What is this medication for?
This medication is a combination narcotic product that contains acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), butalbital, caffeine, and codeine. Aspirin is used to relieve inflammation and pain. Codeine is a strong narcotic for pain relief. Butalbital, a barbiturate, is a relaxant. Caffeine enhances the effects of aspirin, codeine, and butalbital. This medication is used for the relief of symptoms caused by tension or muscle contraction headaches.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Fiorinal with Codeine is available as:
- capsule
- 325 mg aspirin, 40 mg caffeine, 50 mg butalbital, and 30 mg codeine
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose is 1 or 2 capsules every 4 hours as necessary, to a maximum of 6 capsules over a 24-hour period.
This medication can be taken with food or meals to reduce stomach upset.
This medication should be used at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest possible period of time needed to relief symptoms.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This medication has the potential for becoming habit-forming and should be avoided in situations where pain medication is required on a daily basis.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic or intolerant to aspirin, caffeine, butalbital, codeine, or any ingredients of the medication
- are at risk of Reye's syndrome (i.e., are under 18 years of age with the flu or chickenpox)
- have a history of a blood clotting disorder
- have had a serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty swallowing; wheezing or other breathing problems) to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen)
- have porphyria (an inherited condition affecting the liver or bone marrow)
- have stomach or peptic ulcer, or other gastrointestinal lesions