acetaminophen, butalbital, caffeine, and cod... Health Article

Licensed from

Table of Contents

Most Important What is...? Before Taking How to Take Missed Dose Avoid Taking Side Effects Interactions Overdose More Info

Doctor-reviewed Information, Multum Drug Directory, 2006

Page: 1 2 3 Next >

Generic name(s):

acetaminophen, butalbital, caffeine, and codeine

Brand name(s):

APAP/butalbital/caffeine/codeine, Fioricet with Codeine, Phrenilin with Caffeine and Codeine

What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen, butalbital, caffeine, and codeine?

Tell your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.

Codeine and butalbital may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

What is acetaminophen, butalbital, caffeine, and codeine?

Codeine is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers.

Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of codeine.

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, caffeine, and codeine is used to treat tension headaches. This medicine is not for treating headaches that come and go.

Acetaminophen, butalbital, caffeine, and codeine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen, butalbital, caffeine, and codeine?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or codeine, or if you have porphyria. Codeine and butalbital may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medication should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
liver or kidney disease;
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
low blood pressure;
a stomach or intestinal disorder;
curvature of the spine;
mental illness; or
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use acetaminophen, butalbital, caffeine, and codeine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, and could cause breathing problems or addiction/withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Acetaminophen, butalbital, caffeine, and codeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. The use of codeine by some nursing mothers may lead to life-threatening side effects in the baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

Page: 1 2 3 Next >

Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.