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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.
BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN/CAFFEINE
- ORAL (byou-TAL-bih-tall/uh-seet-uh-MEE-no-fen/kaff-EEN)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Esgic,
Fioricet
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.
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 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.
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