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.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Take the medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. One tablet may contain up to 750 mg of acetaminophen. Know the amount of acetaminophen in the specific product you are taking. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of how much medicine has been used from each new bottle. Butalbital is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Before taking Fioricet

Butalbital may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medication should never be shared with 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.

Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen, butalbital, or caffeine, or if you have porphyria.

Before using acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• kidney disease,
• liver disease; or
• a history of mental illness or suicidal thoughts