Fortabs (Oral)

Generic name:butalbital, aspirin, and caffeine (oral route) [ bue-TAL-bi-tal, AS-pir-in, KAF-een ]
Drug class:Analgesic combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 23, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Fiorinal
• Fortabs
• Laniroif

Available Dosage Forms:

• Capsule
• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Butalbital/Salicylate, Aspirin Combination

Pharmacologic Class: Barbiturate

Chemical Class: Salicylate, Aspirin

Uses for Fortabs

Butalbital, aspirin, and caffeine combination is used to relieve symptoms of tension (or muscle contraction) headaches. Extended and repeated use of this product is not recommended.

Butalbital belongs to the group of medicines called barbiturates. Barbiturates act in the central nervous system (CNS) to produce their effects.

Aspirin is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. It belongs to the group of medicines known as salicylates and acts on the immune system to reduce inflammation. It is also known as an anti-inflammatory analgesic.

Caffeine is a CNS stimulant that is used with pain relievers to increase their effect. It has also been used for migraine headaches. Codeine belongs to the group of medicine called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.

When butalbital is used for a long time or in large doses, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects when you suddenly stop taking the medicine. In patients who get headaches, the first symptom of withdrawal may be new (rebound) headaches.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using Fortabs

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of butalbital, aspirin, and caffeine combination in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of butalbital, aspirin, and caffeine combination in geriatric patients. Elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney or liver problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving this medicine.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain...