Fiorinal

Inadequate analgesia, Tension Headache
Treatment
2 FDA approvals
0 Active Studies for Fiorinal

What is Fiorinal

ButalbitalThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAcetylsalicylic 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.
Fiorinalis 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 2 uses such as Inadequate analgesia and Tension Headache .
Inadequate analgesia
Used to treat Inadequate analgesia in combination with Acetaminophen
Tension Headache
Used to treat Tension Headache in combination with Acetaminophen

Effectiveness

How Fiorinal Affects PatientsAcetylsalicylic 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 bodyAcetylsalicylic 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
Inadequate analgesia
, 50.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Tension Headache
, 50.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - 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
Porphyria
Do Not Combine
Post-Tonsillectomy
Do Not Combine
Porphyria
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 RiskA 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 Headache
0 Actively Recruiting

Fiorinal Reviews: What are patients saying about Fiorinal?

5Patient 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.
5Patient 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.
5Patient 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.
5Patient 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.
5Patient 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.
5Patient 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.
5Patient Review
4/3/2019
Fiorinal for Migraine Headache
This medication is highly effective when taken at the first sign of symptoms.
5Patient 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.
5Patient Review
5/29/2013
Fiorinal for Migraine Headache
5Patient Review
8/28/2013
Fiorinal for Migraine Headache
5Patient 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!
4.7Patient 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.
4.7Patient 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.
4.7Patient 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.
4.3Patient 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!
4.3Patient 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.
4.3Patient 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.
3.3Patient 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