How has Fioricet Improved Patient Outcomes?
Butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine, and codeine combination is used to relieve symptoms of tension (or muscle contraction) headaches. Extended and repeated use of this product is not recommended.
Butalbital belongs to the group of medicines called barbiturates. They act in the central nervous system (CNS) to produce their effects.
Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. It does not become habit-forming when taken for a long time. But acetaminophen may cause other unwanted effects when taken in large doses, including serious liver damage. Although rare, use of acetaminophen has been reported to lead to liver transplantation and death, usually at high doses and when multiple acetaminophen-containing products have been used.
Caffeine is a CNS stimulant that is used with pain relievers to increase their effect. It has also been used for migraine headaches. Codeine belongs to the group of medicine called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.
How has Fioricet Improved Patient Outcomes?
Efficacy in Relieving Pain and Muscle Stiffness
Fioricet was found to be more effective than placebo in relieving pain and muscle stiffness or contractions in patients with tension headaches.
Emotional or Psychic Tension
Fioricet significantly alleviated emotional or psychic tension compared to both placebo and acetaminophen with codeine.
Speed and Duration of Analgesic Effect
Fioricet demonstrated a faster and more sustained analgesic effect compared to acetaminophen with codeine, with more patients achieving complete pain relief by the end of a four-hour trial.
Safety Profile
The quality and quantity of adverse reactions did not differ significantly among the treatment groups, and none of the adverse reactions were serious, all abating without medical intervention.
