BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN/CAFFEINE - ORAL (Esgic, Fioricet) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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GENERIC NAME: BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN/CAFFEINE - ORAL (byou-TAL-bih-tall/uh-seet-uh-MEE-no-fen/kaff-EEN)

BRAND NAME(S): Esgic, Fioricet

USES: This medication is a pain reliever and sedative. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and tension headaches.

OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to treat migraine headaches.

HOW TO USE: To prevent upset stomach, take this medication with food or milk. Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain (or first signs of migraine) occur. If you wait until the pain has significantly worsened, the pain medicine may not work as well. Take this as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently without your doctor's approval. This medication contains acetaminophen. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended (see Side Effects section).

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea, and sleeping disturbances the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: a rapid/ irregular heartbeat. If you do not have liver problems, the adult maximum dose of acetaminophen is 4 grams per day (4000 milligrams). If you take more than the maximum daily amount, it may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage: severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, extreme fatigue. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.