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Aspirin / butalbital / caffeine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 27, 2023.

Applies to aspirin / butalbital / caffeine: oral capsule, oral tablet.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, aspirin/butalbital/caffeine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking aspirin / butalbital / caffeine:

Less common

Incidence not known

  • Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
  • chest pain
  • chills
  • cough or hoarseness
  • fever
  • itching
  • joint or muscle pain
  • lower back or side pain
  • painful or difficult urination
  • red irritated eyes
  • red skin lesions, often with a purple center
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  • swollen glands
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking aspirin / butalbital / caffeine:

Symptoms of overdose

  • Bleeding under the skin
  • blurred vision
  • change in consciousness
  • confusion
  • confusion as to time, place, or person
  • continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
  • difficult or labored breathing
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying position
  • extremely high fever or body temperature
  • hallucinations
  • irregular, fast, slow, or shallow breathing
  • fast, weak heartbeat
  • headache
  • hearing loss
  • holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
  • loss of consciousness
  • muscle cramps
  • pale, clammy skin
  • pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
  • shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
  • stomach pain
  • sweating
  • thirst
  • trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
  • trouble sleeping
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting

Other side effects

Some side effects of aspirin / butalbital / caffeine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • Dizziness
  • drowsiness

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to aspirin / butalbital / caffeine: oral capsule, oral tablet.

General

The most common adverse reactions have included drowsiness and dizziness.[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Drowsiness, dizziness

Frequency not reported: Lightheadedness[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, flatulence[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: bone marrow suppression[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Postmarketing reports: Allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme[Ref]

References

1. "Product Information. Fiorinal (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine)." Actavis (formerly Abrika Pharmaceuticals LLP) (2022):

2. "Product Information. Aspirin/Butalbital/Caffeine (aspirin / butalbital / caffeine)." Major Pharmaceuticals Inc (2022):

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer