Fioricet
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223943010
2008-07-06T17:00:41Z
Revansx
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/* Usage and dosage */
[[Image:Fioricet.jpg|thumb|Generic Fioricet (50/40/325)|200px|right|Generic Fioricet (50/40/325)]]
'''Fioricet''' and '''Esgic''' are brand name drugs made from a combination of [[acetaminophen]] (325 mg), [[butalbital]] (a [[barbiturate]], 50 mg), and [[caffeine]] (40 mg). They are indicated for the treatment of [[tension headaches]] and [[muscle contraction headaches]]. Although not indicated, they are commonly used to treat [[migraines]] and other [[pain]] related ailments. Note that Fioricet (and some other pain medications) are implicated as causing repeat headaches with over-use (see NYT citation below)
==Usage and dosage==
Fioricet is indicated for the treatment of complex and [[muscle contraction headaches]]. It is also commonly prescribed for migraines although it is not FDA indicated for this use. The usual adult dose is 1-2 tablets every four hours as needed, not exceeding six tablets in a 24 hour period.
==Mechanism of action==
Butalbital has generalized depressant effect on [[central nervous system]] and, in very high doses, has peripheral effects. Acetaminophen has [[analgesic]] and [[antipyretic]] effects; its analgesic effects may be mediated through inhibition of [[prostaglandin]] synthetase enzyme complex. Caffeine is thought to produce constriction of [[brain|cerebral]] [[blood vessels]].
Butalbital has half-life of about 35 hours. Acetaminophen half-life is 1.25 to 3 hours, but may be increased by liver damage and following overdosage. Caffeine half-life is about 3 hours.
==Side effects==
Side effects for any drug are difficult to predict, but commonly reported side effects for Fioricet include:
*[[Dizziness]]
*[[Drowsiness]]
*[[Intoxication|Intoxicated]] feeling
*Light-headedness
*[[Nausea]]
*[[Vomiting]]
*[[Sedation]]
*[[Addiction]]
*[[Shortness of breath]]
*[[Abdominal pain]]
==Variations==
*[[Phrenilin]] is an equivalent combination of [[butalbital]] and [[acetaminophen]], without the [[caffeine]] (325/50).
*[[Esgic Plus]] and [[Phrenilin Forte]] contains 500 and 650 miligrams of acetaminophen respectively, instead of 325 milligrams. Additionally, [[Esgic Plus]] contains 40 milligrams of [[caffeine]].
*[[Fiorinal]] contains [[aspirin]] instead of [[acetaminophen]].
*[[Fiorinal]] and [[Fioricet]] also come as a combination drug with codeine called [[Fiorinal with Codeine]] and [[Fioricet with Codeine]] which adds 30 milligrams of codeine phosphate to each mixture.
== External links ==
* [http://www.drugs.com/mtm/fioricet.html Fioricet] - drugs.com
* [http://www.headaches.org/consumer/topicsheets/fiorinal_fioricet.html Fiorinal & Fioricet] - National Headache Foundation
* http://www.nytimes.com/ref/health/healthguide/esn-headache-ess.html?em&ex=1193198400&en=dfc3130eb5b5dd12&ei=5087%0A
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[[Category:Analgesics]]