Fiorinal is a medication used to manage tension headaches. According to Drugs.com, it is a combination of three drugs: aspirin, butalbital and caffeine. Aspirin acts as a pain reliever to reduce inflammation and fever. Butalbital depresses three central nervous system and subsequently causes relaxation. Caffeine is a stimulant that tightens the blood vessels. Typically, your doctor will instruct you to take one to two capsules every four hours as needed for your headache.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, common side effects include vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness and light-headedness. It may also cause confusion and indigestion. These symptoms are usually mild, but call your doctor if these symptoms worsen. She may discontinue this medication and recommend another one.
Hazardous Side Effects
Drugs.com notes that Fiorinal's hazardous side effects include slow breathing, bloody urine, black or bloody stools, bloody vomit and extreme weakness. Other dangerous side effects are skin rashes, itching and tinnitus (sensation of ringing or buzzing in your ears). These symptoms are potentially life-threatening. Go to your local hospital's emergency room to seek rapid medical care.
Contraindications
Do not drink alcohol when taking Fiorinal. This combination can cause stomach bleeding, dizziness and sleepiness, according to Drugs.com.
You should avoid taking Fiorinal if you are allergic to aspirin, butalbital or caffeine. Potentially harmful side effects include difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of your face, throat and lips.
Drugs.com states that you are more likely to experience side effects if you are older than 60 years old. You should not take Fiorinal if you are less than 20 years old, because this can lead to Reye's syndrome, a life-threatening condition that can lead to liver and brain damage.
You should avoid Fiorinal if you are breastfeeding. It can potentially harm your baby.
Drugs.com states that you should avoid taking such monamine oxidase inhibitor medications as phenilzine while taking Fiorinal. The combination can lead to extreme sedation.
Combining Fiorinal's aspirin component with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, steroids such as prednisone and diabetic drugs such as insulin can provoke Fiorinal's side effects. Talk to your doctor about your current medications, and she can check whether they interact with Fiorinal.
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