone
  • ethanol
  • ethinyl estradiol
  • ethosuximide
  • ethotoin
  • etonogestrel
  • etravirine
  • everolimus
  • exemestane
  • ezogabine
F
  • felbamate
  • fenfluramine
  • fenofibrate
  • fenoldopam
  • fenoprofen
  • fentanyl
  • fesoterodine
  • fexinidazole
  • finerenone
  • flavoxate
  • flibanserin
  • fludrocortisone
  • fluoxetine
  • fluphenazine
  • flurazepam
  • fluvoxamine
  • fosamprenavir
  • fosaprepitant
  • fosphenytoin
  • fostamatinib
  • fostemsavir
  • furazolidone
G
  • gabapentin
  • gabapentin enacarbil
  • ganaxolone
  • gefitinib
  • gilteritinib
  • givosiran
  • glasdegib
  • glycerol phenylbutyrate
  • glycopyrrolate
  • grepafloxacin
  • griseofulvin
  • guanfacine
H
  • halazepam
  • haloperidol
  • hemin
  • heroin
  • hydrocodone
  • hydrocortisone
  • hydromorphone
  • hydroxyprogesterone
  • hyoscyamine
I
  • ibrutinib
  • idelalisib
  • ifosfamide
  • iloperidone
  • imatinib
  • imipramine
  • indinavir
  • infigratinib
  • interferon beta-1a
  • interferon beta-1b
  • irinotecan
  • irinotecan liposomal
  • isavuconazonium
  • isocarboxazid
  • isoniazid
  • isradipine
  • ivabradine
  • ivacaftor
  • ixabepilone
  • ixazomib
K
  • kava
  • ketamine
L
  • labetalol
  • lamotrigine
  • lapatinib
  • larotrectinib
  • lasmiditan
  • lefamulin
  • leflunomide
  • lemborexant
  • lenacapavir
  • leniolisib
  • lesinurad
  • levamlodipine
  • levetiracetam
  • levobupivacaine
  • levocetirizine
  • levodopa
  • levoketoconazole
  • levomethadyl acetate
  • levonorgestrel
  • levorphanol
  • levothyroxine
  • levothyroxine / liothyronine
  • lidocaine
  • linagliptin
  • linezolid
  • liothyronine
  • liotrix
  • liraglutide
  • lithium
  • lofexidine
  • lomitapide
  • lonafarnib
  • lorazepam
  • lorlatinib
  • losartan
  • loxapine
  • lumateperone
  • lurasidone
  • lurbinectedin
M
  • macimorelin
  • macitentan
  • maprotiline
  • maraviroc
  • maribavir
  • mavacamten
  • medroxyprogesterone
  • mefloquine
  • megestrol
  • melatonin
  • mepenzolate
  • meperidine
  • mephenytoin
  • mephobarbital
  • mesoridazine
  • metaxalone
  • methadone
  • methdilazine
  • methocarbamol
  • methohexital
  • methotrexate
  • methotrimeprazine
  • methoxyflurane
  • methscopolamine
  • methsuximide
  • methyldopa
  • methylene blue
  • methylergonovine
  • methylprednisolone
  • methysergide maleate
  • metoclopramide
  • metoprolol
  • metronidazole
  • metyrosine
  • mibefradil
  • midazolam
  • midostaurin
  • mifepristone
  • mipomersen
  • mirabegron
  • mirtazapine
  • mitotane
  • mobocertinib
  • modafinil
  • molindone
  • montelukast
  • morphine
  • morphine liposomal
N
  • nabilone
  • nalbuphine
  • nalidixic acid
  • naloxegol
  • naltrexone
  • nebivolol
  • nefazodone
  • nelfinavir
  • nicardipine
  • nicotine
  • nifedipine
  • nilotinib
  • nimodipine
  • nisoldipine
  • nitisinone
  • norethindrone
  • norfloxacin
  • norgestrel
  • nortriptyline
O
  • obeticholic acid
  • olanzapine
  • olaparib
  • oliceridine
  • olopatadine nasal
  • olutasidenib
  • omaveloxolone
  • opicapone
  • opium
  • orphenadrine
  • osilodrostat
  • osimertinib
  • ospemifene
  • oxazepam
  • oxcarbazepine
  • oxtriphylline
  • oxybutynin
  • oxycodone
  • oxymorphone
  • ozanimod
P
  • paclitaxel
  • paclitaxel protein-bound
  • pacritinib
  • palbociclib
  • paliperidone
  • panobinostat
  • paraldehyde
  • paramethadione
  • paricalcitol
  • paroxetine
  • pazopanib
  • pegaspargase
  • peginterferon beta-1a
  • pemigatinib
  • penbutolol
  • pentazocine
  • pentobarbital
  • perampanel
  • pergolide
  • perphenazine
  • pexidartinib
  • phenacemide
  • phenelzine
  • phenobarbital
  • phensuximide
  • phenytoin
  • pimavanserin
  • pimozide
  • pirtobrutinib
  • pitolisant
  • pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine
  • pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine
  • pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine
  • pneumococcal 7-valent vaccine
  • ponatinib
