Acetaminophen/Butalbital/Caffeine/Codeine
A combination medication containing four ingredients - acetaminophen (pain reliever), butalbital (barbiturate sedative), caffeine (stimulant), and codeine (opioid analgesic). This medication is primarily prescribed for the treatment of tension-type headaches that do not respond adequately to simpler pain relievers.
A multi-ingredient medication combining an opioid, barbiturate, and pain reliever used for tension headaches resistant to other treatments.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 689561
- Generic
- Acetaminophen / Butalbital / Caffeine / Codeine
- Class
- multi-ingredient
- Brands
- Fioricet with Codeine
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Primarily used for the relief of tension-type headaches when other over-the-counter pain medications are ineffective. The combination addresses both pain and the muscle tension often associated with these headaches.
Each component contributes differently: acetaminophen reduces pain and fever, butalbital promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety, caffeine constricts blood vessels in the brain to address headache pain, and codeine binds to opioid receptors to provide additional pain relief.
This medication carries significant risks due to its opioid (codeine) and barbiturate (butalbital) components, including potential for dependence, addiction, respiratory depression, and other serious side effects. It should only be used under close medical supervision for short-term treatment as prescribed.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy