Fioricet and Esgic are brand name drugs made from a combination of butalbital (a barbiturate, 50 mg), acetaminophen (325 mg), and caffeine (40 mg). They are indicated for the treatment of tension headaches and muscle contraction headaches. Although not indicated, they are commonly used to treat migraines and other pain related ailments. Note that Fioricet (and some other pain medications) are implicated as causing repeat headaches with over-use (see NYT citation below)
Fioricet is indicated for the treatment of complex and muscle contraction headaches. It is also commonly prescribed for migraines although it is not FDA indicated for this use. The usual adult dose is 1-2 tablets every four hours as needed, not exceeding six tablets in a 24 hour period.
Mechanism of action
Butalbital has generalized depressant effect on central nervous system and, in very high doses, has peripheral effects. Acetaminophen has analgesic and antipyretic effects; its analgesic effects may be mediated through inhibition of prostaglandin synthetase enzyme complex. Caffeine is thought to produce constriction of cerebral blood vessels.
Butalbital has half-life of about 35 hours. Acetaminophen half-life is 1.25 to 3 hours, but may be increased by liver damage and following overdosage. Caffeine half-life is about 3 hours.
Side effects
Side effects for any drug are difficult to predict, but commonly reported side effects for Fioricet include:
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Intoxicated feeling
Light-headedness
Nausea
Vomiting
Sedation
Addiction
Shortness of breath
Abdominal pain
Variations
Phrenilin is an equivalent combination of butalbital and acetaminophen, without the caffeine (325/50).
Esgic Plus and Phrenilin Forte contains 500 and 650 miligrams of acetaminophen respectively, instead of 325 milligrams. Additionally, Esgic Plus contains 40 milligrams of caffeine.
Fiorinal contains aspirin instead of acetaminophen.
Fiorinal and Fioricet also come as a combination drug with codeine called Fiorinal with Codeine and Fioricet with Codeine which adds 30 milligrams of codeine phosphate to each mixture.
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Fioricet
Generic Name: acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine (oral) (a seet a MIN oh fen, bue TAL bi tal, and KAF een)
Brand Names: Anolor 300, Dolgic LQ, Esgic, Fioricet, Geone, Margesic, Medigesic, Repan, Zebutal
What is acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine?
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
Butalbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates. It relaxes muscle contractions involved in a tension headache.
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It relaxes muscle contractions in blood vessels to improve blood flow.
The combination of acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine is used to treat tension headaches that are caused by muscle contractions.
Acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine?
Do not use this medication if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause damage to your liver. Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or menstrual pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen or caffeine. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can
