Drugs A - Z
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate Oral capsule
A narcotic analgesic combination - It is used to treat tension headaches
Generic Name: APAP/butalbital/caffeine/codeine
Brand Names: Phrenilin with Caffeine and Codeine, Fioricet with Codeine
What is this medicine?
ACETAMINOPHEN; BUTALBITAL; CAFFEINE; CODEINE (a set a MEE noe fen; byoo TAL bi tal; KAF een; KOE deen) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat tension headaches.This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:- breathing problems
- drink more than 3 alcohol containing drinks per day
- drug abuse or addiction
- liver disease
- intestinal problem
- porphyria
- recent head injury
- an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, butalbital or other barbiturates, caffeine, codeine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:- alcohol
- linezolid
- MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
- narcotic pain relievers
- procarbazine
- voriconazole
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
- antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
- barbiturates like phenobarbital
- naltrexone
- medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
- medicines for sleep
- medicines used for sleep during surgery
- muscle relaxers
- other medicines with acetaminophen
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medicine. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medicine for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take the medicine for a long time.Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine may cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.
Many non-prescription medicines contain acetaminophen as an ingredient. Always read the labels carefully to avoid taking an accidental overdose, which can be dangerous.
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