Fioricet (Butalbital) Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Butalbital (chemical name for fioricet) is in a class of drugs called barbiturates that slow down your central nervous system (brain and nerve impulses) causing relaxation. Caffeine is believed to constrict dilated blood vessels that may contribute to tension headaches. Together, acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine are used to relieve complex tension (muscle contraction) headaches although precisely how it works is unknown.

Fioricet Directions
To prevent upset stomach, take Fioricet with food or milk. Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once the pain becomes intense, Fioricet is not as effective in relieving it. Take Fioricet as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take Fioricet more frequently without your doctor's approval.

Fioricet 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 oversedation, avoid using alcohol and other sedative type medications while taking Fioricet. Fioricet may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Fioricet contains caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages while taking Fioricet as excessive nervousness and irritability can occur. Fioricet should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Small amounts of Fioricet 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 Fioricet 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. Fioricet 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.