  • pralsetinib
  • pramipexole
  • praziquantel
  • prazosin
  • prednisolone
  • prednisone
  • pregabalin
  • primidone
  • probenecid
  • procarbazine
  • prochlorperazine
  • procyclidine
  • progesterone
  • progesterone topical
  • promazine
  • promethazine
  • propafenone
  • propantheline
  • propiomazine
  • propoxyphene
  • propranolol
  • protriptyline
  • pyridoxine
  • pyrilamine
Q
  • quazepam
  • quetiapine
  • quinestrol
  • quinidine
  • quinine
R
  • ramelteon
  • ranitidine
  • ranitidine bismuth citrate
  • ranolazine
  • rasagiline
  • regadenoson
  • relugolix
  • remdesivir
  • remifentanil
  • remimazolam
  • repaglinide
  • ribociclib
  • rifampin
  • rilpivirine
  • riluzole
  • riociguat
  • ripretinib
  • risperidone
  • ritonavir
  • rivaroxaban
  • rolapitant
  • ropeginterferon alfa-2b
  • ropinirole
  • ropivacaine
  • rotigotine
  • rucaparib
  • rufinamide
  • ruxolitinib
S
  • safinamide
  • saquinavir
  • saxagliptin
  • scopolamine
  • secobarbital
  • selegiline
  • selpercatinib
  • selumetinib
  • sertraline
  • sibutramine
  • sildenafil
  • silodosin
  • sirolimus
  • sirolimus protein-bound
  • sodium oxybate
  • sodium salicylate
  • solifenacin
  • sonidegib
  • sorafenib
  • sotorasib
  • sparsentan
  • st. john’s wort
  • stiripentol
  • sufentanil
  • sulfinpyrazone
  • sunitinib
  • suvorexant
T
  • tacrolimus
  • tadalafil
  • tafamidis
  • tamoxifen
  • tamsulosin
  • tapentadol
  • tasimelteon
  • tazemetostat
  • telaprevir
  • telithromycin
  • telmisartan
  • temazepam
  • temsirolimus
  • tepotinib
  • terazosin
  • terbinafine
  • teriflunomide
  • tetrabenazine
  • thalidomide
  • theophylline
  • thiabendazole
  • thiethylperazine
  • thioguanine
  • thiopental
  • thioridazine
  • thiothixene
  • thyroid desiccated
  • tiagabine
  • ticagrelor
  • timolol
  • tinidazole
  • tipranavir
  • tizanidine
  • tofacitinib
  • tolcapone
  • tolterodine
  • tolvaptan
  • topiramate
  • topotecan
  • toremifene
  • trabectedin
  • tramadol
  • tranylcypromine
  • trazodone
  • triamcinolone
  • triazolam
  • trifluoperazine
  • triflupromazine
  • trihexyphenidyl
  • trimeprazine
  • trimethadione
  • trimethobenzamide
  • trimipramine
  • tripelennamine
  • triprolidine
  • trospium
  • trovafloxacin
  • tucatinib
U
  • ubrogepant
  • ulipristal
V
  • valbenazine
  • valerian
  • valproic acid
  • valsartan
  • vemurafenib
  • venetoclax
  • venlafaxine
  • verapamil
  • vigabatrin
  • vilazodone
  • viloxazine
  • voriconazole
  • vortioxetine
W
  • warfarin
Z
  • zaleplon
  • zanubrutinib
  • ziconotide
  • zidovudine
  • ziprasidone
  • zolpidem
  • zonisamide

Fioricet alcohol/food interactions

There are 6 alcohol/food interactions with Fioricet (acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine).

What Should I Watch for While Using Butalbital APAP Caffeine?

Tell your care team if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medication. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medication for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take the medication for a long time.

Do not suddenly stop taking your medication because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medication. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a medication for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medication. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking the medication or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that may be dangerous until you know how the medication affects you. Stand or sit up slowly.

Do not take other medications that contain acetaminophen with this medication. Always read labels carefully. If you have questions, ask your care team or pharmacist.

If you take too much acetaminophen get medical help right away. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous and cause liver damage. Even if you do not have symptoms, it is important to get help right away.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.