Fiorinal

Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this medication if you have porphyria (an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the liver or bone marrow).

Because aspirin, when given to children and teenagers suffering from flu or chickenpox, can cause a dangerous neurological disease called Reye's syndrome, do not use Fiorinal under these circumstances.

Fiorinal contains aspirin. If you have a stomach (peptic) ulcer or a disorder affecting the blood clotting process, you should not take Fiorinal. Aspirin may irritate the stomach lining and may cause bleeding.

Special warnings about Fiorinal

Fiorinal may make you drowsy or less alert; therefore, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know your response to this drug.

Taking more of this drug than your doctor has prescribed may cause dependence and symptoms of overdose.

Be especially careful with Fiorinal if you are an older person or in a weakened condition, if you have any kidney, liver, or intestinal problems or an enlarged prostate gland, or if you have had a head injury. Also be cautious if you have a thyroid problem, blood clotting difficulties, or a urinary disorder.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Fiorinal

Butalbital decreases the activity of the central nervous system and intensifies the effects of alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Fiorinal.

If Fiorinal is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Fiorinal with the following:

• Acetazolamide
• Beta-blocking blood pressure drugs such as atenolol and propranolol
• Blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin
• Drugs known as MAO inhibitors, such as the antidepressants phenelzine and tranylcypromine
• Insulin
• Mercaptopurine
• Methotrexate
• Narcotic pain relievers such as oxycodone and propoxyphene
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen
• Oral contraceptives
• Oral diabetes drugs such as glyburide
• Probenecid
• Sleep aids such as pentobarbital and triazolam
• Steroid medications such as prednisone
• Sulfinpyrazone
• Theophylline
• Tranquilizers such as alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, and diazepam
• Valproic acid