Acetaminophen; Butalbital; Caffeine; Codeine
Brand names: Fioricet® with Codeine, Phrenilin® with Caffeine and Codeine
Chemical formula:
Acetaminophen; Butalbital; Caffeine; Codeine capsules
What are acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine capsules?
ACETAMINOPHEN-BUTALBITAL-CAFFEINE-CODEINE (Fioricet® with Codeine) is a combination product used to treat certain types of headaches and migraines as well as mild to moderate pain. Federal law prohibits the transfer of acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with any one else. Generic acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine capsules are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• anemia
• depression
• diabetes mellitus
• drink more than 3-alcohol containing drinks per day
• heart disease
• high or low blood pressure
• infection
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease or breathing difficulties
• peptic ulcer disease
• porphyria
• thyroid disease
• ulcerative colitis or other intestinal diseases
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, butalbital or other barbiturates, caffeine, codeine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Do not share this medicine with anyone.
What drug(s) may interact with acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine?
• alcohol
• carbamazepine
• corticosteroids
• cyclosporine
• divalproex
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control medications
• grapefruit juice
• medicines for high blood pressure or other heart problems
• medicines for depression or other mental health problems
• medicines for pain
• medicines to control heart rhythm
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• quinine
• theophylline
• valproic acid
• warfarin
Because this medicine can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine.
Some other medicines that cause drowsiness are:
• alcohol-containing medicines
• certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
• muscle relaxants
• certain antihistamines used in cold medicines
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.
If you have been taking this medication regularly for a long time, do not suddenly stop taking it without your prescribers advice. Your prescriber may want you to decrease your dose gradually.
Acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine you may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine. Alcohol can increase possible damage to your liver and can increase possible unpleasant effects.
Acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine can stop birth control pills (oral contraceptives) from working properly. Use another method of birth control while you are taking this medicine.
Try to avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine while taking this medicine.
Do not take acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine with other non-prescription medicines, especially cold and allergy medicines without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
Many non-prescription medicines contain acetaminophen as an ingredient. Always read the labels carefully to avoid taking an accidental overdose, which can be dangerous.
If you are receiving cancer chemotherapy or other immunosuppression medicine, do not take acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine with out checking with your prescriber or health care professional. Acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine may hide the signs of an infection such as fever or pain.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine.
What side effects may I notice from taking acetaminophen-butalbital-caffeine-codeine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• changes in behavior, mood, or mental ability
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• eye problems, very small or enlarged centers to the eyes
• lightheadedness or fainting spells
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash, itching, hives
• slow or fast heartbeat
• swelling of the face or lips
• yellowing of skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• confusion, agitation
• trembling
• increased frequency passing urine
• constipation
• clumsiness, unsteadiness, or a "hang-over" effect
• difficulty sleeping or nightmares
• drowsiness, dizziness
• irritability, nervousness
• nausea or vomiting
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
