Fiorinal

Inadequate analgesia, Tension-Type Headache

Treatment

3 FDA approvals

0 Active Studies for Fiorinal

What is Fiorinal

Butalbital

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Acetylsalicylic acid, also known as Aspirin, is a medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It can also prevent blood clots, helping to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. Long-term use may also help lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Aspirin is available in different forms, like chewable tablets and suppositories. It is important to keep Aspirin away from young children, as it can cause accidental poisoning.

Fiorinal

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Fiorinal Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Fiorinal

Butalbital

1976

283

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Butalbital, also known as Fiorinal, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses such as Tension-Type Headache and Tension Headache .

Tension-Type Headache

Used to treat Tension Headache in combination with Acetaminophen

Tension Headache

Used to treat Tension Headache in combination with Acetaminophen

Inadequate analgesia

Used to treat Inadequate analgesia in combination with Acetaminophen

Effectiveness

How Fiorinal Affects Patients

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are substances that can cause pain and headaches. It also prevents the release of prostaglandins, which helps stop pain from being felt. Additionally, ASA helps reduce fever by blocking the production of a brain hormone called prostaglandin E1. ASA also stops platelets from sticking together, which can help prevent blood clots that could cause a heart attack or stroke. Finally, there is evidence that taking ASA regularly for a long time may help prevent some types of cancer, such as stomach, colorectal,

How Fiorinal works in the body

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) stops the body from making pain-causing prostaglandins. It binds to an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and prevents it from converting arachidonic acid into thromboxane A2, which would otherwise lead to increased platelet aggregation. It also binds to a similar enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), but needs a higher dose to be effective. By blocking these enzymes, ASA can help to prevent dangerous blood clots and thromboembolism.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Fiorinal is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Juvenile arthritis, Transient Ischemic Attack and Unstable Angina Pectoris. The dosage is contingent upon the method of delivery (e.g. Paste - Dental or Kit; Liquid; Ointment; Swab; Tablet - Oral; Topical) summarized in the table hereunder.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Tension-Type Headache

, 50.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mg

Capsule, Tablet, , Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated

Inadequate analgesia

, 50.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mg

Capsule, Tablet, , Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated

Warnings

Fiorinal has nineteen contraindications, so it should be avoided if you are affected by any of the conditions specified in the following table.

Fiorinal Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Porphyrias

Do Not Combine

Post-Tonsillectomy

Do Not Combine

Porphyrias

Do Not Combine

post-adenoidectomy

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Fiorinal.

Common Fiorinal Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Abemaciclib

Major

The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be increased when combined with Butalbital.

Acalabrutinib

Major

The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be increased when combined with Butalbital.

Alectinib

Major

The metabolism of Alectinib can be increased when combined with Butalbital.

Alpelisib

Major

The metabolism of Alpelisib can be increased when combined with Butalbital.

Amiodarone

Major

The metabolism of Amiodarone can be increased when combined with Butalbital.

Fiorinal Toxicity & Overdose Risk

A lethal dose of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is greater than 1.0 g/kg in humans, cats, and dogs, and 0.92 g/kg - 1.48 g/kg in rats. Overdosing on ASA can lead to many symptoms, including nausea, kidney damage, heart damage, and bleeding from the digestive tract. It can also cause disruptions in acid-base balance, excessive thirst, and changes in respiration. Long-term use of ASA may increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney damage, so it should be monitored closely. In pregnancy, ASA should be avoided in

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Fiorinal Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Fiorinal?

876 active studies are examining the efficacy of Fiorinal in providing relief for Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris, Acute Chest Syndrome and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Inadequate analgesia

0 Actively Recruiting

Tension-Type Headache

0 Actively Recruiting

Fiorinal Reviews: What are patients saying about Fiorinal?

5

Patient Review

2/3/2014

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

I've been taking this medication for over two decades now. It's sometimes necessary for me to take two pills at a time, but it's manageable. I haven't tried any alternatives so I can't compare, but my doctor says it's one of the safer options out there.

