Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Codeine (By mouth)
bue-TAL-bi-tal, a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen, KAF-een, KOE-deen FOS-fate
Treats headaches. This medicine contains a narcotic pain reliever.
Drug classes
Opioid/Barbiturate Combination (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Butalbital, acetaminophen, 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.
Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. It does not become habit-forming when taken for a long time. But acetaminophen may cause other unwanted effects when taken in large doses, including serious liver damage. Although rare, use of acetaminophen has been reported to lead to liver transplantation and death, usually at high doses and when multiple acetaminophen-containing products have been used.
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, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence) when it is used for a long time or in large doses. 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
Take your medicine as directed. Do not use more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine is not for long-term use.
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 can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using an MAO inhibitor (MAOI).
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver, and alcohol can increase this risk.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine, or codeine, or if you have porphyria.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, Addison disease, an enlarged prostate, trouble urinating, an underactive thyroid, or stomach problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of head injury or drug or alcohol addiction.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Liver damage Serious skin reactionsThis medicine contains acetaminophen. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day.
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.
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.
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. Medicine that contains codeine can cause serious breathing problems and death in children.
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
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Extreme dizziness or weakness, trouble breathing, slow heartbeat, seizures, and cold, clammy skin
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild nausea or vomiting
Sleepiness, tiredness
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
Fioricet with Codeine, Phrenilin with Caffeine and Codeine
There may be other brand names for this medicine.