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What is Fioricet? |
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Drug Uses
Fioricet is a combination of barbiturate medication with sedative properties, aspirin-free pain management medicine, and caffeine. It is a non-narcotic pain management and muscle-relaxing drug which is administered for tension headaches, as caused by intense contractions of muscle masses in the areas of the shoulder and the neck. It is also used as treatment for migraines, and for other conditions which involve similar symptoms.
How to Take Fioricet
Fioricet is usually in capsule or pill form, and is administered orally. You may take one to two capsules following each four-hour interval, or as instructed by a doctor; however, your overall daily dosage should be a maximum of six tablets only. A tablet of Fioricet can contain as much as 750 milligrams of acetaminophen, and the maximum limit for acetaminophen is four grams a day (for adults). Certain components of Fioricet can also be habit-forming with prolonged use, and should be taken under strict directions.
Drug Precautions
Fioricet can cause drug dependence; it must not be given to or shared with another individual, specifically with someone who has a record of drug addiction. If your total intake of alcoholic beverages exceeds three drinks a day, or if you have a history of cirrhosis, you may not be allowed to take Fioricet as part of your treatment. The medication can pass into an unborn or nursing child; do not take Fioricet without medical supervision if you are conceiving or breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Various medications can significantly affect the efficiency of Fioricet, including seizure medications and antibiotics; blood thinners like warfarin; isoniazid; medications for gout, including sulfinpyrazon and probenecid; MAO inhibitors like phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and isocarboxazid; steroidal drugs, including mometasone, dexamethasone, and prednisone; and antidepressants like clomipramine and desipramine.
Side Effects
Immediately call for medical assistance if you suffer an allergic reaction with Fioricet (with symptoms like swollenness on certain spots of the face, difficulty in breathing, and hives), or if you incur the following conditions: an intensely palpitating, quick and irregular heartbeat; a heightened susceptibility to bruising or bleeding, accompanied by unusual fatigue and flu symptoms (fever and chills, an aching body); a feeling of giddiness, or a shortness of breath; mild fever, queasiness with stomach pains, jaundice, and change in the color of your stool or urine. You may also experience milder forms of these side effects; and although there is a reduced risk to your health with such symptoms, take extra caution otherwise and contact for emergency help.
Missed Dose
If you inadvertently forget to take a scheduled dose, you should make up for it immediately, unless the next intake is due in a couple of hours. Leave out the missed dose otherwise and follow your routine dosing schedule.
Overdose
You may experience insomnia, convulsive seizures, diarrhea, profuse sweating, and tremors as a result of a Fioricet overdose. If you suspect that you have taken this drug in excessive doses, seek medical attention immediately.
Storage
Store Fioricet in normal room temperatures, away from extreme heat and moisture.
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