Fioricet Prescription Information

Directions
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.

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.

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.

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.