Fioricet-Codeine Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (KO-deen/uh-seet-uh-MEE-no-fen/KAF-een/byou-TAL-bih-tall)
Fioricet-Codeine Oral Uses
This combination medication is used to treat tension headaches. Codeine is a narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type) that acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. Acetaminophen helps to decrease the pain from the headache. Caffeine helps increase the effects of acetaminophen. Butalbital is a sedative which helps to decrease anxiety and cause sleepiness and relaxation.
How To Use Fioricet-Codeine Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than 6 capsules in a 24-hour period. If you have nausea, you may take this medication with food. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1-2 hours with as little head movement as possible).
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you are extremely drowsy after using this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Your dosage may need to be lowered. This medication works best if it is used as the first signs of a headache occur. If you wait until the headache has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as runny nose, watery eyes, mental/mood changes, seizures) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
Though very unlikely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. To lessen the risk of becoming addicted, do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.
This medication contains acetaminophen. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended. (See also Side Effects, Drug Interactions sections.)
Inform your doctor if you notice increased use of this medication, a worsening of headaches, an increase in the number of headaches, the medication not working as well, or use of this medication for more than 2 headache episodes a week. Your doctor may need to change your medication and/or add a separate medication to prevent the headaches.
