From the FDA Drug Label
One or two capsules every four hours. Total daily dosage should not exceed 6 capsules. The recommended dose of Fioricet is one or two capsules every four hours, with a maximum daily dose of 6 capsules 1.
From the Research
Fioricet should be prescribed at a dose of 1-2 tablets every 4 hours as needed for tension headaches or migraines, with a maximum of 6 tablets per day, and treatment should be limited to short durations to prevent medication overuse headaches and dependency, as supported by the study 2. The medication contains 50mg butalbital, 325mg acetaminophen, and 40mg caffeine per tablet. Key considerations for prescribing Fioricet include:
- Limiting treatment to less than 3 days to avoid medication overuse headaches and dependency, as highlighted in the study 3
- Ensuring patients do not exceed 3000mg of acetaminophen daily from all sources to avoid liver damage
- Monitoring for side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and stomach upset, and advising patients to avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them, as noted in the study 4
- Exercising caution or avoiding use in patients with liver disease, alcohol use disorder, or those taking other CNS depressants, as discussed in the study 5 The butalbital component works by relaxing muscle contractions, acetaminophen reduces pain, and caffeine enhances pain relief by constricting blood vessels and increasing the effects of the other ingredients, as explained in the study 6. It is essential to weigh the benefits and risks of using Fioricet, considering the potential for medication overuse headaches and dependency, as well as the medication's efficacy in treating migraine and tension headaches, as demonstrated in the study 2.