Butalbital/aspirin/codeine/caffeine (By mouth)

Introduction:

Aspirin (AS-pir-in), Butalbital (bue-TAL-bi-tal), Caffeine (KAF-een), Codeine (KOE-deen)

Relieves headaches and pain. Butalbital belongs to a group of drugs known as barbiturates. Codeine is a narcotic pain reliever.

Brand Name(s):

Ascomp w/Codeine, Fiorinal w/Codeine

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to butalbital or related medicines such as phenobarbital or pentobarbital, arthritis medicine such as ibuprofen (Motrin®) or indomethacin (Indocin®), aspirin, codeine, or caffeine. This product should not be used by patients with porphyria, stomach ulcers, or a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
  • This medicine may be taken with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
  • This medicine works best if you take it at the first sign of headache or pain.
  • Drink plenty of fluids with this medicine to avoid constipation.
  • If you have taken large amounts of this medicine or have taken it regularly for several weeks, do not suddenly stop taking it without talking to your doctor.

If a dose is missed:

  • Take as soon as possible
  • Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store in tightly closed container away from heat and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
  • Avoid taking drugs that can make you sleepy such as tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and some cough and cold medicines.
  • Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking a blood-thinning medicine (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • This medicine should not be taken by children or teenagers with symptoms of the flu or other viral infection.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have asthma, other lung problems, or heart, liver, or kidney disease.
  • This medicine can be habit-forming. DO NOT increase your dose unless your doctor tells you to do so.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
  • Because this medicine makes some people dizzy or drowsy, be careful when driving a car or using machinery.
  • This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
  • When a mother is breastfeeding and takes codeine, there is a very small chance that this medicine could cause serious side effects in the baby. This is because codeine works differently in a few women, so their breast milk contains too much medicine. If you take codeine, be alert for these signs of overdose in your nursing baby: sleeping more than usual, trouble breastfeeding, trouble breathing, or being limp and weak. Call the baby's doctor right away if you think there is a problem. If you cannot talk to the doctor, take the baby to the emergency room or call 911.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Tightness of the chest or trouble breathing.
  • Fast, slowed, or pounding heartbeat.
  • Skin rash, hives, or intense itching.
  • Swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips.
  • Black or bloody stools.
  • Ringing in the ears.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Lightheadedness or dizziness.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach.
  • Constipation.
  • Loss of appetite.
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