Fioricet Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Fioricet Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Fioricet
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…
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Pharmacist Tips for Fioricet

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…
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Is Fioricet a Controlled Substance?

Fioricet
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. 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…
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How to Treat Fioricet overdose

Fioricet
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 over-exerts its toxicity through the production of…
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Acetaminophen Mechanism of Action

Acetaminophen, Fioricet
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…
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Important Acetaminophen Warning from FDA

Acetaminophen
Fioricet capsules contain a combination of acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine. 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. [caption id="attachment_184" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Acetaminophen APAP Caffeine[/caption] Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage, sometimes serious enough to require liver transplantation or cause death. You might accidentally take too much acetaminophen if you do not follow the directions on the prescription or package label carefully, or if you take more than one product that contains acetaminophen. To be sure that you take acetaminophen safely, you should not take more than one product that contains acetaminophen…
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Fioricet Dosing Information and Fioricet Overdose Treatment

Fioricet
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…
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What are the Risks and Warnings for Fioricet?

Fioricet
Fioricet can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options Liver damage Risk factors: Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications containing acetaminophen | Taking too much Fioricet | History of liver problems Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage that can be permanent and life-threatening. For adults, the maximum amount of acetaminophen is 3 or 4 grams in a 24-hour period, depending on your provider's instructions. Speak to your provider before using Fioricet if you have liver problems since it can cause further damage to your liver. Also, avoid drinking alcohol while taking Fioricet because this combination can harm your liver too. Signs of liver problems include dark urine, feeling…
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Can I Take Other Pain Medications While I’m Taking Fioricet for Pain?

Can I Take Other Pain Medications While I’m Taking Fioricet for Pain?

Fioricet
You might be able to take other pain medications, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), with Fioricet if you need more relief for your headache. These medications work differently to ease pain and they can help lower the amount of Fioricet you need to relieve your symptoms. Taking less Fioricet means you're not as likely to experience the dangers or side effects of taking this medication. But don't take other medications containing acetaminophen (Tylenol). Fioricet already contains acetaminophen, and you might accidentally take too much acetaminophen if you take these other medications and Fioricet together. This can lead to serious liver damage. Before using other pain medications with Fioricet, speak with your healthcare provider to make sure it's safe for you to do so. Other pain medications still carry…
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Can I Drink Coffee While Taking Fioricet?

Can I Drink Coffee While Taking Fioricet?

Fioricet
It's recommended to limit caffeine because Fioricet already contains caffeine. The maximum dose of Fioricet is 6 doses per day, which equates to 240 mg of caffeine. For comparison, an 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 95 mg to 165 mg of caffeine. According to the FDA, 400 mg of caffeine is considered a safe amount for adults that won't cause dangerous side effects. Too much caffeine can lead to nervousness, shakiness, restlessness, trouble sleeping, and a fast heart rate. If you experience these symptoms, avoid other sources of caffeine and use the lowest possible amount of Fioricet. Fioricet Fioricet is a combination medication composed of acetaminophen (Tylenol’s main ingredient), caffeine, and butalbital. It is used to relieve tension headaches and can also be prescribed to treat mild to moderate migraine.…
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