5

Patient Review

1/9/2014

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

I've been taking Fiorinal for migraines and tension headaches since I was 9 years old, and it still works great today. I never leave home without it. Tecnal, the generic version of Fiorinal, worked just as well and cost half the price; however, it seems they stopped producing Tecnal. So, I'm back to paying full price for Fiorinal—but it's worth it because this medication always works for me.

5

Patient Review

11/5/2013

Fiorinal for Tension Headache

I've been taking this medication for migraines for the last 30 years and it's always worked well for me. I don't see any need to try other medications when this one has treated me so well for so long. I'm very concerned that Canada has taken this off the market, as I don't know what I'll do without it.

5

Patient Review

6/18/2014

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

I've been taking Fiorinal for migraines for over 14 years with great success. The pain can be so bad at times that you want to go the ER, but this medication really helps.

5

Patient Review

12/19/2015

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

This medication is most effective when taken at the first sign of illness. It generally makes me feel much better, to the point where I can sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

5

Patient Review

4/6/2016

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

Fiorinal is the only migraine medication that has worked for me, and I've tried everything. Sometimes I have to take it with Phenergan, but it's worth it.

5

Patient Review

4/3/2019

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

This medication is highly effective when taken at the first sign of symptoms.

5

Patient Review

4/15/2016

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

Fiorinal has been a godsend. I've had chronic migraines and tension headaches for 40 years, but this medication really helps me get back to normal.

5

Patient Review

5/29/2013

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

5

Patient Review

8/28/2013

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

5

Patient Review

9/20/2018

Fiorinal for Tension Headache

I've been taking Fiorinal/fioricet for many years. It is my go-to medication for tension headaches and also helps a lot with anxiety!

4.7

Patient Review

5/22/2014

Fiorinal for Tension Headache

Canada discontinued this medication because it was highly abused in the 70s and 80s. It's addictive because it contains a barbiturate.

4.7

Patient Review

12/7/2013

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

This medication has done wonders for my migraines. I had been struggling with them for years, to the point where it was a regular occurrence to have to go to the emergency room for pain relief injections. This treatment really changed my life.

4.7

Patient Review

4/20/2014

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

I find this to be a very effective treatment for tension headaches. If I take it as soon as I start feeling the headache, it usually goes away within a short period of time.

4.3

Patient Review

2/7/2014

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

I've been taking this for decades and it always works like a charm. I don't often need more than one, maybe two pills at most. Additionally, I've never experienced any negative side effects from the medication. This is the only thing that works for me and my mom (who's 92) has been taking it since it first came out--to great effect!

4.3

Patient Review

2/12/2014

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

It's really a shame that this medication is no longer being produced. It was so effective for me, and now I'm stuck taking something that doesn't work nearly as well.

4.3

Patient Review

6/2/2014

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

Fiorinal has been a great help for my headaches. It also gives me more energy and a sense of well-being. I highly recommend it to anyone who suffers from headaches.

3.3

Patient Review

6/16/2014

Fiorinal for Migraine Headache

I've been taking Fiorinal for 8.5 years now and I think the combination of caffeine and aspirin has really done a number on my stomach. I get a bad stomachache every time I take it, even if I have food in my system. It's like my body can't handle it anymore. While it was effective at first, I think I'm ready to move on from this medication.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about fiorinal

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Fiorinal a muscle relaxer?

"Fiorinal is a medication used to treat tension headaches by relaxing muscle contractions in blood vessels to improve blood flow. This medicine is not effective for treating headaches that come and go."

Answered by AI

Which is better Fioricet or Fiorinal?

"Fiorinal is more effective and faster in treating tension headaches than the combination of acetaminophen and codeine, and it also has a cheaper generic version."

Answered by AI

What is the drug Fiorinal used for?

"This medication is used to treat tension headaches by combining aspirin to decrease pain, caffeine to increase the effects of aspirin, and butalbital as a sedative to cause sleepiness and relaxation."

Answered by AI

Why is Fiorinal controlled and not Fioricet?

"Fioricet's classification as a controlled substance is due to it containing acetaminophen instead of aspirin, and the ratio of butalbital to acetaminophen being smaller than that of aspirin (found in Fiorinal). This makes it exempt from the Drug Enforcement Administration's Scheduling system."

Answered by AI