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Pain
Relief
> Fioricet
Fioricet
 Fioricet®
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.
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 over sedation, 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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