Butalbital/Aspirin/Caffeine/Codeine (By mouth)
bue-TAL-bi-tal, AS-pir-in, KAF-een, KOE-deen FOS-fate
Treats tension headaches. This medicine contains an NSAID and a narcotic pain reliever.
Drug classes
Opioid/Barbiturate Combination (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Butalbital, aspirin, caffeine, and codeine combination is used to relieve symptoms of tension (or muscle contraction) headaches. Extended and repeated use of this product is not recommended.
Butalbital belongs to the group of medicines called barbiturates. Barbiturates act in the central nervous system (CNS) to produce their effects.
Aspirin is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. It belongs to the group of medicines known as salicylates and acts on the immune system to reduce inflammation. It is also known as an anti-inflammatory analgesic.
Caffeine is a CNS stimulant that is used with pain relievers to increase their effect. It has also been used for migraine headaches. Codeine belongs to the group of medicine called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.
When butalbital or codeine is used for a long time or in large doses, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects when you stop taking the medicine. In patients who get headaches, the first symptom of withdrawal may be new (rebound) headaches.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
This medicine is not for long-term use.
This medicine works best if you take it at the first sign of headache or pain.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines and foods can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
6-mercaptopurine or methotrexate Another NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen Blood thinner medicine, such as warfarin Insulin or oral diabetes medicine MAO inhibitor (MAOI) Probenecid or sulfinpyrazone Steroid medicine, such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisoneTell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to butalbital, aspirin, caffeine, or codeine. Do not use it if you have porphyria, bleeding or blood clotting problems (such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, vitamin K deficiency), severe liver damage, stomach ulcers, or a history of asthma with nasal polyps and rhinitis.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney or liver disease, Addison disease, breathing problems (such as asthma or sleep apnea), an enlarged prostate, painful urination or trouble urinating, an underactive thyroid, or stomach problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of head injury or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine, unless you have your doctor’s permission to do so.
This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Do not give this medicine to a child. Serious breathing problems and deaths have occurred when children have been given medicine that contains codeine.
This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Bloody or black, tarry stools
Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination
Extreme sleepiness, confusion
Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Trouble breathing, shallow breathing
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Constipation or stomach pain
Mild drowsiness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Ascomp w/Codeine, Fiorinal w/Codeine, Fiorinal-C 1/2, Fiorinal-C 1/4
There may be other brand names for this medicine.