Fiorinal, a strong, non-narcotic pain reliever and muscle relaxant, is prescribed for the relief of tension headache symptoms caused by stress or muscle contraction in the head, neck, and shoulder area. It combines a non-narcotic, sedative barbiturate (butalbital) with a pain reliever (aspirin) and a stimulant (caffeine).
		Barbiturates such as butalbital can be habit-forming if you take them over long periods of time.
		For best relief, take Fiorinal as soon as a headache begins. Take the medication with a full glass of water or food to reduce stomach irritation. Do not take this medication if it has a strong odor of vinegar. Take Fiorinal exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the amount you take without your doctor's approval, or take the drug for longer than prescribed. * If you miss a dose... If you take Fiorinal on a regular schedule, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. * Storage instructions... Store at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed.
		Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Fiorinal. More common side effects may include: Dizziness, drowsiness. Less common or rare side effects may include: Gas, light-headedness, nausea, skin problems, vomiting.
		If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to barbiturates, aspirin, caffeine, or other sedatives and pain relievers, you should not take this medication. The aspirin in Fiorinal, in particular, can cause a severe reaction in someone allergic to it. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced. Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this medication if you have porphyria (an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the liver or bone marrow). Because aspirin, when given to children and teenagers suffering from flu or chickenpox, can cause a dangerous neurological disease called Reye's syndrome, do not use Fiorinal under these circumstances. Fiorinal contains aspirin. If you have a stomach (peptic) ulcer or a disorder affecting the blood clotting process, you should not take Fiorinal. Aspirin may irritate the stomach lining and may cause bleeding.
		Fiorinal may make you drowsy or less alert; therefore, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know your response to this drug. Taking more of this drug than your doctor has prescribed may cause dependence and symptoms of overdose. Be especially careful with Fiorinal if you are an older person or in a weakened condition, if you have any kidney, liver, or intestinal problems or an enlarged prostate gland, or if you have had a head injury. Also be cautious if you have a thyroid problem, blood clotting difficulties, or a urinary disorder.
		Butalbital decreases the activity of the central nervous system and intensifies the effects of alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Fiorinal. If Fiorinal is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Fiorinal with the following: Acetazolamide (Diamox) Beta-blocking blood pressure drugs such as Inderal and Tenormin Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin Drugs known as MAO inhibitors, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate Insulin Mercaptopurine (Purinethol) Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) Narcotic pain relievers such as Darvon and Percocet Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Naprosyn, Motrin Oral contraceptives Oral diabetes drugs such as Micronase Probenecid (Benemid) Sleep aids such as Halcion and Nembutal Steroid medications such as prednisone Sulfinpyrazone (Anturane) Theophylline (Theo-Dur, others) Tranquilizers such as Librium, Valium, and Xanax Valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote)
		ADULTS The usual dose of Fiorinal is 1 or 2 tablets or capsules taken every 4 hours. You should not take more than 6 tablets or capsules in a day. CHILDREN The safety and effectiveness of Fiorinal have not been established in children. Overdosage.. Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an overdose of Fiorinal are mainly attributed to its barbiturate component. These symptoms may include: Coma, confusion, drowsiness, low blood pressure, shock, slow or troubled breathing Symptoms attributed to the aspirin and caffeine components of Fiorinal may include: Abdominal pain, deep, rapid breathing, delirium, high fever, inability to fall or stay asleep, rapid or irregular heartbeat, restlessness.
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