Fioricet ®
Pain Relief Medication.
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 the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Uses
This medication is a pain reliever and sedative. It is used to relieve
mild to moderate pain and tension headaches.
How to Use
To prevent upset stomach, take this medication with food or milk.
Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs.
Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective
in relieving it. Take this as prescribed. Do not increase your dose
or take it more frequently without your doctor's approval.
Side Effects
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.
Precauations
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 oversedation, avoid using alcohol
and other sedative type medications while taking this. This drug
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. This medication
should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Small amounts
of this medication appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
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. This drug 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.
Overdose
If 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.
Notes
Do not share this product with others.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, 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.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not
store in the bathroom.
