Fioricet Side Effects

Butalbital, acetaminophen and caffeine are supplied in capsule form for oral administration.

Each capsule contains:

Butalbital ……………….. 50 mg

Warning: May be habit-forming.

Acetaminophen ………. 325 mg

Caffeine …………………. 40 mg

In addition, each capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose with capsule shell composed of gelatin (silicon dioxide and sodium lauryl sulfate added as manufacturing aides to the gelatin) and titanium dioxide. Impriting ink composed of n-butyl alcohol, pharmaceutical glaze modified in SD-45, propylene glycol, SDA-3A alcohol, titanium dioxide, D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake.

What are the possible side effects of Fioricet?

Fioricet may cause serious side effects including:

      • suddenly appearing rash,
      • swelling of face, mouth or throat,
      • difficulty breathing,
      • vomiting ,
      • hives,
      • itching ,
      • fever,
      • diarrhea,
      • dark colored urine,
      • yellowing of eyes and skin (jaundice),
      • headache,
      • nausea,
      • stomach pain,
      • weight loss,
      • white or gray stool,
      • fatigue,
      • dehydration ,
      • abdominal upset,
      • skin changes,
      • sudden high blood pressure, and
      • convulsions (seizures),

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

The most common side effects of Fioricet include:

      • drowsiness,
      • lightheadedness,
      • dizziness,
      • shortness of breath,
      • nausea,
      • vomiting,
      • abdominal pain, and
      • feeling intoxicated

Tell the doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of Fioricet. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Fioricet and Pregnancy

Using Fioricet during pregnancy is recommended only if the benefits to the mother greatly outweigh the risks to the fetus. All three components of Fioricet can pass through the uterus, and the drug may cause abnormalities. The lowest risk strategy is to avoid taking this medication when pregnant.

Drug components of Fioricet can also be passed to the infant while breastfeeding and can accumulate in their body. The effects can be dangerous, and Fioricet should also be avoided while breastfeeding if possible.

Key Points to Understanding Fioricet

Fioricet is a combination prescription medication used to treat migraines and tension headaches. Keep the following key points in mind regarding Fioricet:

    • Fioricet includes butalbital, acetaminophen and caffeine
    • Fioricet is a controlled substance and should be taken exactly as prescribed
    • As a depressant, Fioricet can have side effects like feeling sluggish or drowsiness as the body adjusts to the medication. In rare cases, side effects can be more severe.
    • Fioricet can interact with other drugs and health conditions and you should speak to a doctor if you are taking other medications, have any other health conditions or are pregnant
    • Fioricet has some addictive qualities
    • Misusing Fioricet can be dangerous or deadly